The Blincoe Blog
We write in plain English - no jargon, no waffle - just useful ideas to help you take control of your money, plan ahead, and make smarter decisions.
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“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
- Benjamin Franklin
Asset Allocation vs Fund Selection: What Actually Drives Long-Term Investment Returns?
Asset allocation drives long-term investment returns far more than fund selection - but getting the risk level right is where the real value lies.
How Business Relief Schemes Work: IHT Benefits, Real Risks, and the Opportunity Cost Most Advisers Don't Mention
Business Relief offers a powerful way to reduce inheritance tax - but the opportunity cost may surprise you.
Will You Own SpaceX Shares? What the Historic IPO Means for Your Portfolio
SpaceX's record-breaking IPO is dominating headlines - but will you actually own shares? We explain what it means for your portfolio..
How Delaying Retirement by 2.5 Years Can Add a Decade to Your Financial Security
Discover how delaying retirement by just a few years can dramatically transform your long-term financial security - the numbers may surprise you.
Why Are Stock Markets Hitting Record Highs Despite Everything Going On?
Markets are climbing despite war, rising oil prices and higher bond yields. Why? Strong US earnings, AI-driven productivity gains and a surprisingly resilient economy.
The Pension Tax Arbitrage: Why Pensions Still Make Sense
Pensions remain one of the UK’s most powerful wealth-building tools - with upfront tax relief, tax-free growth and substantial long-term “tax arbitrage” for many savers.
How to Reduce the ‘Double Death Tax’ on Pensions
With pensions facing inheritance tax from 2027, the ‘pension-to-pension’ strategy can help move wealth down generations far more tax-efficiently.
Why Whole-of-Life Insurance Still Matters for Inheritance Tax Planning
Whole-of-life insurance is rarely exciting - but for some estates, paying a manageable premium today can save families from major disruption later.
100 Years of Investment Returns: What the Data Says About Staying Invested
We’ve reviewed returns data covering ten major asset classes over the last 100 years. Find out what it means for your investment strategy.
Five UK Tax Traps to Avoid in 2026 (And How to Plan Around Them)
Earn a bit more, lose a lot more. The UK tax system is riddled with cliff edges - but smart planning can turn these traps into opportunities.
Gilts Explained: A Tax-Efficient Alternative to Cash for Higher-Rate Taxpayers
Gilts may look unremarkable, but their tax treatment means higher-rate taxpayers can achieve stronger after-tax returns than cash savings in today’s market.
How Much Is the State Pension Really Worth? (And Why It’s More Valuable Than You Think)
The State Pension is often overlooked, yet it provides a secure, inflation-linked income for life - forming the foundation of most retirement plans.
The ‘Double Death Tax’: How Pensions Will Be Taxed from 2027
With pensions set to face inheritance tax from 2027, long-standing strategies may need to change - and proactive planning is now essential.
What Is Coast FIRE? How to Reach Financial Independence Without Retiring Early
What if you could stop saving and still retire comfortably? Coast FIRE focuses on building enough early, then working on your own terms.
Should You Sell When Markets Fall? Why Staying Invested Matters During Volatility
Markets can fall fast when headlines turn ugly, but history shows staying invested through volatility remains the most reliable path to long-term returns
Using Investment Bonds to Fund School Fees: Tax-Efficient Planning with Offshore Bonds
In Part 2 of our investment bond series, we explore how offshore bonds can help families pre-fund private school fees while managing tax efficiently.
Junior ISAs: Tax Efficiency vs Accessibility
We discuss the pros and cons of Junior ISAs, and put forward a potential solution for the ‘accessibility’ issue.
VCTs in 2026: Rule Changes, Tax Relief Cuts and What the Real Performance Numbers Show
VCTs are back in the spotlight ahead of rule changes in 2026/27. We recap the tax benefits, risks and what recent performance really shows.
Tax Year-End Planning 2025/26: Five Key Actions Before 5 April and Major Tax Changes From April 2026
With the tax year ending on 5 April, now is the time to review allowances, use available reliefs, and prepare for significant tax changes ahead.
Leaving Your Pension to Grandchildren: How Generation Skipping Can Reduce Tax on Inherited Pensions
Leaving pension wealth to grandchildren, rather than children, can significantly reduce income tax on inherited pensions - especially once withdrawals become taxable after age 75.
