Category: news

This month, we have something a little bit different to share with you.

We’re excited to announce the details of a new event we’re hosting in collaboration with Studio 74 in Bristol.

Keep reading to find out more.

Save the date for an exclusive “meet the artist” afternoon

On Saturday 19 September, you’re invited to an afternoon (1 pm to 3 pm) with acclaimed artist Todd White at Studio 74.

The gallery describes Todd as “one of the most celebrated figurative artists of our time, renowned for his instantly recognisable style and sharp observations of modern life […] his works combine glamour, humour, and storytelling, capturing characters and moments that define our social world.”

Todd’s work is in demand from collectors worldwide, and he’s a firm favourite with celebrities such as Abbey Clancy, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Sylvester Stallone.

His work features bold, vibrant colours, incorporating elements of pop culture and everyday life.

Explore his collection on the Studio 74 website and learn more about the artist.

Studio 74 is an elegantly designed space founded by Ellena at 24, four years ago. It’s designed to make art collecting accessible and immersive. You’ll find it at 74 Whiteladies Road, Bristol.

RSVP to Studio 74 to secure your place

Please check your inbox for your invitation to the event.

We’re expecting this to be popular, so book your place now to avoid missing out. Please RSVP directly to the gallery so they can keep an eye on numbers.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Keeping your wealth as tax-efficient as possible is one of the foundations of effective financial planning. This not only means making the most of allowances and reliefs currently available but also understanding how tax rules are changing and preparing for the potential impact on your finances.

With significant tax reform due to take effect from 6 April 2027, now is the time to act.

However, research suggests that many people are poorly informed about the upcoming changes. A survey by Standard Life reveals that 9 out of 10 UK adults are unaware of the proposed reforms to Inheritance Tax (IHT) on pensions. At the same time, FTAdviser recently reported warnings of “serious confusion” surrounding changes to the annual subscription limit for Cash ISAs.

Keep reading to learn about three important tax changes planned for April 2027 and discover practical steps you could take now to prepare.

1. Most unused pension funds will no longer be exempt from Inheritance Tax

When someone dies, their beneficiaries could face an IHT bill if the value of the deceased person’s estate (their money, property, and possessions) exceeds certain thresholds. Where IHT applies, any amount above these thresholds is normally charged at 40%.

Currently, unused pension funds and death benefits are generally exempt from IHT, making them a valuable estate planning tool for passing wealth on tax-efficiently.

However, from 6 April 2027, most unused pension wealth and death benefits will be included in your estate for IHT purposes. This could push the value of your estate over – or further over – the available thresholds, increasing the amount of IHT payable. As such, your loved ones may receive less of your wealth than you intended.

You’ll still be able to pass pension wealth to your spouse or civil partner without triggering an IHT charge. Also, some pensions are exempt from the new rules, including defined benefit pensions and death in service benefits from employer Group Life schemes.

How to prepare:

• Speak to a financial planner – They can help you understand your estate’s IHT liability under the new rules and identify strategies for reducing it.
• Consider spending your pension earlier – Once the IHT exemption on most unused pensions is removed, preserving this wealth to pass on will offer fewer tax benefits. Instead, you could reduce the value of your estate for IHT purposes by enjoying your pension wealth now.
• Give lifetime gifts – Use your annual gifting allowances to pass on some of your wealth IHT-free. A financial planner can advise you on how to manage this effectively without compromising your preferred lifestyle.
• Invest in life insurance – If you can’t avoid an IHT charge altogether, think about taking out life insurance that your family could use to pay the bill. Placing your insurance in a trust could protect any payout from IHT and ensure your family receives the money as quickly as possible.

2. The annual contribution limit for Cash ISAs is being reduced for under-65s

In the 2026/27 tax year, you can contribute up to £20,000 to a single ISA or across multiple accounts. Using your full annual allowance is a simple and effective way to save and invest tax-efficiently.

However, from 6 April 2027, you might need to rethink your ISA strategy because the Cash ISA subscription limit is set to drop to £12,000 for under-65-year-olds.

The good news is that your overall ISA allowance will remain at £20,000. As such, you could still benefit from tax-efficient savings and investments up to this amount by putting £12,000 in a Cash ISA and £8,000 in a different type of ISA, such as a Stocks and Shares ISA.

