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Scottish Budget 2024

Scottish Income Tax The Finance Secretary announced that there would be no additional income tax bands introduced, and they would continue with the six-band structure for 2025/26.  Ms Robison also confirmed there would be no changes to the rates of income tax, meaning Scottish taxpayers will continue to face higher

Our 2024 year in review

Just 12 months ago, we ended 2023 with some hope.  Hope, that inflationary pressures were finally stabilising, offering better prospects for financial markets and global economies after two years of rising prices and high interest rates. As we reflect on the year that’s been, we’d encourage you to pour a

2025 – The year of resilience

In the economic outlook season, the key theme is policy uncertainty. Change will accelerate, some of it will be good and some of it will be a miss. Within the space of less than 45 days we have touched upon:  We have described a stock market in search (but not

Virtual Autumn Budget event – 6 November 2024

With Labour’s first Budget looming, the rumour mill has been swirling, causing a lot of angst and uncertainty. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has acknowledged that difficult decisions must be made to close the £22bn debt gap with the Prime Minister, describing his first Budget as a “painful” one. To help you

What the Autumn Budget could mean for you

Rachel Reeves, the UK’s first female chancellor, will deliver her Budget this Autumn and with Government debt of £22bn, we are likely to see significant changes announced. As part of their manifesto, Labour pledged not to increase “working taxes,” with Rachel Reeves confirming that they would not raise National Insurance,

woman on phone discussing business relief

How changes to IHT Business Relief could impact your business

There are growing concerns that potential changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) Business Relief could be announced in the upcoming Budget, with rumours that the relief could now be capped at anywhere between £500,000 and £1m per person. Business Relief reduces the value of a business for IHT purposes. The relief

Woman sitting on bench thinking about government impact on her

The impact of Labour’s plans on women

Labour’s commitment to women’s equality can already be felt in the representation of female MPs elected to Parliament in 2024, now at a record high of 40.6%, a significant jump from 34.2% in 2019. Women now make up a significant proportion of Labour’s Cabinet including Rachel Reeves, Labour’s new Chancellor;

We have a new Labour government

We now know that the Labour Party has been elected to lead the UK government. It’s been over 14 years since Labour were in power and now, with a pledge to get “Britain’s future back”, their first steps for change are to: Additional Labour Party policies you should be aware

Retired woman using laptop

Getting the most out of your pension

Your pension should form a key part of your wealth planning strategy as it is one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for retirement. Therefore, making the most of your contributions should be high on the list of considerations.

Woman not worrying about tax

Savings Tips for High Earners

To protect your wealth and reduce your tax liability by effectively reducing your salary, you can take advantage of several savings and allowances. Read on to find out what these are.

3 ways to save for your children’s future

It’s never too early to teach your children about money and savings, and there are so many ways to make sure the whole family benefits, whilst also improving your own finances, including reducing your inheritance tax liability.

Top 7 Pension Benefits

There are multiple benefits to contributing to your pension beyond just being a way of saving for retirement. Read on for 7 of our tips.

Embrace Your Financial Wellbeing

If you are just starting out with your finances, there are many steps you can take on your own to build a solid foundation for your finances. Here are our handy hints for setting yourself up for success.

This is a good (US) economy

Despite professional forecasters predicting a recession in early 2024, late last year, one of our senior analysts at Mazars, James Hunter Jones, insisted on adding a “Dream” scenario in our forecasts: one where the economy would perform well, and still inflation would drop. We did, and assigned an outlier probability

IHT Tips for Married And Civil Partnership Couple

Inheritance tax (IHT) was once regarded as a tax that only affected the very wealthy.; however, rising property prices and a freeze on allowances mean many more people are facing a tax charge upon death.

Everyone’s circumstances are different and it is important that even if you don’t consider yourself

How to manage your Inheritance Tax risk

Inheritance tax (IHT) is an increasing reality for many, as rising property values and savings, and frozen tax allowances, mean more estates are set to pass the threshold.

But the saving grace is that it is easy to plan for. By looking ahead to to the very end of your

IHT planning for cohabiting couples

When it comes to relationships and money, where you sit on the marriage spectrum can matter. This is because some tax rules (such as on inheritance) permit married and civil partners to transfer assets and allowances to each other tax-free, but currently don’t give the same protections if you live

Life stages: Menopause and your money

For many, menopause is a time of life when career, life and financial demands are at their peak, yet suddenly, physical and mental performance levels drop. The pressure to carry on with the usual load can become overwhelming, and yet, taking a step back might seem an impossible luxury. This

Plan your dream retirement

What if you could have the retirement, that you’ve always dreamed about? Would you spend more time with your family, buy a rural retreat, pursue a business idea, or enjoy a good life in the sun?

