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
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.
Will Your Pension Be Taxed Twice? What the 2027 ‘Double Death Tax’ Means for Families
From April 2027, pension funds will no longer be exempt from Inheritance Tax – and in many cases, could be taxed twice: IHT on death, then income tax on withdrawal. For some, the combined hit could exceed 60%. However, there are steps that can help reduce or even avoid the so-called Double Death Tax.
Smart Cash Management: 4 Tax-Efficient Strategies to Maximise Your Savings
Whether it’s restructuring accounts between spouses, using cash savings platforms to secure best-in-market rates, or taking advantage of tax-free returns via Premium Bonds or UK Gilts, the right strategy can materially improve after-tax outcomes—often with minimal effort and no increase in risk.
Who Really Holds Your Investments? Understanding the 4 Layers of Protection When Investing Through an Adviser
When you invest through a financial adviser, there are several different parties involved in the management of your investments. Each plays a crucial and unique role. Many investors worry: "What happens to my money if one of these companies fails?" It's a valid concern, and one that UK financial regulations address through robust protection mechanisms.
10 Common Investment Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them): A Guide for Smarter Long-Term Investing
This is the second in a three-part series on common financial planning mistakes. In this installment, we cover ten common investing pitfalls—from chasing dividends to home bias and poor diversification. Small missteps can have big long-term impacts.
Top 10 Pension and Retirement Planning Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them
This is the first in a three-part series on common financial planning mistakes. In this installment, we look at retirement—an area where financial decisions are often shaped as much by emotion and uncertainty as by hard numbers.
Drawdown vs Annuity: Which is Better?
When it comes to drawing income from your pension, two core options dominate the landscape: flexi-access drawdown and annuity purchase. Each offers distinct benefits and trade-offs. Increasingly, the best solution lies not in choosing one over the other — but in combining both to create a plan that balances security, flexibility, and control.
Tax-Efficient Ways to Extract Profits from Your Company: Salary, Dividends, Pensions & More
What’s the most tax-efficient way to take money out of your company? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but this blog explores proven strategies to help you extract profits smartly and sustainably.
FIRE 2.0: How Financial Independence Can Help You Redesign Work — Not Just Retire
FIRE 2.0 is about financial independence that lets you work differently — with more purpose, flexibility, and balance. Discover how cashflow modelling can help you make the switch, without risking your future.
Inheritance Tax & Lifetime Gifting: How Taper Relief and Insurance Can Protect Your Estate
In this week's blog, we explore the mechanics of taper relief and how combining direct gifting with a short-term insurance policy can provide both tax efficiency and peace of mind.
How to Turn Pension Income into a Tax-Free Legacy with Life Insurance
One of the most effective estate planning strategies has been to leave your pension untouched for as long as possible. However, ‘the times, they are a-changin’, the government plans to bring pensions into the scope of IHT from April 2027.
What Recent Market Volatility in 2025 Teaches Us About Risk Tolerance
What a ride! After hitting all-time highs on 19th February, the market plunged nearly 19% in six weeks, only to recover swiftly not long afterwards. A bear market scare and a bull market bounce, all within a single quarter.
The New Pension Limits After the Lifetime Allowance: What You Need to Know
In April 2023, Jeremy Hunt announced that the Lifetime Allowance would be abolished. This represents a significant shift in the UK's pension landscape, particularly for individuals with substantial pension savings.
Are Venture Capital Trusts Worth It? Performance vs Tax Relief
We’ve previously explored the mechanics of VCT investing – the rules, the risks, and the generous tax perks, but we’re returning to the topic this week. The key question we ask is: Is VCT investing still worth considering?
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest? Pros and Cons Explained
This is a question that comes up frequently: If you have some spare cash, should you use it to pay off your mortgage or invest it for future growth?
How to Use Bed & ISA and Bed & Pension Strategies to Maximise Tax Relief
The recent outbreak of trade tensions has sent global markets into a tailspin. Amidst this volatility lies opportunity, a new tax year offers fresh ISA and pension allowances—an ideal time to make strategic moves that enhance your tax efficiency.
How to Stay Calm (and Invested) When Markets Get Scary
Global financial markets have suffered a bruising few weeks. At the time of writing, the US benchmark S&P 500 index has fallen 8% year-to-date and stands 12% below its all-time high achieved just seven weeks ago(!!).
