New research has indicated that inheritance tax paid by British families has reached an annual total of £5 billion. From the final data collection before the new threshold was introduced in April, the figures revealed the highest figure ever recorded - largely due to growing house...
Recent research by ‘Saga Investment Services’ (SAS) indicates that 40% of people over 40 have no idea how much money they will need to provide a basic standard of living in retirement. Worryingly, 80% did not know what size pension pot they would need either. When...
Hitting our screens in 1973, “Live and Let Die” is remembered as one of the best-loved Bond films and boasted an all-star lineup. Alongside Jane Seymour as Solitaire, Bernard Lee playing M, and a soundtrack written by members of the Beatles, you’d think it would...
As part of writing their Will, a Testator will choose people they trust to act as their Executors after their death. These are the people who will deal with the administration of their estate and distribute it according to the terms of the Will. Sometimes many...
When it comes to sorting out a Will, there’s an awful lot of jargon to try to make sense of. Here are some of the most common terms you’ll come across, and what they actually mean. Assets: All the items you own that will pass under...
Everybody with any loved ones or assets should write a Will, unfortunately not all Wills actually do what they were intended to. You can write your own Will. In fact, high street stationary shops will even sell you a kit to enable you to do so....
When the UK made the decision to depart the European Union last year, the actual departure seemed a long way off. Although the thought of leaving loomed, the process of exiting was thought of as distant - simply another thing for politicians to worry about. As...
Queen Elizabeth II has been alive for longer than the vast majority of us, and yet it seems hard to believe that she will one day die. However, there are many plans already in place to deal with this eventuality. The responsibility for dealing with the...
The new Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) that came into effect on 6th April is good news for many - but not for everyone. In summary, the new tax-free allowance increases the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold of £325,000 per person by £100,000, rising to £175,000 in...
Before the snap General Election, the Government was planning to introduce a new fee structure for applications for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration (under intestacy), which would have taken effect from 1st May. When somebody dies, the Executors must apply for a Grant of...