We look at 5 ways to help your retirement dreams become a reality.

The benefits of financial planning

A personal financial plan can help make your financial dreams a reality. By defining goals and setting clear objectives on how to meet these, your financial plan will give you confidence that you are on track and, if the unexpected were to happen, you are prepared.

10 commonly asked questions at divorce time about finances

Separation and divorce can be a difficult time, when numerous legal and financial practicalities demand attention while also navigating the emotional journey.
We take a look at the top 10 most frequently asked questions we hear about finances during divorce time, to help with any thoughts you may be

Scottish Budget 2023

On 19th December, Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison unveiled the Scottish Government’s 2024/25 budget plans in what she described as turbulent circumstances: a turbulence which the SNP opted to largely direct towards Scotland’s high earners in the form of income tax hikes.

2024 market forecast

Given the stock and bond market volatility, it’s hard to know what the starting point for equity valuations and rates as we enter 2024. At the beginning of the year, we said that volatility and geopolitical uncertainty will persist. Stocks and bonds were nearly flat by the end of October

Woman thinking about long term investing

The importance of long-term investing

Challenging market environments can create situations which can lead to some biased decision making. Recognising this will prevent investors from making decisions that could negatively impact their long-term investment performance.

Woman looking out of window

How behavioural biases affect investment decisions

The reason long-term investors like Warren Buffett can consistently earn profits and outperform is because of market inefficiencies. These inefficiencies are inevitable because markets are composed of human beings, who no matter how disciplined, will often make financial decisions that consist of behavioural biases causing them to act on emotion.

What is fiscal drag?

Simply put, it is the effect that the freeze on income tax rates and bands has on real earnings. When tax bands or tax allowances do not rise along with inflation or the cost of living, you may find that you inadvertently pay more income tax.

Time to gift?

Considering how to gift is vital when thinking about your long-term wealth strategy. As well as helping others, it can be a practical way to reduce the size of your estate: the key factor for inheritance tax calculations, which is becoming a greater reality for many as home values and

Autumn Statement 2023

There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks regarding the announcements the Chancellor could make, in what could possibly be his last Statement before the next general election.

We take a look at some of the key announcements for individuals and businesses.

Scottish Budget 2024

Scottish Income Tax The Finance Secretary announced that there would be no additional income tax bands introduced, and they would continue with the six-band structure for 2025/26.  Ms Robison also confirmed there would be no changes to the rates of income tax, meaning Scottish taxpayers will continue to face higher

Our 2024 year in review

Just 12 months ago, we ended 2023 with some hope.  Hope, that inflationary pressures were finally stabilising, offering better prospects for financial markets and global economies after two years of rising prices and high interest rates. As we reflect on the year that’s been, we’d encourage you to pour a

2025 – The year of resilience

In the economic outlook season, the key theme is policy uncertainty. Change will accelerate, some of it will be good and some of it will be a miss. Within the space of less than 45 days we have touched upon:  We have described a stock market in search (but not

Virtual Autumn Budget event – 6 November 2024

With Labour’s first Budget looming, the rumour mill has been swirling, causing a lot of angst and uncertainty. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has acknowledged that difficult decisions must be made to close the £22bn debt gap with the Prime Minister, describing his first Budget as a “painful” one. To help you

What the Autumn Budget could mean for you

Rachel Reeves, the UK’s first female chancellor, will deliver her Budget this Autumn and with Government debt of £22bn, we are likely to see significant changes announced. As part of their manifesto, Labour pledged not to increase “working taxes,” with Rachel Reeves confirming that they would not raise National Insurance,

woman on phone discussing business relief

How changes to IHT Business Relief could impact your business

There are growing concerns that potential changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) Business Relief could be announced in the upcoming Budget, with rumours that the relief could now be capped at anywhere between £500,000 and £1m per person. Business Relief reduces the value of a business for IHT purposes. The relief

Woman sitting on bench thinking about government impact on her

The impact of Labour’s plans on women

Labour’s commitment to women’s equality can already be felt in the representation of female MPs elected to Parliament in 2024, now at a record high of 40.6%, a significant jump from 34.2% in 2019. Women now make up a significant proportion of Labour’s Cabinet including Rachel Reeves, Labour’s new Chancellor;

We have a new Labour government

We now know that the Labour Party has been elected to lead the UK government. It’s been over 14 years since Labour were in power and now, with a pledge to get “Britain’s future back”, their first steps for change are to: Additional Labour Party policies you should be aware

Retired woman using laptop

Getting the most out of your pension

Your pension should form a key part of your wealth planning strategy as it is one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for retirement. Therefore, making the most of your contributions should be high on the list of considerations.

