Category: news

Just over three months after her lengthy Autumn Budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves has addressed the House of Commons and delivered the government’s 2026 Spring Statement.

Ahead of the Statement, Reeves reinforced the government’s commitment to “one fiscal event, one Budget, a year”. So, it will come as a relief to many, including business owners, that the Spring Statement included no additional tax-raising measures. Furthermore, no changes to pensions or Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) were announced.

Reeves also said that household disposable income is set to grow at twice the rate that was forecast in the Autumn Budget – leaving the average person £1,000 better off each year by the next election.

That being said, previous announcements, including changes to the tax regime, remain in place, and may affect personal finances and business owners in 2026/27 and beyond.

Reeves gave an overview of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) economic forecast for the years to come. Notably, the OBR’s forecasts and the Statement as a whole made no mention of the potential economic impact of the unfolding situation in the Middle East, which may contribute to increased oil and gas prices that could prove inflationary and cause stock market volatility.

The chancellor confirmed the changes announced in the 2024 and 2025 Budgets

In an effort to reduce speculation and prevent a chop-and-change approach, the chancellor confirmed that key tax measures, announced in the Autumn Budgets of 2024 and 2025, will remain in place.

Among the key changes that have been reconfirmed and will affect personal finances are:

• Inheritance Tax (IHT) will be levied on most unused pension benefits from April 2027. It’s estimated that this change will result in an additional 10,500 estates being liable for IHT in 2027/28. This will contribute to a predicted rise in IHT receipts to £15 billion by 2030.
• Tax on income earned from property will rise by two percentage points from April 2027, increasing tax liability for landlords.
• There will also be a two percentage point increase in the basic and higher rates of Dividend Tax from April 2026, which may affect business owners and investors.
• Key tax thresholds, including those for Income Tax and the IHT nil-rate bands, will remain frozen until April 2031.

The lack of any tax-raising measures in the Spring Statement will be welcome news for many people. However, the previously announced changes could mean a review would still be beneficial.

The Office for Budget Responsibility has updated its forecasts for GDP growth, inflation, and house prices

The OBR has updated its real-terms GDP forecast every year between 2026 and 2029 when compared to the estimates it made in the 2025 Autumn Budget. The organisation now expects the economy to grow by:

• 2026 – 1.1% (a decrease of 0.3%)
• 2027 – 1.6% (unchanged)
• 2028 – 1.6% (an increase of 0.1%)
• 2029 – 1.5% (unchanged)

The OBR expects inflation to be at or around the Bank of England’s (BoE) 2% target over the next five years. Inflation easing would improve household spending power, which, in turn, could provide a boost for the economy and businesses. Indeed, real household disposable income is expected to grow by between 0.6% and 0.9% each year until 2030.

The BoE has already cut its base interest rate several times since the current government formed in July 2024, as inflationary pressures eased. If the OBR’s forecast is accurate, the BoE is likely to make additional cuts, which would reduce the cost of borrowing for households and businesses.

The OBR expects unemployment to rise from 4.75% in 2025 to a peak of 5.33% in 2026, driven by weaker demand for labour. After peaking in 2026, unemployment is expected to fall to 4.1% in 2030.

It also forecasts that house prices will rise by between 2.4% and 2.9% each year between 2026 and 2030.

The government reinforced its ongoing commitment to two key fiscal rules

In her speech, the chancellor confirmed the two fiscal rules set out in the Budget:

• Stability rule – Not to borrow money to fund day-to-day public spending by the end of this parliament (2029/30).
• Investment rule – To reduce government debt as a share of national income by 2029/30.

Addressing the stability rule first, although the cost of borrowing has risen during this period of heightened uncertainty, the chancellor vowed that the steps taken in the Statement will restore its headroom.

Turning next to the investment rule, Reeves also stated that this commitment will be met two years early, with net financial debt predicted to be 82.9% of GDP in 2025/26.

4 key Spring Statement measures

1. Boosting defence spending

At a time of growing worldwide tension, the chancellor announced increases to defence spending, aimed at making the UK a “defence industrial superpower”. Defence spending is set to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035.