How to prepare:

• Make the most of your 2026/27 allowance – If maximising your cash savings is a priority, be sure to contribute your full £20,000 before 6 April 2027.
• Research alternatives to your Cash ISA – Speak to a financial planner who can help you understand how other types of ISA work. Setting up an account and familiarising yourself with it now means you’ll be prepared to make full use of your annual ISA allowance when the new cash cap comes into effect.
• Leave funds invested in your Cash ISA – Any amount you save before 6 April 2027 is fully protected and your current balance will continue to earn interest free from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. If you take money out and then decide to put it back in, this will count towards your new, lower £12,000 Cash ISA limit and you’ll lose the tax-free protection on any amount over this.

Read more: ISA rules are changing: Here’s everything you need to know

3. Income Tax on savings and property is set to rise

If you earn interest on savings held outside an ISA or receive rental profits from property, you could face a higher tax bill in the 2027/28 tax year.

That’s because Income Tax rates for savings and property income will rise by two percentage points from 6 April 2027. This means:

• The basic rate will increase from 20% to 22%
• The higher rate will increase from 40% to 42%
• The additional rate will increase from 45% to 47%.

How to prepare:

• Review how the new rates could affect your tax liability – A financial planner can use estimates of your taxable savings interest and rental income to model the impact on your overall tax bill. This understanding could help you identify measures for mitigating it.
• Maximise tax-efficient savings and investments – Consider moving taxable savings into ISAs or Premium Bonds (which offer the chance to win tax-exempt cash prizes instead of traditional interest).
• Review your pension contributions – Increasing your payments could reduce your overall adjusted net income, keeping you in a lower Income Tax band.

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 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 cashflow planning or tax 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 Blue Wealth on:

Investing in buy-to-let property can provide a steady rental income, helping supplement your retirement fund or form part of the legacy you leave for loved ones.

Statistics published by the government (29 August 2025) confirm that there were around 2.86 million private landlords in the UK in 2023/24.

Since then, the property landscape has changed, with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and increased regulatory responsibilities for landlords.

However, buy-to-let remains a viable option for many. In this guide, you’ll find the pros and cons you’ll need to consider and some important questions to ask yourself.

Download your copy here: The pros and cons of investing in buy-to-let

If you have any questions about whether investing in a buy-to-let property might be right for you, please get in touch.

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

All information is correct at the time of writing (June 2026) and is subject to change in the future.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate buy-to-let (pure) and commercial mortgages. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it.

As much as we love what we do, the Blue Wealth team also enjoys its time off. Our holidays give us the opportunity to recharge and rest, so we can give our best at work.

For most of us, travelling and spending time with family is one of our favourite things to do when we have time away from the office.

This month, Dan and Sarah took a week off to explore the wonderful city of Bilbao in northern Spain.

Keep reading to find out how they got on.

Birthday celebrations in a lively, friendly city

To celebrate Sarah’s birthday, she and Dan jetted off for a long weekend in Bilbao on Saturday 18 June.

As the largest city in the province of Biscay and the Basque Country, Bilbao is a lively and bustling destination with lots going on. While it’s highly populated and built-up, the city is also surrounded by mountains and has a rich historical heritage.

Sarah and Dan stayed at a fantastic hotel that overlooked the Guggenheim Museum – one of Bilbao’s cultural highlights and the reason why many tourists visit.

They enjoyed a trip to this iconic contemporary art museum, which was designed by architect Frank Gehry and has about 24,000 square metres of space organised around a spectaculaTeam updater atrium.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

“We also went to the Museum of Fine Arts, took an open-top bus ride around the city, and did plenty of walking and eating. The pintxos were a local snack, a bit like a mini open-faced sandwich, and they were delicious.

“The weather was a bit changeable, but it was ideal for sightseeing and warm enough to sit outside most of the time.

“Over three nights, we packed a lot in and had a fantastic time. I’d highly recommend Bilbao, and we’d definitely return because there was so much to see and do that we couldn’t squeeze it all into our short trip.”

Get in touch

If you’d like to learn more about the Blue Wealth team and how we can support you with all your financial planning needs, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) offer a simple and tax-efficient way to save and invest.

There are four different types of adult ISAs, with Cash ISAs being the most widely used. The latest government figures reveal that 66% of all ISA subscriptions were directed to Cash ISAs in the 2023/24 tax year. Moreover, 14.4 million people hold a Cash ISA and no other type of ISA.

However, in her 2025 Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a significant change to ISA rules, which will take effect from April 2027. This reform aims to reduce reliance on cash savings and encourage more people to invest.

