Life Insurance for Inheritance Tax (IHT): Creating the Cash Your Executors Need - Without Selling the Family Home
When someone dies, two clocks start: probate and IHT. The tax is usually due by the end of the sixth month after death, and interest applies after that, often before probate completes. If much of the estate is tied up in property or other illiquid assets, raising cash fast can be stressful and disruptive.
A practical solution is life insurance structured for IHT: it doesn’t reduce the tax due, but it can provide the lump sum to pay it, so your family doesn’t need to sell a home, a long-term investment, or a sentimental asset at the worst possible moment.
Pensions & Inheritance Tax from April 2027: what the changes mean for your family’s financial plan
From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and death benefits will be brought into scope of Inheritance Tax (IHT) and counted in the estate on death. The government has also confirmed that death-in-service benefits will be excluded, and that personal representatives (executors), not pension scheme administrators, will handle any IHT reporting and payment on pension death benefits.
The Bank of England cut interest rates to 4.0%: Here’s what it means for your family’s financial plan
The Bank of England (BOE) has reduced Bank Rate to 4.0% after a close vote. It was widely expected, but the tone was cautious: inflation has eased from the peak, yet the Bank still wants to move carefully.
Gifting to Children & Grandchildren: easing today’s costs and planning for IHT
I’m having lots of conversations right now about gifting. Parents and grandparents want to help with the cost of living, school fees, or that first-home deposit, and they also want to keep an eye on inheritance tax (IHT). It’s a balancing act: support the family while they need it, without putting your own future at risk.
From Oasis to IHT: Why Living Fully Can Be the Best Legacy
I recently made a last-minute decision that I’ll never forget — heading to the final Oasis gig at Heaton Park, Manchester. The ticket wasn’t exactly cheap. Not outrageous, but enough to make me pause and think:
Should I spend the money? Will it be worth it? Should I be sensible and put it towards something else — like finally fixing those jobs around the house that have been on the to-do list for years?
Family Investment Companies and Inheritance Tax: A Modern Strategy for Passing on Wealth?
As the UK faces the biggest intergenerational wealth transfer in history, many high-net-worth families are asking the same question:
“How can we pass down wealth without paying unnecessary Inheritance Tax?”
Financial Planning in Altrincham: What Local Families Are Asking
If you live in Altrincham, you’ll know it’s more than just a postcode — it’s a thriving, leafy hub of family life, independent business, and ambition. From the excellent schools to the buzzing food and drink scene, Altrincham continues to attract professionals and entrepreneurs who are thinking seriously about their financial future.
Protecting What Matters: A Guide to Family Insurance Planning
When it comes to financial planning, protection isn’t always the first thing families want to talk about — but it’s often the most important. Whether you're raising young children, running a business, or caring for ageing parents, the right insurance gives you peace of mind that life’s unexpected moments won’t derail your family’s future.
Why Wills Are a Core Part of Sound Financial Planning
The recent, tragic news that Liam Payne, former member of One Direction, passed away without a will is not only deeply sad — it also highlights the importance of proactive estate planning, particularly for individuals with children or complex financial affairs
Duxbury Tables in Divorce: Useful Tool or Blunt Instrument?
When it comes to financial settlements in divorce—especially for long-standing marriages where one spouse is financially dependent—the Duxbury Tables often come into play. But while they offer a starting point, they are far from perfect. As a financial planner, I often work with family lawyers and barristers to bring real-life context to what is otherwise a very theoretical tool.
How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Simple Guide for Modern Families
Retirement used to be about winding down — but for today’s families, it’s more about freedom, flexibility, and choice. Whether you want to stop working entirely, reduce your hours, or pivot to something more meaningful, one big question often comes up:
“How much do I actually need to retire comfortably?”
Salary Sacrifice: A Smart Move for Employers — Especially in the Face of Rising NI Costs
From 6 April 2025, many UK employers have seen a noticeable increase in their National Insurance (NI) bills — a change that’s putting fresh pressure on payroll costs just as businesses are navigating a tighter economic landscape.
At Ella Rose Financial, we’re speaking to more business owners looking for proactive ways to manage this challenge — without cutting back on employee benefits.
One practical, often-overlooked solution? Salary sacrifice for workplace pensions.
Is This the Right Deal for Me and My Family? Why Financial Planning Should Start Before You Exit Your Business
Selling a business isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a deeply personal one.
After years (or decades) of hard work, business owners often reach the point where it’s time to move on. That might mean selling to a third party, transitioning to family, or winding things down. But one of the most common questions we hear in those early conversations is:
“How do I know this deal is right — not just for the business, but for my family and my future?”
Staying the Course: Why Long-Term Investing Beats Panic Selling
If there’s one thing we can count on in investing, it’s that markets will go up and down. Volatility is part and parcel of long-term investing, yet every time we see a market dip—especially in response to global events—the same question arises: Should I sell my investments to avoid further losses?
Autumn Budget 2024 - Planning considerations for farmers, business owners and families alike.
In our first podcast episode, I’m joined by Katie McCann of Lowry Legal and Chris Hopkinson of Sentinel Risk for a lively discussion packed with valuable insights for business owners, professionals, and families navigating the post-Autumn Budget landscape.
National Insurance Increases and Rising Business Costs: How Salary Sacrifice Pensions Can Help
In today’s economic climate, UK businesses are facing mounting financial pressures, and recent increases in National Insurance (NI) contributions have added to the challenge. For employers, this increase impacts not only the bottom line but also the delicate balancing act of remaining competitive in attracting and retaining talent. Amid these pressures, employers are exploring ways to ease the NI burden, with one increasingly popular solution being salary sacrifice pension scheme.
Revisiting Wealth Planning: IHT on Pensions and Business Property Relief Post-Budget
The 2024 Autumn Budget introduced sweeping changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules for pensions and business property relief (BPR), reshaping how families can pass on wealth to future generations. These reforms demand a fresh look at estate and succession planning to avoid unnecessary tax burdens.
Securing Your Family's Future: The Importance of Income Protection
For families, income protection goes beyond just covering the bills. It means your children can stay in the same schools, you can keep the roof over your heads, and your family’s lifestyle remains intact while you focus on getting well.
Financial Planning & Mental Health: The Hidden Link to Peace of Mind
Money is one of the top stressors for many people, affecting sleep, relationships, and even physical health. Without a plan, we can feel as though life is a series of financial curveballs, leaving us reacting rather than acting. Financial planning helps break this cycle by creating a roadmap. It replaces financial uncertainty with clarity, giving you a sense of control.
Baby Boomers: Navigating Wealth Transfer for Future Generations
With an estimated £5.5 trillion set to be transferred to younger generations in the UK by 2050, planning for this transition is crucial.