The Government is to review what the Chancellor described as attempts to avoid inheritance tax (IHT) through the use of a deed of variation, and wants to ensure they do not foster tax avoidance.A deed of variation is used to rearrangeWills,and the most common rearrangements are disclaimers and written variations.

during difficult economic times, one of the tools available to the Bank of England to stimulate the economy is interest rates. lower interest rates mean that it is cheaper to borrow money and people have more to spend, hopefully stimulating the economy and reducing the risk of deflation.

The volatility experienced in global markets over the past six years has tested the nerves of even the most experienced investors, making it a difficult time for individuals who rely on income from investments for some or all of their needs.

A report has highlighted the positive impact planning and professional financial advice can have on income levels in our retirement.The first Retirement Income Uncovered report from Old Mutual Wealth found that retirees who hadn’t set themselves an income target to aim for in retirement had an average income of £17,500 per year.

A survey has revealed the concerning fact that 40% of baby boomers, those aged 55 to 74, have not started to save specifically for retirement yet, despite two thirds of respondents understanding the State Pension will not be sufficient.

Almost half of British adults (48%) have ‘fibbed’ when it comes to their finances. Research shows that from a given list, Britons would be most likely to tell financial ‘white lies’ to their partner than anyone else (15%), according to a survey from Standard life.

Few of us today remain in the same career throughout our working lives.The result is that many people may have a number of different pension pots from previous employers. However, combining them into one single pension could make real financial sense.

Recent changes mean that you now have more flexibility with your pension fund than ever before. It is crucial to understand your options in order to maximise your income in retirement.

On 6 April this year,‘pensions freedom day’, the pension landscape changed forever. From this date for the first time ever, individuals were given complete control over all the money in their ‘defined contribution’ retirement savings plans, whether large or small.

If you require your money to provide the potential for capital growth or income, or a combination of both, and provided you are willing to accept an element of risk, pooled investments could just be the solution you are looking for.

A report has highlighted the positive impact planning and professional financial advice can have on income levels in our retirement.

The Chancellor, George Osborne, announced that self-assessment tax returns would be replaced by a new online digital tax account.

Always have some money that you can access easily and quickly for emergencies before looking to invest for the longer term. It’s reassuring to know you’ve got money set aside to cover your rent, mortgage, food and utilities for a number of months.

Unit trusts are a collective investment that allows you to participate in a wider range of investments than can normally be achieved on your own with smaller sums of money. Pooling your money with others also reduces the risk.

How exactly do you achieve financial success. Have you thought about setting financial goals, budgeting or retirement? We discuss all in our quick guide to achieving financial success

The Chancellor confirmed his plan to extend pensions freedom to about 5 million people who have already bought an annuity.A consultation published on the day of the Budget on how a secondary annuities market could work suggests mirroring the £30,000 mandatory advice threshold for defined benefit pension transfers.

When putting together an investment portfolio, there are a number of asset classes, or types of investments, that can be combined in different ways.The starting point is cash – and the aim of employing the other asset classes is to achieve a better return than could be achieved by leaving all of the investment on deposit.

The first £325,000 value of your estate is called the ‘nil Rate Band’ because although it is taxable to Inheritance Tax (IHT), it is taxed at 0% (tax year 2015/16).

The Chancellor announced that the Government is to further alter the rules aroundVenture CapitalTrusts (VCT) and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS).

Almost half of British adults (48%) have ‘fibbed’ when it comes to their finances. Research shows that from a given list, Britons would be most likely to tell financial ‘white lies’ to their partner than anyone else (15%), according to a survey from Standard life.

The new pensions freedom rules giving far greater flexibility over what you can do with your pension pot came into force on 6 April 2015.

Almost half of British adults (48%) have ‘fibbed’ when it comes to their finances. Research shows that from a given list, Britons would be most likely to tell financial ‘white lies’ to their partner than anyone else (15%), according to a survey from Standard life.

A new report has revealed a huge gender disparity when it comes to pension savings and income, indicating that funding retirement is likely to be a significant challenge for many women.

Britons are determined to become more financially savvy about their saving and spending habits this year, with three quarters (76%) of adults admitting they are prepared to moderate their lifestyle, according to a new survey by Standard life.

Always have some money that you can access easily and quickly for emergencies before looking to invest for the longer term. It’s reassuring to know you’ve got money set aside to cover your rent, mortgage, food and utilities for a number of months.

The introduction of the Help to Buy Individual Savings Account (ISA) will be a boost for those saving for a deposit to buy their first home. First-time buyers saving up to £200 a month towards their first home with a Help to Buy ISA will receive an additional 25% from the Government.That’s a £50 bonus for every £200 they save, up to a maximum bonus of £3,000.

The Chancellor raised the IncomeTax PersonalAllowance once more above the expected rate of inflation,with a further increase announced to £10,800 in 2016/17 and £11,000 in 2017/18.

The Government announced a ‘radically new’ Individual Savings Account (ISA) framework allowing savers to withdraw money from their ISA without it counting towards their annual tax-efficient allowance entitlement.

It’s vital to know why you’re investing.The first step is to have a good think about your financial situation and your reasons for investing.Whatever your personal investment goal may be, it is important to set your time horizon at the outset, as this will impact on the type of investments you should consider to help achieve your goals. It also makes sense to revisit your investment goals at regular intervals to account for any changes to your personal circumstances.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) in the Uk may be one of life’s unpleasant facts, but with the appropriate planning and professional advice, you could potentially reduce or mitigate any IHT due on your estate.

How to shelter your assets from unnecessary tax