SMARTMONEY

Hello <<First Name>>:   Welcome to the latest issue of our financial magazine.  As we approach the end of 2014, the news is awash with stories about pension reform, pension freedom, inflation and funding long-term care. It can be very confusing with the number of conflicting viewpoints given, so in this issue we aim to bring some clarity to them.

<<<DOWNLOAD YOUR PDF COPY HERE>>>

In Budget 2014, Chancellor George Osborne promised greater pension freedom from April next year. On page 10, we look at the reforms that will allow people to access as much or as little of their defined contribution pension as they want and pass on their hard-earned pensions to their families tax-free.

Mr Osborne has also brought forward the expected announcement on the tax charge that applies to certain individuals’ pensions on their death. The new rules will simplify the existing regime and come into force from April 2015, abolishing the 55% tax. Read the full article on page 5.

Significant changes to existing intestacy rules came into force on 1 October 2014 in England and Wales. On page 4, we consider the far-reaching consequences for you and your loved ones, and how this should make things simpler and clearer.

Today, the cost of care is a major concern for many people, with the average level of pension savings unlikely to be enough to cover any long-term care requirements in addition to providing a retirement income. So why is care fee planning catching so many people off guard? Find out on page 6.

Also inside this issue, six years after the start of the financial crisis, we ask on page 8 what lessons should we have learnt from this seismic event?

A full list of the articles featured in this issue appears on page 2.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue. To discuss your financial planning requirements or to obtain further information, please contact us on 01554 770022.

You can download our SMARTMONEY magazine by clicking the link below:



If you would prefer a printed guide, or would like to discuss any articles in the current issue, please give us a call on 01554 770022.