According to FTAdviser, the chair of the Treasury committee has warned that there is “serious confusion” about how certain aspects of the new rules will work.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand what’s changing and how to make the most of your tax-efficient savings and investments when the new rules are in place.

The current ISA rules

In the 2026/27 tax year, you can contribute up to £20,000 to a single ISA or across multiple accounts, including:

• Cash ISAs
• Stocks and Shares ISAs
• Innovative Finance ISAs
• Lifetime ISAs (LISAs; contributions are limited to £4,000)

Aside from the subscription limit on LISAs, it’s up to you how you split your annual £20,000 allowance. However, any unused ISA allowance can’t be carried forward into the next tax year, so you need to “use it or lose it”.

You can also contribute up to £9,000 to a Junior ISA, which is designed for children aged under 18. This allowance is separate from your adult ISA allowance.

How ISAs are changing in 2027

From 6 April 2027, if you’re under 65, the amount you can contribute to a Cash ISA in a single tax year will be capped at £12,000.

Your overall ISA allowance will remain at £20,000, which means you could put the remaining £8,000 into a different type of ISA, such as a Stocks and Shares ISA.

It’s important to note that the government is introducing anti-circumvention measures to prevent people from using Stocks and Shares ISAs as a workaround to exceed the £12,000 cash cap.

These rules include:

• A 22% charge on interest earned on cash held within a Stocks and Shares ISA – The fee will be paid directly to HMRC by the ISA provider. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of their age.
• Restrictions on 100% “cash-like” holdings – To qualify as a valid investment ISA, your account cannot contain only low-risk mutual funds, which the government defines as Money Market Funds (MMF). You can include such assets, but they must be combined with other types of investments in your Stocks and Shares ISA. This restriction applies to people of all ages.
• Transfers from a Stocks and Shares ISA to a Cash ISA will be prohibited for under-65s – In contrast, you will be allowed to make unlimited transfers in the other direction: from your Cash ISA to an investment ISA.

These measures will only affect contributions you make from 6 April 2027. Any funds you’ve built up in a Cash ISA before this will continue to accumulate interest tax-free.

Why now might be the time to consider investing in a Stocks and Shares ISA

If you regularly use your full annual ISA allowance to top up your cash savings, these reforms might seem like unwelcome news.

And yet, investing at least £8,000 each tax year in a Stocks and Shares ISA when the new system comes into effect offers several benefits:

• Make use of the full £20,000 allowance – If you limit yourself to a Cash ISA, the amount you can save tax-efficiently will fall to £12,000 from April 2027. In contrast, investing your remaining £8,000 in a Stocks and Shares ISA allows you to make the most of your annual ISA allowance.
• Potential for higher returns – According to Moneyfacts, the average annual return for a Cash ISA is 1.79%, compared to 6.9% for Stocks and Shares ISAs. As such, investing some of your money could give you a better chance of beating inflation, which, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), stood at 2.8% as of 17 June 2026.
• Tax-efficient growth – Just as your savings in a Cash ISA are free from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on interest, any investment returns you make in a Stocks and Shares ISA are free from Dividend Tax and CGT.
• Align your wealth with your goals – Cash ISAs and investment ISAs achieve different purposes. Cash savings allow you to cover short-term and unexpected costs, while investing could help you progress towards your long-term objectives. As such, using both types of ISA could support your broader financial plan and help you achieve your goals.

Of course, the value of your investments can go up and down, and past performance is no guarantee of future returns.

If you’re interested in starting a Stocks and Shares ISA but feel apprehensive about doing so, our financial planners can help. We’ll explain your options in plain English and support you to create an investment portfolio that aligns with your needs, goals, and appetite for risk.

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

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 Blue Wealth on: 20/07/26

Thinking about life after you finish work usually involves planning for your retirement. This means considering how to enjoy your hard-earned wealth, perhaps by travelling, spending time with friends and family, or treating yourself to something you’ve always dreamt of having, such as a new car or the holiday of a lifetime.

However, there is another aspect of later-life planning to think about sooner rather than later: the possibility of funding care, should you need it.

While it’s impossible to know what life has in store, longer life expectancies and rising expenses mean care costs now form an essential area of financial planning.

This guide explores:

• What your care options might be
• The costs you could expect
• Funding options
• The role your family plays
• How we can help build later-life care into your financial plan.

Download your copy here: Your guide to planning for later-life care

If you have any questions about planning for care, please get in touch.