Defence innovation will include harnessing AI and drones, creating employment opportunities for engineers in the devolved nations, while a previously announced Defence Growth Board is also being created to support £400 million for defence innovation.

2. Tackling youth unemployment

The chancellor reconfirmed her commitment to getting those in Britain who can work into work. She stated that 1 in 8 young people is currently not in employment, education, or training.

The chancellor confirmed that reforms to the welfare system will produce welfare savings of £4.8 billion between 2026 and the end of the forecast period (2029/30).

3. Increasing property revenue

Previously announced property planning reforms will go ahead.

The reforms are expected to increase real levels of GDP by 0.2%, the equivalent of £6.8 billion for the economy, by 2029/30. Over 10 years, this is expected to increase to 0.4% of GDP (£15 billion). Reeves said this represents the biggest growth forecast for a policy with no fiscal cost.

4. Making government more efficient

The abolition of NHS England was announced back in March 2025 as part of wider efforts to increase NHS efficiency and productivity, and to cut spending. These measures will also include reducing costly agency outsourcing.

More widely, Reeves confirmed the £3.25 billion of investment in a new “transformation fund” that will drive modernisation across the public sector through digital reform and the adoption of AI. It’s hoped that these changes will result in a “leaner” and more efficient public sector.

After announcing a raft of changes in the Autumn Budget, the Spring Statement acts as a fiscal pitstop, upholding the government’s commitment to one significant fiscal event a year.

Please note

All information is from the chancellor’s speech, the gov.uk website, the Spring Statement press release and the Autumn Budget documents published by HM Treasury.

The content of this Spring Statement summary is intended for general information purposes only. The content should not be relied upon in its entirety and shall not be deemed to be or constitute advice.

While we believe this interpretation to be correct, it cannot be guaranteed, and we cannot accept any responsibility for any action taken or refrained from being taken as a result of the information contained within this summary. Please obtain professional advice before entering into or altering any new arrangement.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Adrian Thorley is one of our most experienced Chartered financial planners, with 37 years of experience in the profession.

At the end of January, the team got together to celebrate the big 6-0.

Here’s a little taster of the fun we had…

A great venue and fantastic company

On 29 January, Adrian’s 60th birthday, seven of the Blue Wealth team, and a good friend who works alongside us, left the office just before 5 pm for an evening of celebration.

We’d booked a table at a local restaurant for 7 pm, giving us plenty of time for a few pre-dinner drinks.

After an arduous 400-yard walk from Blue Wealth’s headquarters, we arrived at The Brewhouse & Kitchen, a fantastic pub that brews award-winning craft beers on site.

After one (or two) drinks and a lot of merriment, we headed across the road to the Black Cumin, a local curry house we’d all wanted to try for some time. We weren’t disappointed. The venue was nicely decorated, and the staff were immediately friendly.

It was very busy, even though it was a damp Thursday night near the end of Dry January. We thought that was a good sign – especially at the end of a long month when finances are often stretched.

We settled in and ordered some more celebratory drinks – you only turn 60 once, after all! – before deliberating over the mouth-watering menu.

Adrian was almost defeated by a VERY hot curry!

There was a huge range of original dishes, alongside the classics. We were spoilt for choice.

Adrian said, “The dishes had unusual names, and there were no clues as to what was hot and what was less so.”

After his meal arrived, Adrian realised quickly that there was a considerable level of heat on his plate.

“I knew I was in trouble when the chef appeared to ask if I was okay, armed with another naan bread which seemed to be intended as a fire blanket!

“Beware of McLeod Ganj Chilli Chicken if you see it on a menu at an Indian near you…”

On a more serious note: A brief word about making end of tax-year pension withdrawals

Now the birthday celebrations are over, we’re back in the office working hard to help you with all your financial planning needs, and the end of the 2025/26 tax year is rapidly approaching on 5 April.

If you’re thinking about making an ad‑hoc pension withdrawal before the new tax year begins, be sure to contact your Blue Wealth financial planner before the end of February.

We can help you understand the tax and long-term implications of taking funds from your pensions and ensure that any withdrawals fit within your overall retirement plans.

Please contact us by email at hello@bluewealth.co.uk or call us on 0117 332 0230.

