Smart Money

The digital repository for all editions of our Smart Money magazine, keeping you informed of the key financial issues, opportunities and ongoings in the United Kingdom.


MARCH / APRIL 2024

Smart Money March / April - As we approach the end of the current tax year on 5 April 2024, it’s an opportune moment to examine both your personal and business finances to ensure they are structured to optimise your tax efficiency.


January / February 2024

Smart Money January / February - The tax landscape has witnessed considerable changes, making the situation more challenging for taxpayers and investors alike. As we near the end of the 2023/24 tax year on April 5th, every taxpayer should understand the importance of this date and consider their tax position.


November / December 2023

Smart Money November / December - In this issue, as you sail into your 50s, it becomes pivotal to consider your financial strategy. Life has likely found a steady rhythm by now. Children have probably taken flight, becoming financially self-sufficient, and the idea of reducing work hours or even retiring completely starts to surface.


september / october 2023

Smart Money September / October - In this issue, we look at investment bonds and explain how they offer several benefits that some investors may be missing out on, which have become even more beneficial due to recent changes in tax regulations.


JULY / AUGUST 2023

Smart Money July / August 2023 - Welcome to our latest edition. In this issue, a comfortable retirement is a common financial goal, and contributing to a pension is essential to achieving it. Although retirement may appear distant at the moment, there’s much to consider.


MAY / JUNE 2023

Smart Money May / June 2023 - Welcome to our latest edition. In this issue, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s first proper Budget 2023, on Wednesday 15 March, brought some welcome but unexpected changes to pension tax. Britons can now expect significant changes that will affect their retirement savings.


MARCH / APRIL 2023

Smart Money March / April - Welcome to our latest edition. In this issue, financial planning can be a daunting and uncomfortable conversation for many, but thankfully attitudes towards talking about money are changing. Wealth succession should be an integral part of your financial plan as early as possible – because the right preparation now can have positive long-term impacts on future generations.


JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023

Smart Money January / February - Welcome to our latest edition. With the current tax year having begun on 6 April 2022, the clock is ticking and it is important to utilise all the tax reliefs and allowances available to you before 5 April 2023 in order to minimise any potential liabilities. On page 10, we look at the way personal tax planning should be at the top of your agenda as the end of the current tax year is not too far away.


NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022

Smart Money November / December - As the cost of living continues to soar, with inflation reaching a 40-year high, the impact on household finances is taking its toll. But it is essential to try to maintain a savings habit even in the current climate. On page 12 we look at the impact breaks in pension contributions could mean to savers by missing out on thousands of pounds in future that will mean less income during retirement.


SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022

Smart Money September / October - Welcome to our latest edition. Rising living costs have been so significant in recent months that most UK households will have noticed a squeeze on their monthly budgets. Not only does this have a direct impact on people’s lifestyles, even though they are making every effort to cut back, but it has a knock-on effect on their lifelong goals such as owning a home or retiring comfortably.


July / August 2022

Smart Money July / August 2022 - Welcome to our latest edition. It’s not surprising that the world of investing can seem complex, especially in the current global economic climate. Investors face an endless supply of market news, many investment choices and often-changing market conditions. There are a number of key principles that every investor should follow with the aim of building an effective long-term strategy designed to achieve their financial goals.


may / June 2022

Smart Money May / June 2022 - Welcome to our latest edition. Are you fed up with your nine-to-five? There are many factors that can influence when someone decides to retire. For some, it may be based on health reasons, while others may want to take advantage of government benefits or simply enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.


MARCH / April 2022

Smart Money March / April 2022 - Welcome to our latest edition. Inside, we look at why now is the time to make sure you protect your wealth. The word ‘inflation’ had barely featured in the market’s vocabulary in the last three decades until it suddenly started to come back with a vengeance in 2021.


January / february 2022

Smart Money January / February 2022 - You’ve probably made some New Year’s resolutions. Now you need to figure out how to keep them. Heading into 2022, it’s time to take stock of your current financial position and to ensure its aligned with your financial goals.


November / December 2021

Smart Money November / December 2021 - The negative impact of inflation upon the real value of an investor’s portfolio will be a concern, particularly for the older generation with not enough investments, who may live mostly or entirely off their savings and pensions.


September / October 2021

Smart Money September / October 2021 - By having a financial plan in place early on, it can make it easier to manage your money further down the line. It’s never too early to make a financial plan. The sooner you work out your goals and start following a plan to achieve them, the more likely you are to succeed.


JULY / AUGUST 2021

Smart Money July / August 2021 - When you’re planning your retirement income, there are multiple factors to consider. But one factor not to overlook is how much of your retirement income you could lose in taxes.


May / June 2021

Smart Money May / June 2021 - As we enter another new phase in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, each UK nation has set out a roadmap out of lockdown, a positive sign that we can hopefully start to get back on track both financially and emotionally.


January / February 2021

Smart Money January / February 2021 - This global pandemic created overwhelming anxiety. Many people are anxious not just about the virus, but the resulting financial pressure and uncertainty. Getting our financial life in order will be a top priority for many as we enter 2021.