Woman not worrying about tax

Savings Tips for High Earners

To protect your wealth and reduce your tax liability by effectively reducing your salary, you can take advantage of several savings and allowances. Read on to find out what these are.

3 ways to save for your children’s future

It’s never too early to teach your children about money and savings, and there are so many ways to make sure the whole family benefits, whilst also improving your own finances, including reducing your inheritance tax liability.

Top 7 Pension Benefits

There are multiple benefits to contributing to your pension beyond just being a way of saving for retirement. Read on for 7 of our tips.

Embrace Your Financial Wellbeing

If you are just starting out with your finances, there are many steps you can take on your own to build a solid foundation for your finances. Here are our handy hints for setting yourself up for success.

This is a good (US) economy

Despite professional forecasters predicting a recession in early 2024, late last year, one of our senior analysts at Mazars, James Hunter Jones, insisted on adding a “Dream” scenario in our forecasts: one where the economy would perform well, and still inflation would drop. We did, and assigned an outlier probability

IHT Tips for Married And Civil Partnership Couple

Inheritance tax (IHT) was once regarded as a tax that only affected the very wealthy.; however, rising property prices and a freeze on allowances mean many more people are facing a tax charge upon death.

Everyone’s circumstances are different and it is important that even if you don’t consider yourself

How to manage your Inheritance Tax risk

Inheritance tax (IHT) is an increasing reality for many, as rising property values and savings, and frozen tax allowances, mean more estates are set to pass the threshold.

But the saving grace is that it is easy to plan for. By looking ahead to to the very end of your

IHT planning for cohabiting couples

When it comes to relationships and money, where you sit on the marriage spectrum can matter. This is because some tax rules (such as on inheritance) permit married and civil partners to transfer assets and allowances to each other tax-free, but currently don’t give the same protections if you live

Life stages: Menopause and your money

For many, menopause is a time of life when career, life and financial demands are at their peak, yet suddenly, physical and mental performance levels drop. The pressure to carry on with the usual load can become overwhelming, and yet, taking a step back might seem an impossible luxury. This

Plan your dream retirement

What if you could have the retirement, that you’ve always dreamed about? Would you spend more time with your family, buy a rural retreat, pursue a business idea, or enjoy a good life in the sun?

We look at 5 ways to help your retirement dreams become a reality.

The benefits of financial planning

A personal financial plan can help make your financial dreams a reality. By defining goals and setting clear objectives on how to meet these, your financial plan will give you confidence that you are on track and, if the unexpected were to happen, you are prepared.

10 commonly asked questions at divorce time about finances

Separation and divorce can be a difficult time, when numerous legal and financial practicalities demand attention while also navigating the emotional journey.
We take a look at the top 10 most frequently asked questions we hear about finances during divorce time, to help with any thoughts you may be

Scottish Budget 2023

On 19th December, Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison unveiled the Scottish Government’s 2024/25 budget plans in what she described as turbulent circumstances: a turbulence which the SNP opted to largely direct towards Scotland’s high earners in the form of income tax hikes.

2024 market forecast

Given the stock and bond market volatility, it’s hard to know what the starting point for equity valuations and rates as we enter 2024. At the beginning of the year, we said that volatility and geopolitical uncertainty will persist. Stocks and bonds were nearly flat by the end of October

Woman thinking about long term investing

The importance of long-term investing

Challenging market environments can create situations which can lead to some biased decision making. Recognising this will prevent investors from making decisions that could negatively impact their long-term investment performance.

Woman looking out of window

How behavioural biases affect investment decisions

The reason long-term investors like Warren Buffett can consistently earn profits and outperform is because of market inefficiencies. These inefficiencies are inevitable because markets are composed of human beings, who no matter how disciplined, will often make financial decisions that consist of behavioural biases causing them to act on emotion.

What is fiscal drag?

Simply put, it is the effect that the freeze on income tax rates and bands has on real earnings. When tax bands or tax allowances do not rise along with inflation or the cost of living, you may find that you inadvertently pay more income tax.

Time to gift?

Considering how to gift is vital when thinking about your long-term wealth strategy. As well as helping others, it can be a practical way to reduce the size of your estate: the key factor for inheritance tax calculations, which is becoming a greater reality for many as home values and

Autumn Statement 2023

There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks regarding the announcements the Chancellor could make, in what could possibly be his last Statement before the next general election.

We take a look at some of the key announcements for individuals and businesses.