On 8 March, people around the world will celebrate International Women’s Day. This important event recognises the achievements of women and raises awareness of ongoing gender equality issues.

Over recent decades, women have gained greater access to education and broader career opportunities, leading to higher earnings and business success.

According to the World Economic Forum, women are expected to hold 40% of global investable wealth by 2030. What’s more, research findings published by IFA Magazine reveal that in 2024, 53% of women reported feeling financially independent, which is an 8% increase from 2022.

And yet, in 2026, women continue to face unique financial challenges, meaning they often need to approach financial planning differently from men if they want to build lasting security.

Keep reading to learn about some of the financial barriers women face and find out how a financial planner could provide the bespoke guidance they need to take control of their wealth.

Women face unique financial challenges throughout their lives

Every woman’s financial circumstances, experiences, and needs are different. However, there are some common challenges many women share, including:

The gender pay gap

While the disparity between men’s and women’s pay has reduced over time, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS; 23 October 2025), the gender pay gap currently stands at 6.9%.

In other words, women still earn, on average, less than men for similar work, reducing how much they have to save and invest for the future.

The gender pensions gap

Findings from a recent University of Edinburgh study published by Pensions Age show that by age 60, men have, on average, nearly four times as much in their pension pots as women.

This could leave women with lower retirement incomes, which could limit their choice and independence. It could also increase their risk of running out of money later in life.

The financial confidence gap between men and women

Research by the charity National Numeracy reveals a persistent gender gap in financial confidence and numeracy. Nearly three times as many women (17%) as men (6%) reported low confidence in working with numbers. Additionally, just 77% of women said they feel confident making financial decisions, compared with 88% of men.

This gap in self-belief is particularly marked when it comes to investing. According to FTAdviser, only 33% of women are confident making investment decisions compared with 57% of men.

A lack of financial confidence could lead women to miss out on valuable opportunities to build and preserve wealth, potentially widening gender wealth gaps over time.

3 important ways a financial planner can support women to build and manage their wealth

Fortunately, there are steps women can take to overcome the challenges they face and build the financial futures they want.

Here are three crucial ways a financial planner can help:

1. Provide a clear picture of their current financial situation and future needs

A financial planner can use sophisticated cashflow modelling software to give their female clients a holistic overview of their current finances by mapping all income, outgoings, assets, and liabilities.

Knowing exactly where money is coming from and going to each month could highlight opportunities for redirecting unnecessary spending to savings, pensions, and other investments.

A financial planner can also project current cashflows forwards to help their clients understand future income needs, gauge their progress towards long-term goals, and address any potential shortfalls.

For example, if it looks like lower earnings or career breaks may result in a smaller pension pot than a woman is likely to need, a financial planner can test different strategies for catching up financially – such as increasing pension contributions or delaying retirement.

This approach could empower women to identify actionable steps for overcoming challenges and developing greater financial security.

2. Build their financial confidence and literacy

At Blue Wealth, we build lasting relationships with our clients through active listening, empathy, and tailored support. This starts with jargon-free conversations that help us learn about an individual’s needs, concerns, and life ambitions.

These discussions allow us to identify any gaps in knowledge, understanding, or self-belief that could be holding an individual back from progressing towards their financial goals.

Over time, our financial planners can bolster a woman’s financial literacy and confidence by:

• Prioritising key areas of learning and focusing on one at a time to avoid overwhelm
• Using visual tools, such as cashflow modelling, to explain an individual’s finances in an accessible way
• Creating a safe space in which women feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns
• Acknowledging milestones and celebrating progress.

As such, a financial planner can help women feel informed and in control, turning uncertainty into clarity.

3. Offer support during major life transitions

Life events such as divorce, career breaks, or changes in caring responsibilities could significantly affect a woman’s current and future finances.

A financial planner can offer both practical and emotional support during these major transitions, including:

• Acting as an impartial sounding board for female clients’ financial concerns
• Supporting women to plan financially for a career break
• Reviewing and adjusting financial plans in line with changed circumstances and goals
• Helping women understand their options and entitlements, such as those around pension sharing on divorce
• Advising on estate planning after a bereavement or a serious medical diagnosis
• Offering guidance on balancing financial responsibilities for children or elderly parents with a woman’s long-term goals
• Providing ongoing check-ins and support to rebuild confidence and independence.

