Harold Stephens is delighted to announce the latest recipients of our Community Fund, supporting two fantastic initiatives that will make a real difference in the lives of older adults in North-West Bristol.

This funding round has provided grants to Flamingo Chicks for their inclusive Flamingo Dance programme and Alive Activities for their Carers Support Sessions. These projects address isolation and loneliness among older people, creating opportunities for connection, activity, and community involvement.

Read More

Welcome to our 2025 global outlook. As we face another year of geopolitical, technological, and fiscal transformation, the ancient saying that ‘change is the only constant’ rings truer than ever.

In this year’s global outlook below, we look back at the last 12 months as well as consider the changing landscape facing investors in 2025.

Read More

We believe face-to-face financial advice is more valuable than ever in an increasingly online world. Complex, life-changing decisions - such as retirement planning, estate planning, and care options - require personal trust, deep conversations, and emotional understanding. Our high-street office provides a distraction-free space where we can read emotions, build rapport, and tailor advice to individual needs. Unlike online meetings, in-person advice ensures privacy, focus, and a stronger connection. When it comes to investments, we emphasise long-term strategy over impulsive decisions, helping clients avoid common pitfalls. Local, independent financial advice offers clarity, confidence, and a truly personal approach.

Read More

Under the current inheritance tax (IHT) regime, our independently recommended IHT-Free Investment Plans provide 100% relief from IHT after 2 years of holding by investing in wide and diversified portfolios of qualifying funds and assets.

But, what impact will Labour’s budget have on these qualifying assets?

Read More

Inheritance tax receipts were up again for the period April to December 2024 and for the last twelve months.

According to HMRC’s latest statistics inheritance tax (IHT) receipts for April 2024 to December 2024 were just over £6.3 billion, which is more than £0.6 billion higher than the same period last year, of just over £5.7 billion. And, for December 2024, receipts were £620 million, which is considerably higher than the receipts for December 2023 of £547 million.

Read More

A report recently published by research firm Opinium found a significant lack of awareness amongst the 8.5 million people aged 55+ who could be directly impacted by the announcements in Labour’s first budget. Changes include the financial plan shattering move to include pension benefits into the scope of an individual’s estate from April 2027 for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes.

Read More

We are thrilled to share some exciting news: our adviser, James Kenward, has successfully passed the prestigious Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) Accreditation assessment! This achievement marks a significant milestone for Harold Stephens, as both of our advisers, James and Richard Higgs, are now SOLLA Accredited.

Read More

The 2027/28 inheritance tax (IHT) treatment of pensions raises some difficult questions about the balance between retirement income planning and IHT planning.

The use of pensions in estate planning has been upended by the Budget announcement that, from 2027/28, pension death benefits will be included in the value of the estate for IHT purposes.

What should those who have hitherto earmarked pensions purely or primarily as IHT-free bequests now do, assuming they expect to be alive on 6 April 2027?

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More