Changing career after 20 years is not something I took lightly.

Before joining Ella Rose Financial, I spent two decades as a professional musician and educator. It was a career I genuinely loved. Touring internationally, experiencing a wide range of musical projects, and working with different people every day.

At Ella Rose Financial, growth has never been about scale for the sake of it. It has always been about doing more of the right work, in the right way, for the right clients.

That is why I am genuinely delighted to welcome Hannah Riches to the firm as a Trainee Financial Planner.

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.

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 (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.

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.

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?

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?”

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.

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.

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

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.

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?”

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.

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?”

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?