Under current inheritance tax rules, certain investment plans can provide 100% relief from IHT after two years by investing in qualifying funds and assets. However, from April 2026, changes to Business Property Relief (BPR) will limit the 100% relief to £1 million per individual, with amounts above this receiving 50% relief. For married couples, the allowance is £1 million each, but unused allowances cannot be transferred. Learn more about how these changes could impact inheritance tax planning.

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We are thrilled to share some exciting news: Harold Stephens has been shortlisted for not one but two categories at the Professional Adviser Awards 2025! We’re finalists for Best Adviser Firm for Vulnerable Client Care and Adviser Firm of the Year – South West & Wales.

This recognition means the world to us. It reflects our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional financial advice to retirees and vulnerable clients in our community. These nominations are a testament to the hard work of our small but dedicated team, as well as the trust and support of our wonderful clients.

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As we await further details on the recent Autumn Budget, here’s an overview of what we know so far about how it could impact later-life financial planning. These changes could completely reshape estate planning strategies, especially for those with substantial pension savings and inheritance tax concerns.

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We are delighted to announce the first recipients of our community fund grants, awarded to organisations making a difference to social isolation and loneliness in older residents in North-West Bristol.

The grants, which are aimed at helping to foster social connections and enriching the lives of local older people, have been awarded to three standout initiatives: Footprints Seniors Group at Ebenezer Church in Horfield, BRACE Charity’s Carol Service, and ‘Singing to Remember’ at Trinity Henleaze United Reformed Church.

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Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial part of future planning that ensures your financial, health, and welfare decisions are made by someone you trust if you lose mental capacity. However, many people overlook a vital aspect of this process—appointing replacement attorneys. Additionally, those with Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) created before October 2007 should consider updating to LPAs for better protection.

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As we age, it's easy to think that our days of learning and growing are behind us. However, there are many benefits of lifelong learning for older adults. Engaging in learning activities can improve mental health, boost cognitive function, and provide social interaction, all of which are vital for maintaining a high quality of life.

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This September, Harold Stephens is proud to be joining forces with hundreds of charities, professional advisers, and partners across the UK to celebrate Remember A Charity Week.

As proud Campaign Supporters, throughout the week we will be raising awareness of the option of giving to charity from your Will, alongside taking care of loved ones.

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When you were still working and thinking about your retirement, did you often think about where you might like to travel? Without the constrictions of annual leave, and feeling the benefit of a well-planned retirement, the world can become your oyster.

Planning can be daunting so here are some tips about where to start if you are thinking of traveling.

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Here are a few of the questions we find are commonly asked about giving to charities through making a Will. Leaving a legacy is a great way of giving something back - many charities rely heavily on legacy donations and all donations are meaningful.

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Including a charitable gift in a Will is a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact and support causes close to one's heart. This gesture can be motivated by various personal, financial, and ethical reasons. Here are just some of the reasons you might wish to leave a gift to a charity in your Will.

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On Friday 19th July we were treated to an exceptionally sunny day for the annual Later Life Summer Fair! After the torrential rain we experienced last year, everyone involved was grateful it was a dry affair!

Providing a mixture of information, support and retail stalls, the fair is organised to allow local residents to find out what’s happening in the local community whilst enjoying free taster sessions of activities and live music.

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We are proud to announce the launch of a new community fund aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness among older adults in north-west Bristol!

The new community fund will offer grants of up to £500 to local groups needing financial support to organise events and activities that foster social connections and offer new experiences to older adults. The first round of grant applications will open on July 19th and close on August 31st.

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Understand how pension death benefits work to ensure your beneficiaries receive the most money possible and avoid costly mistakes with beneficiary nominations. Learn how comprehensive estate planning integrates pension benefits with your Will and other financial plans. Get in touch to take advantage of our free pension review to check your plans offer flexi-access drawdown for maximum tax-free benefits today.

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Worried about market volatility impacting your pension? We show how a well-diversified pension achieved strong returns (up to 162%) despite recent events like Brexit, trade wars, and the pandemic. Free yourself from worrying about picking winners and get a personalised, independent pension plan built for the long term (potentially reaching your 90s!). Contact us today for expert pension investment advice.

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Richard Higgs has recorded a short video about the new pension rules. This is a complex area so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can help answer any questions or provide you with a complimentary pension review.

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The lifetime allowance was abolished on 5 April 2024. However, there are instead new rules limiting the tax-free lump sum payments from pensions both in lifetime and on death.

This article considers the new Individual Lump Sum Death Benefit Allowance (ILSDBA) and how it changes the taxation of your pension death benefits. 

The new rules are potentially complex depending on your situation so please research and/or seek advice before taking further benefits! Give us a call if you would like to arrange a complimentary pension review to ensure you’re not missing out on tax-free cash.

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We were so pleased to support another Later Life Alliance event last week. Around 60 people gathered at Henleaze Trinity United Reform Church for line dancing and afternoon tea and it was such a fun time!

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Explore proactive strategies for navigating inheritance tax (IHT) when your estate exceeds £2 million. Learn about the tapering of the residence nil rate band, strategic tax planning approaches like lifetime gifting and trusts, and the benefits of IHT-free ISAs. Ensure your estate plan is effective with our complimentary inheritance and estate planning review.

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Unmarried couples face unique challenges in estate planning, particularly concerning inheritance tax (IHT). Explore strategies such as maximising nil rate bands, leveraging Residence Nil Rate Bands (RNRB), and utilising trusts to protect assets and reduce tax burdens. Seek tailored advice from our experts for comprehensive estate planning solutions. Contact us today for a complimentary estate planning review.

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Discover the importance of Will trusts in estate planning, providing flexibility, protection, and tax-saving benefits for beneficiaries. Learn about Discretionary Trusts, Life Interest Trusts, and Protective Trusts, and how they offer control and flexibility over asset management and distribution. Incorporate Will trusts into your estate plan for peace of mind and financial security for your loved ones. Contact us for a complimentary estate planning review today.

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