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
Twelve Charts of Christmas: A Review of Global Markets in 2025 and the Investment Outlook Ahead
Through twelve charts of Christmas, we look back on a strong year for investors and revisit the core principles guiding long-term investment success.
Why Younger People Are Turning Away from Pensions - And Why the Maths Still Strongly Favour Saving Early
Younger clients are turning away from pensions, but the maths is unchanged: tax relief and decades of compounding still make them unmatched for long-term wealth.
Retirement Spending: Why £5,000 a Month Is a Useful Benchmark - and What Pot You Need to Fund It
Struggling to picture your future spending in retirement? The PLSA’s £5,000-a-month guideline gives a solid starting point for long-term financial planning.
Autumn Statement 2025: Key Tax Changes Announced by Rachel Reeves and What They Mean for Your Financial Planning
After months of speculation, the Autumn Statement delivered fewer shocks than expected, but introduced a series of gradual tax changes that will shape planning decisions over the coming years.
Autumn Statement 2025: Likely Changes to Income Tax, Pensions, CGT, IHT and Property Taxes
Budget rumours are everywhere, but which ones matter? With the Autumn Statement days away, we outline the changes most likely to make the final cut.
How Loan Trusts Work: A Practical Guide to Inheritance Tax Planning With Access to Capital
Looking to reduce inheritance tax without losing control of your money? A Loan Trust could offer the right balance of access and efficiency.
Using Cashflow Modelling To Plan for Inheritance Tax, Without Running Out
In this week's blog, we talk cashflow modelling and estate planning.
Bubble Talk Returns: What It Means for Investors in 2025
In this week's blog, we explore why bubble talk is back and, more importantly, what you should do about it.
If I Were Chancellor for a Day…
With the Autumn Statement weeks away, we have played Chancellor for a day — exploring tough but realistic ways to restore stability and strengthen UK finances
Why Annuities Deserve a Second Look in Today’s Retirement Market
With rates rising and new tax rules ahead, annuities are regaining appeal as a way to secure guaranteed income in retirement.
Where You Hold Your Investments Matters: A Guide to Asset Location
Many investors focus on what to invest in, not where. But your investment ‘wrapper’ can be just as important for long-term growth
US Equities: Dystopia, Utopia, or Something in Between?
Most portfolios hold around 50% US equities. Some see this as too much, others too little. We explore both sides of the debate.
What Happens When You Die Without a Will?
Around 60% of UK adults don’t have a Will, leaving estates distributed by intestacy rules that rarely match personal wishes or modern family dynamics.
How Discretionary Trusts Can Cut Your IHT Bill and Protect Family Wealth
In this week's blog, we're talking about discretionary trusts — one of the most flexible and practical tools in the IHT planning toolkit.
Why No Portfolio Is Truly Passive: The Active Decisions Behind Passive Investing
Passive investing sounds simple, but when you’re managing a whole portfolio, every decision is active. In reality, no portfolio is truly passive.
Childcare Costs and the £100k Cliff Edge: How Pension Planning Can Save Thousands
Discover how the latest childcare support can save your family thousands, and how smart pension planning can ensure you don't miss out.
Markets Keep Climbing — Why Investors Should Stay Grounded
It's been a truly extraordinary run for global stock markets. Here is why investors should stay optimistic, but realistic about what comes next.
From Pensions to ISAs: 10 Overlooked Tax Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands
This is the third in our trilogy exploring some of the most common pitfalls we encounter in financial planning, today's focus turns to tax. We look at 10 common mistakes and how to avoid costly errors.
Are General Investment Accounts Still Worth It? Tax Changes, Strategies, and Pension Pairing Explained
The once-popular General Investment Account (GIA) has come under pressure in recent years. While GIAs have lost some shine, they’re far from redundant. For many clients, the ability to blend them with pension contributions to preserve basic rate treatment keeps them firmly in the financial planning toolkit.
Autumn Statement Preview: 7 Tax Changes We Might See (and How Likely They Are)
The Autumn Statement looms and the usual crystal ball gazing and Westminster whispers have already begun. In this weeks blog we look at what might be coming – rumours, reality, and red herrings.