As such, a financial planner can provide the continuity, reassurance, and guidance women need to take control of their wealth and maintain their financial resilience, whatever challenges they face.

Get in touch

If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you and the women in your family face their financial futures with confidence, please get in touch.

To find out more, please email hello@bluewealth.co.uk or call us on 0117 332 0230.

Please note

The content of this newsletter is offered only for general informational and educational purposes. It is not offered as, and does not constitute, financial advice.

Blue Wealth Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within linked sites.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning or cashflow planning.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Approved by best practice on: 19/02/26

The new tax year will start on 6 April 2026, and many of your important allowances and exemptions will reset. Checking whether you could use these valuable allowances before the end of the 2025/26 tax year on 5 April 2026 might help your money go further.

Before you make any decisions, ensure that you understand which allowances fit into your financial plan and suit your goals. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Read this guide to discover seven allowances and exemptions you may want to make the most of before the end of the current tax year, including:

1. ISA allowance
2. Junior ISA allowance
3. Dividend Allowance
4. Capital Gains Tax Annual Exempt Amount
5. Marriage Allowance
6. Pension Annual Allowance
7. Inheritance Tax annual exemption 

Download your copy here: 7 key allowances you might want to use before the end of the 2025/26 tax year

Please get in touch if you’d like to speak to us about your allowances for the 2025/26 tax year and beyond. 

Please note: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this guide. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

We hope you’ve all enjoyed a break over the festive season and that 2026 is off to a positive start.

This month we’re catching up with Rob to find out all about his family skiing trip to France over new year.

An exhausting but enjoyable week skiing as a family in France

After a busy Christmas, Rob and his family headed to the airport for their annual skiing trip. It’s a tradition they all love and look forward to each year.

New year is one of the busiest times to travel and it was pretty hectic when they landed at Geneva Airport, but otherwise the trip went smoothly.

Rob, his wife Deb, and their children, Jasper (age 11) and Piper (age 8), arrived tired but excited at their self-catering accommodation in Avoriaz, France. While the apartment was far from deluxe, the location was ideal.

Avoriaz offers access to the huge Portes du Soleil area, which generally boasts high-altitude snow and car-free slopes that are perfect for families.

Unfortunately, the snow wasn’t the freshest, but Rob said the stunning blue skies made up for it.

This was the first year the kids didn’t go to ski school, so the family got to spend the whole week on the slopes together.

Rob said, “Anybody who’s been skiing with young children will tell you that it’s not a relaxing holiday, especially at the busiest time of year.

It was a fantastic family trip though, even if I spent most of it chasing an 8- and 11-year-old down slopes, as they are considerably better skiers than me!”

One aspect of the trip went down less well with the Bowers family – the food. Rob isn’t a huge fan of French cuisine and the kids – being kids – are a little fussy too. Fortunately, Deb was happy; she loved the tartiflette (a creamy oven bake of potatoes, cheese, cream, bacon, and onions) that was served up in the mountains.

A highlight of the stay was the New Year’s Eve celebrations. There were fireworks and DJs playing music in the centre of the village.

Rob said, “The atmosphere was great and we just about managed to keep the kids awake until midnight!”

Get in touch

If you’d like to know more about the Blue Wealth team and how we can help you with all your financial planning needs in 2026 and beyond, we’d love to hear from you.

Please get in touch via email at hello@bluewealth.co.uk or call us on 0117 332 0230.

Please note

The content of this newsletter is offered only for general informational and educational purposes. It is not offered as, and does not constitute, financial advice.

One of the headline announcements in the chancellor’s Autumn Budget, delivered on 26 November 2025, was reform of the Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance for under-65s.

Currently, adults can contribute £20,000 across their ISAs, including Cash ISAs and Stocks and Shares ISAs, each tax year.

While the overall ISA allowance of £20,000 remains unchanged, from April 2027, the Cash ISA limit will be cut to £12,000. The remaining £8,000 of this allowance will be reserved exclusively for investments. As such, you could put up to £20,000 in Stocks and Shares ISAs in a single tax year or split this allowance between Cash ISAs (limited to £12,000) and investment accounts.

