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
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.
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.
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.
Are Offshore Investment Bonds the Hidden Gem of Tax Planning?
These products were once overlooked – often dismissed as expensive and inflexible. But they’ve come a long way. Today, they offer a range of tax planning benefits and can sit neatly alongside pensions, ISAs and general investment accounts (GIAs) as part of a well-structured financial plan.
Your 2025 Tax Year-End Checklist: Five Smart Moves Before April 5th
Investment gains have increased from 10% to 18% for basic-rate taxpayers and from 20% to 24% for higher-rate taxpayers. Now is the time to make the most of available allowances, reliefs, and exemptions.
Avoid the £100,000 Childcare Trap: Pension Planning for Young Families
Many parents face a costly tax trap when their income exceeds £100,000, causing them to lose valuable childcare benefits.
Autumn Budget 2024 Opportunities: How to Pivot Your Tax and Investment Strategy
As one door closes, another one opens.
Autumn Budget 2024: Key Tax Changes Every Investor Should Know
The good, the bad and the ugly.
How to Use Bare Trusts to Fund School Fees — and Reduce IHT
Using bare trusts, in the names of minor children, to fund private school fees.
Autumn Statement Rumours: Which Tax Changes Might Actually Happen?
A summary of all the rumoured tax hikes circulating over the past few weeks
Labour Tax Plans: How ISAs, CGT and Inheritance Could Change in 2025
Rachel Reeves has warned of tough choices to come - which taxes could be in her crosshairs?
Life insurance in estate planning
Using whole-of-life insurance to provide for an inheritance tax charge
"'It's insurance Jim, but not as we know it!'"
Five ways to save inheritance tax
A record £7.5bn in IHT was paid in the 2023/24 tax years - here are five options to mitigate a potential charge
End of Tax Year Checklist: Key Allowances and Planning Tips Before 5 April 2024
A summary of the main personal tax changes for 2024/25 plus planning opportunities into tax year-end
"8 more sleeps until tax year-end"
What Is a Lifetime ISA (LISA) and How Can It Boost Your First Home or Retirement Savings?
Are Lifetime ISAs a no-brainer?
Avoiding the £100k Childcare Trap: A Smart Strategy for Parents with Young Children
For parents, crossing the £100k earnings threshold can actually leave you worse-off due to the impact on childcare costs. But this can be offset via pension contribution.
