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At Cailean, we believe good financial planning is about much more than investments, pensions and numbers on a spreadsheet. Financial planning is ultimately about people and the lives they want to lead. It involves understanding what matters to our clients, what they want to achieve, what concerns them and, importantly,

While workers were raising a glass to a pay rise, the government’s decision not to raise tax thresholds means more will have become higher rate taxpayers. Research suggests 4.8 million more people will be paying higher rate tax by 2031 than in 2022 when the freeze began. If you’re one of them, what steps

From April 2027, a significant change to Inheritance Tax (IHT) will take effect. Unused pension funds will no longer sit outside a person’s estate. Instead, they will be included when calculating IHT, potentially exposing them to a 40% charge where thresholds are exceeded.  The end of a tax-efficient era  For many years,

With a clear sense of purpose, your retirement opens a world of possibilities. Getting your finances in order is a crucial step, but it is only one part of a wider plan. Here are some key considerations for a happy and healthy retirement.  Wellbeing and wealth  After all those years

For investors, structural weaknesses exposed by the pandemic, geopolitical conflict and persistent inflation have created a more unpredictable environment where volatility appears increasingly embedded in the global economy.  Central banks continue to walk a difficult line – balancing inflation control with economic growth while managing historically high debt levels. At the same time, fragmented

Why is gifting back in the spotlight?  Rising Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts and ongoing reforms mean more families are being drawn into the net. Frozen thresholds and planned changes, including bringing unused pension funds into IHT from April 2027, are prompting many to review how they pass on wealth.  How

UK investors remained committed to growing their wealth during the first half of the year, despite continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Research2 found that 30% of investors increased contributions to their portfolios during Q1, while a further 30% planned to raise investment levels during Q2. Average planned investment levels for

As we settle into the summer, many of us finally find the breathing space to pause and reflect. The longer evenings and holiday mindset often encourage a wider perspective – not just on where we are today, but on the future we want to enjoy. For many families, however, retirement

A significant change to Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules is on the horizon. Currently, pensions are widely used as a tax-efficient way to accumulate and pass on wealth. However, with unused pension funds falling within the scope of IHT from April 2027, many people could see a higher proportion of their estate subject

Around 40% of self-employed workers are actively saving for retirement, according to research8. This leaves three in five who could be missing out on crucial peace of mind and tax benefits.  Compared to employees, who have the certainty of employer pension contributions, self-employed workers, contractors, freelancers and business owners face a unique set of

A lot can change in ten years. Promotions, pay rises, buying a home, starting a family or simply taking on new responsibilities, can all dramatically shift your financial needs. While life rarely stands still, many people’s money habits do.  New research1 reveals that despite experiencing major life changes over the past decade, nearly a third

Whilst many younger adults are proactive on pensions, saving for retirement may slip down the priority list for some, squeezed out by accommodation costs and other everyday bills. Research6 highlights a crucial truth – delaying pension contributions can be far more expensive than most people realise.   The analysis shows that if you begin

There is a widening generational divide in pension engagement, new consumer research2 has revealed, though perhaps not in the way many might expect.  Younger savers are emerging as the most informed and proactive group, the research shows. A total of 31% of people aged 18 to 34 say they know what their pension

In our latest Your Money newsletter: Download here…

Investors are constantly navigating changing narratives. Last year markets rebounded to reach new highs following President Trump’s spring trade announcements, despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. More recently, the conflict in the Middle East has prompted more market moves.   Periods of volatility can be uncomfortable and emotions can run high, but history consistently shows that markets rise and fall over time. The

Salary sacrifice is one of the most effective pension planning tools available, particularly for higher earners. It allows you to exchange part of your salary for increased pension contributions, reducing both Income Tax and National Insurance (NI) in the process. The November Budget confirmed that from 6 April 2029, the NI