Nothing will change for savers over the age of 65 who will continue to have the £20,000 allowance for Cash ISAs.

The government hopes this will encourage more people to invest in the stock market. However, according to research by The Investment Association, 1 in 5 UK adults have never heard of a Stocks and Shares ISA.

That’s why we’ve created this handy beginner’s guide to explain how this type of ISA works and highlight the potential benefits of investing in 2026. Keep reading to find out more.

How Stocks and Shares ISAs work: Your questions answered

A Stocks and Shares ISA is a tax-efficient investment account that allows you to invest your money in a wide range of assets, such as shares, bonds, and funds. Any investment growth or interest earned within a Stocks and Shares ISA is free from:

• Income Tax
• Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
• Dividend Tax.

Who can open a Stocks and Shares ISA?

Anyone who is 18 or over and a UK resident for tax purposes can open a Stocks and Shares ISA. You’re also eligible if you’re a Crown employee working or serving overseas, such as a member of the armed forces or a diplomat, or you’re the spouse of a Crown employee.

The account must be opened by an individual – you cannot hold one in a joint name.

How much can I pay into a Stocks and Shares ISA?

In the 2025/26 tax year, you can pay a total of £20,000 tax-efficiently across all your ISA accounts. You could use some or all of this amount in Stocks and Shares ISAs.

Your annual allowance will reset at the start of the new tax year (6 April), and any unused allowance will be lost – it can’t be rolled over to the following year.

It’s up to you how you use your allowance; you can pay in a lump sum or make contributions throughout the tax year.

If you pay in more than your annual ISA allowance in a single tax year, any interest or gains on the excess amount will be taxable.

As mentioned above, from April 2027, if you’re under 65, £8,000 of your current £20,000 ISA allowance will be reserved exclusively for Stocks and Shares ISAs. You can choose whether to put the remaining £12,000 in a Cash ISA, a Stocks and Shares ISA or a combination of the two.

Can I have more than one Stocks and Shares ISA?

As of 6 April 2024, you can contribute to multiple Cash ISAs and Stocks and Shares ISAs in a single tax year. Just remember to bear the annual ISA allowance in mind to ensure your savings and investments remain tax-efficient.

Also, there are various fees associated with Stocks and Shares ISAs, such as platform and fund management fees. These costs can add up if you have more than one account.

5 compelling benefits of Stocks and Shares ISAs

Here are five reasons you might want to consider investing some of your savings in a Stocks and Shares ISA in 2026.

1. Your investments are protected from tax

The main benefit of investing through an ISA is that any income you receive and any capital gains you make are free from personal taxation, provided that you don’t exceed the annual subscription limit.

In contrast, any interest and gains you make on money held in a General Investment Account (GIA) could be liable for CGT, Dividend Tax, and Income Tax if your returns exceed certain amounts.

2. It’s easy to get started as a beginner investor

Research findings published by This is Money reveal that 11 million UK adults say they would like to invest but are held back by a lack of confidence. This is largely due to misconceptions about investing and a significant knowledge gap.

While it’s always wise to seek financial advice before investing, Stocks and Shares ISAs offer a simple way for beginners to get started. Setting up an account is generally a quick and easy online process, and there are lots of options for ready-made portfolios where your investments are selected and managed for you.

It’s worth speaking to a financial professional to ensure that your investment strategy is embedded in your broader financial plan.

3. There is no cap on your returns or total ISA value

While your ISA contributions are limited by the annual allowance, there are no such restrictions on the total value of your Stocks and Shares ISA or returns gained through your investments.

As such, keeping your wealth invested over the long term could deliver significant returns, allowing you to build a healthy savings pot for the future.

Indeed, This is Money has revealed that there are now more than 5,000 ISA millionaires in the UK, and the top 25 ISA investors have pots averaging £8.9 million. Moreover, Trustnet reports that 94% of ISA millionaires have Stocks and Shares accounts, while the remaining 6% use a combination of investments and Cash ISAs.

