Smart Money - January 2025
9th January 2025
Welcome to our latest issue. Like your car, your finances require consistent care and attention to keep running smoothly. Just as a regular service ensures your vehicle performs at its best and avoids costly breakdowns, a yearly financial check-up is vital to ensuring your money works as effectively as possible. On page 10, we look at why the beginning of 2025 offers an ideal opportunity to take stock of your financial health, setting the tone for a prosperous and secure year ahead.
The end of the tax year is fast approaching, ending on 5 April 2025. This is your opportunity to review your annual allowances and assess how best to make the most of them. With some significant changes to tax allowances in the 2024/25 tax year and further reductions expected in the future, planning ahead is key. On page 03, we explain how to use your allowances now to maximise your wealth by leveraging tax-efficient strategies and minimising liabilities.
Planning your estate is challenging at the best of times. Knowing how to mitigate your liabilities while ensuring your loved ones are cared for takes proper planning and the right tools. The 2024 Autumn Budget Statement announcements could create significant and lasting challenges for rural businesses of all sizes. Under the Chancellor’s proposed changes, from April 2026, IHT reliefs available to farms and family businesses will be restricted. Turn to page 12.
Cuts to the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption mean it is now more critical than ever to arrange your investments tax-efficiently. For the tax year 2024/25, the CGT allowance has been reduced to £3,000, allowing you to make tax-free gains up to this amount. However, any gains above this limit may be subject to CGT. Appropriate planning is essential to ensure your hard-earned investments work efficiently for your future. Turn to page 09 to find out more.