Inheritance Tax (IHT) can significantly affect your estate’s worth. From April to August 2025, HM Revenue & Customs collected £3.7 billion in IHT, which is £0.2 billion more than the same period last year[1]. Although the current rules may seem complicated, there are legitimate and effective ways to reduce the tax your loved ones might have to pay after your death.
Every year, thousands of savers take advantage of pension freedom rules to withdraw tax-free lump sums from their pots. With speculation circulating before the Autumn Budget that these lump sums might be reduced or abolished, some savers are choosing to act sooner rather than later. This trend is reflected in recent figures from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which show the total value of money withdrawn from pension pots increased to £70,876m in 2024/25 from £52,152m in 2023/24[1]. This represents a 35.9% rise.
Retirement signifies a fundamental shift from accumulating wealth to utilising it. After years of saving and investing, this new phase demands a different mindset, one focused on capital preservation, risk management, and sustainable income over many decades. Instead of pursuing maximum returns, the priority is on sequencing withdrawals effectively, maintaining an appropriate asset mix, and building buffers for market volatility.
Nearly a third of adults in the UK are now contributing more than the minimum into their workplace pensions. Research shows that 31% of people have voluntarily increased their regular pension contributions, while one in ten have made additional one-off payments to boost their future savings[1]. The findings highlight how small, consistent top-ups can significantly improve retirement outcomes, even for those on average salaries.
Seven in ten people who withdrew funds from their pensions over the last decade were under 65, according to recent findings from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The data highlights concerns about accessing retirement pots before reaching the State Pension age.
A significant proportion of people (47%) plan to pass on their wealth to future generations, with over a third (38%) intending to transfer assets directly to their children, according to a new report[1]. However, many are unaware of how to do this in a tax-efficient way.
A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is a type of personal pension that provides you with greater control over how and where your retirement savings are invested. While it operates similarly to a standard personal pension by allowing you to save, invest and grow your wealth, SIPPs stand out because of the flexibility they provide. They enable you to choose from a wider range of investment options, allowing you to tailor your investments to suit your personal goals and risk tolerance.
Investing for your grandchildren isn’t just about giving wealth; it’s about creating opportunities and stability for their futures. Whether it helps fund further education, a home deposit or even retirement, strategic planning enables you to leave a lasting legacy.
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has issued a stark warning. If no action is taken, the government is likely to miss its fiscal rule, which requires that day-to-day spending is covered by tax receipts of a significant £41.2 billion by 2029/30. To stay on track, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will need to implement further tax increases.
The UK Treasury is seeking further new ways to reduce the growing deficit ahead of the much-anticipated Autumn Budget. With a financial shortfall exceeding £40 billion, reports suggest that officials, under the guidance of Chancellor Rachel Reeves, are exploring potential changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules. Tightening gifting regulations is just one of the measures being considered to increase revenue and stabilise the country’s finances.