4. Plenty of choice allows you to diversify your investments

Putting all your eggs in one basket by investing in a single asset class could expose you to an unnecessary risk of losing money. That’s why diversifying your investments across asset types, sectors, and geographical regions is vital.

There is a wide range of investments that can be held in a Stocks and Shares ISA. This choice and flexibility allow you to spread the risk and align your portfolio with your values.

5. You could potentially achieve higher returns and beat inflation

If the interest you receive on your cash savings fails to keep pace with inflation, your money could lose purchasing power over time. In other words, the £1,000 you put in your Cash ISA in March 2024 might buy you less in March 2026.

Investing some of your wealth in Stocks and Shares ISAs could potentially deliver higher returns than cash savings alone, increasing your chances of beating inflation.

Of course, you might want to keep some cash savings for short-term expenses and emergencies. Additionally, the value of your investments could go down as well as up. As such, it’s prudent to seek financial advice before you start investing to ensure your strategy aligns with your tolerance for risk and your long-term goals.

Get in touch

Our financial planners can provide the knowledge and guidance you need to start investing with confidence in 2026.

To find out more, please email hello@bluewealth.co.uk or call us on 0117 332 0230.

Please note

The content of this newsletter is offered only for general informational and educational purposes. It is not offered as, and does not constitute, financial advice.

Blue Wealth Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within linked sites.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Blue Wealth is an Appointed Representative of Best Practice IFA Group Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, the registration number is 223112. Approved by Best Practice on: 23/12/25

There is perhaps no better time than the festive season to sit down and enjoy a favourite board game with your loved ones.

But as many families know, a friendly game can quickly get competitive. Sometimes this even leads to heated arguments over who gets to be the banker or who suddenly “forgot” to follow the rules.

If this sounds familiar, it might be worth reframing some of the more heated moments as opportunities for learning.

Many of the world’s most popular board games contain valuable lessons about money, risk, and financial decision-making. These skills could help your family manage their finances more effectively, both now and in the future.

For instance, Risk teaches players how to balance diversification and growth, while The Game of Life helps them understand how to align money with what matters most.

Download your copy here: The money lessons your family could learn from board games this Christmas

Please get in touch if you’d like to speak to us about your financial plan.

Please note: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

Phew! The Blue Wealth team has packed a lot into 2025, and we’re extremely proud of our achievements.

It’s been great supporting you throughout the year. We’ve also enjoyed meeting some of you at our social events.

As the festive season approaches, now is a great time to reflect on this year’s highlights. So, here’s an end-of-year round-up (along with details of our Christmas office opening hours).

Blue Wealth’s 2025 highlights

Here are just a few of our favourite moments from 2025.

Inclusion in the New Model Adviser Top 100 for the second year running

The Citywire New Model Adviser Top 100 is an annual list that celebrates the best of the professional planning community.

Only firms that deliver the highest standards of service and demonstrate innovation, client-centred approaches, and outstanding contributions to the financial advice sector are included.

And we’ve made the list two years in a row!

Supporting two local charities

We’re passionate about supporting local causes, and in 2025, we helped two charities raise valuable funds to continue their important work.

Community of Purpose is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise that aims to provide support and meaningful opportunities to young, hard-to-reach people in Bristol.

The Anchor Society, our current charity partner, improves the lives of older people in the Greater Bristol area by offering grants to individuals facing financial difficulties.

We will make a £50 donation to The Anchor Society for every initial meeting we have that comes from a client recommendation.

Read more: Our charity incentive

Expanding the Blue Wealth team

We love to see the Blue Wealth team grow and take on new talent. So, we were delighted to welcome Tom Fraser as a trainee paraplanner in November.

Tom has worked in financial services since graduating from university in 2019 and is currently studying to become a fully Chartered paraplanner.

Hosting two successful client events

We love hosting social events for our clients and the Blue Wealth team. They’re a great opportunity to meet and chat in a relaxed environment. This year, we held two well-attended events.

On 20 April, we booked a table of 12 at the Bristol Bears Rugby Club. A few of the Blue Wealth team went, along with several clients and contacts. Unfortunately, Bristol lost, but the weather was good, and we all had a fantastic day out.

On Thursday 3 July, a group of 40 clients and members of the Blue Wealth team enjoyed a late afternoon sail along the water aboard The Matthew in Bristol’s historic floating harbour. The weather was great, the food delicious, and the company fantastic.

Achieving Cyber Essentials certification

In October, after months of hard work by the whole team and our IT partners, we were awarded Cyber Essentials certification.

This demonstrates our commitment to protecting you by maintaining the most up-to-date and thorough IT standards.

Enjoying a team trip to Barcelona

In April, Adrian, Dan, Rob, and Nathan went on a two-night city break to Barcelona in Spain to celebrate the company’s ongoing success.

Nathan said, “It was a brilliant trip. We packed so much into a few days, and it was great to spend time together outside the office.”

Our Christmas office opening hours and season’s greetings to you all

As you can see, we’ve had a busy year, so the team will be taking a well-deserved break over the festive period.

The office will be unattended from 12 pm on Wednesday 24 December until Friday 2 January. However, we will check emails and phone messages periodically during these times.

We’d like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year. We hope you have a relaxing break and look forward to seeing you in 2026!

Get in touch

If you’d like to kick off the new year on the right financial footing, the Blue Wealth team is here to help.

Please email hello@bluewealth.co.uk or call us on 0117 332 0230.

Please note

The content of this newsletter is offered only for general informational and educational purposes. It is not offered as, and does not constitute, financial advice.

Having an up-to-date and valid will is a crucial part of financial planning.

A poorly drafted document, or one that has not been amended to reflect changes in your circumstances, could mean that your estate is not passed on in line with your wishes.

Unfortunately, there are many common myths and misconceptions about wills that could lead to mistakes which may negatively affect your beneficiaries.

For example, a Will Aid survey of more than 2,000 UK adults found that 56% of respondents were unaware that, in England and Northern Ireland, marriage typically revokes a will unless you state otherwise.

Likewise, misunderstandings about probate – the process by which a deceased person’s estate is administered – could result in family disputes, delays, and poor decisions.

Read on to learn the truth behind three myths and misunderstandings about wills and probate, to help you avoid common mistakes and take control of how your estate is managed after you’re gone.

1. Only the wealthy need a will

You might feel that a will is unnecessary because your estate is relatively “small”. However, once you add up the value of everything you own (the equity in your home, pensions, savings, investments, insurance payouts, personal belongings, and so on), you might be surprised by how much your estate is worth. This could be a significant inheritance for your surviving family.

Moreover, the purpose of a will isn’t just to pass on your wealth. It also allows you to take control of matters such as:

• How your digital and online assets are managed
• Who oversees the distribution of your estate
• How your business should be run and by whom
• Who will care for your children and pets
• Your funeral arrangements.

In contrast, if you die without a will, your estate will be distributed in line with the rules of intestacy. This means that the courts will decide how your estate is distributed, which might not be what you intended and could cause unnecessary distress and financial hardship for your beneficiaries.

2. My spouse or civil partner will automatically inherit everything, so I don’t need a will

As mentioned above, if you die without a will, your estate will be passed on in accordance with the rules of intestacy. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your spouse or civil partner will inherit all your assets after your death.

How your estate is distributed will depend on your circumstances and where you live in the UK – the rules vary between England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. That’s why it’s crucial to seek professional advice to ensure you understand the laws that apply to you.

According to Citizens Advice, in England and Wales, if you have no children, your spouse or civil partner will typically inherit everything.

However, if you do have children and your estate is valued at more than £322,000 (2025/26), your spouse or civil partner will inherit:

• All your personal property and belongings
• The first £322,000 of your estate
• Half of the remaining estate.

All your children will inherit equal shares of the remaining half of the estate. This includes any biological or adopted children from previous relationships.

Remember also that in most cases, a marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes any will you made before the union took place. As such, it’s crucial to write a new will that includes your spouse or partner – and any other beneficiaries – if you want your estate to be passed on according to your wishes.

3. Probate is always required

Probate gives an individual the legal right to deal with your estate after you die. It typically takes around 12 weeks for probate to be granted once an application has been submitted to the probate registry, but it can take much longer.

Figures published by Which? reveal that the number of probate applications taking more than 12 months rose by 134% between 2020 and 2023.

However, probate is not always required.

Government guidelines state that probate isn’t necessary if the person who died:

• Only had savings
• Owned shares or money with others, as they will automatically pass to the surviving owners unless they have agreed otherwise
• Owned land or property as “joint tenants” with others, as it automatically passes to the surviving owners.

As such, if you’re named in someone’s will as a beneficiary when they pass away, don’t assume that probate is needed. You might find that you can avoid this potentially lengthy and stressful process.

Please note

The content of this newsletter is offered only for general informational and educational purposes. It is not offered as, and does not constitute, financial advice.

Blue Wealth Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within linked sites.

Blue Wealth Ltd is an appointed representative of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate will writing.

Approved by Best Practice IFA Group:

We’ve got lots of exciting news to share in this November team update, including details of our fun festive drinks social in early December.

Keep reading to find out more…

We’ve been included in the New Model Adviser Top 100 list for the second year running

The Citywire New Model Adviser (NMA) Top 100 is an annual list that celebrates the best of the professional planning community.

Firms are assessed using rigorous selection criteria, including business growth, investment in technology, professional development, and client impact.

Only firms that deliver the highest standards of service and demonstrate innovation, client-centred approaches, and outstanding contributions to the financial advice sector are included.

So, we’re delighted to make the NMA Top 100 list for the second year in a row!

Please join us in welcoming our newest team member, Tom Fraser

This month, Tom Fraser joined the Blue Wealth team as a trainee paraplanner.

Experience

Tom has worked in financial services since graduating from Swansea University in 2019. He started out working for a private stockbroker, later gained experience as a senior treasury analyst, and chose to focus his career on paraplanning just over a year ago.

Professional development ambitions

Tom is enthusiastic, ambitious, and has already become an indispensable member of the team. He’s currently studying to become a fully Chartered paraplanner and is excited about the experience and support Blue Wealth will provide during this journey.

Tom is looking forward to growing with the firm as his career progresses, contributing to both clients’ success and the ongoing development of the team.

Commitment to Blue Wealth

“I was keen to join Blue Wealth as it provides an invaluable opportunity to work alongside a talented group of professionals in a family-oriented business that truly puts clients first.

 “I’m drawn to the firm’s commitment to providing high-quality, ongoing financial planning and advice that genuinely helps clients achieve their goals.

“The independent nature of Blue Wealth ensures that every decision is made with the client’s best interests at heart, and I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute to outcomes that have a meaningful and positive impact on people’s lives.”

How Tom can help you

If you’re wondering what exactly a trainee paraplanner does and how they add value to the team, here’s the answer in Tom’s words:

“My role is varied, and I love that no two days are the same. Every client is different. However, some of my core responsibilities include:

• Putting the best interests of my clients at the heart of everything I do
• Analysing data to create robust financial plans that meet my clients’ personal goals
• Using sophisticated cashflow forecasting software to help clients understand their finances
• Preparing for annual reviews with clients and completing any follow-up actions agreed upon
• Ensuring that all regulatory and compliance standards are achieved.”

Life outside of work 

When he’s not in the office, Tom enjoys spending time with friends and staying active. He likes going for walks, running, and working out at the gym. He also loves taking his dogs on long walks and exploring new places on weekend trips whenever he can.

That’s not to say Tom doesn’t like to take it easy from time to time. When he’s not keeping fit or going on mini adventures, he likes to watch films, follow sport, and spend time with his family.

We’d love to see you at our Christmas drinks social in early December

On Friday, 5 December, Blue Wealth is holding a team afternoon out from 2 pm – 6 pm.

We will have a table at the Jersey Lily pub on Whiteladies Road in Clifton, Bristol.

Please come and join us for a drink and a catch-up to celebrate Christmas. We’d love to see you there.

Get in touch

To find out more about anything you’ve read in your team update or to learn about how we can help you with all your financial planning needs, please get in touch.

Please email hello@bluewealth.co.uk or call us on 0117 332 0230.

Please note

The content of this newsletter is offered only for general informational and educational purposes. It is not offered as, and does not constitute, financial advice.