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

All information is correct at the time of writing (May 2026) and is subject to change in the future.

This month, the Blue Wealth team had a blast at our summer social evening.

These meetups are invaluable for catching up, strengthening relationships, building a sense of community, and, of course, having fun.

Thank you to all of you who joined us, and if you missed out, keep an eye on your inbox for details of upcoming events.

Post-work food and drink at a great venue

When the clock struck five on Wednesday 3 June, the Blue Wealth team headed over to Racks Bar & Kitchen for a post-work drink.

It’s a great venue that’s buried in the cellars of an old wine merchants – perfect for a cosy pub quiz on a rainy day. And rain it did. We had just arrived when the heavens opened and a torrential downpour began.

Fortunately, the poor weather didn’t deter a lively group of colleagues, clients and contacts from gathering around 5.30 pm.

We enjoyed chatting over a beverage or two and feasting on a very tasty spread of barbecue dishes.

Then, it was time to get down to business. Quiz time.

A hard-won battle of the brains

As you might have noticed from previous team updates, the Blue Wealth team has its fair share of sports lovers, making us quite a competitive bunch.

Altogether we had eight teams, which was an excellent turnout.

After several hours of head-scratching and concentration – there was a particularly tricky music round – one team emerged victorious. You can see their delighted grins in the feature image of this article.

Members of the winning team each received a John Lewis voucher to treat themselves with.

We’re determined to return and steal their champions’ crowns one day!

That’s all from us for now. We’re always planning our next social event, so watch this space and check your emails for updates about future meetups you can get involved in.

Finally, a quick reminder about our charity partner

As you know, we’re committed to supporting local causes, and our charity partner plays an important role in these efforts.

We’re currently supporting The Anchor Society, which 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.

You can also donate directly to the cause. If you’d like to do so online, please remember to tick the “Corporate Charity of the Year” box and enter “Blue Wealth” as the company name.

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, 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.

Every year, on 21 June, families around the UK celebrate Father’s Day. It’s a great opportunity to show appreciation for your dad while also celebrating and reflecting on being a parent yourself.

Perhaps you thought back to cherished memories and marvelled at how fast your children have grown? Maybe you were showered with cards and gifts? However, you spent this special day, it serves as an important reminder to consider what may lie ahead.

Indeed, as a parent, one of your most important responsibilities is planning for your family’s financial future.

So, with Father’s Day still fresh in your mind, keep reading to discover three smart ways you could create a financial safety net to protect your family.

1. Put life insurance in place

Nobody likes to imagine the worst-case scenario, but as a parent, it’s important to plan for the unexpected.

Taking out appropriate life insurance ensures that your family can afford to cover their essential living costs if you die. This may be especially meaningful if you’re the sole or primary breadwinner.

Your loved ones could also use a payout to clear outstanding debts, such as mortgages or school fees, helping to reduce financial and emotional pressure at this difficult time.

There are several types of cover to consider; some pay a lump sum, while others make regular payments that either increase or decrease over time. A financial planner can explain your options and support you in choosing a policy that suits your specific needs and those of your family.

You might also want to consider writing your life insurance into a trust so that any payout is made directly to your beneficiaries, rather than forming part of your estate. The potential benefits of this include:

• Your family receives money from the policy straight away and avoids a potentially lengthy probate process.
• The life insurance payout is not included in Inheritance Tax calculations, so your loved ones receive the full amount.

However, this is not the right approach for everyone, so it’s crucial to seek professional advice before making any decisions about your life insurance cover.

2. Set up Lasting Powers of Attorney

Without appropriate legal documentation in place, your family may be unable to access accounts or make important decisions about your finances and wellbeing if you lose the mental capacity to do so.

This could mean they struggle to pay essential bills, which may lead to penalties for missed payments and disruption to services they rely on at a time when they need stability the most.

Moreover, your family will likely have to apply to the Court of Protection to obtain the legal right to manage your affairs, which can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining.

To protect your family from this challenging situation, you could set up Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). These are legally binding documents that allow you to appoint a trusted person or people (your “attorneys”) to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.

There are two types of LPA:

• Property and financial affairs – This covers decisions about your money and property, such as paying bills and managing your bank accounts.
• Health and welfare – This covers decisions about how you live and are cared for, such as your daily routine and life-sustaining treatment.

At Blue Wealth, we can help you embed LPAs in your broader financial plan, so that your family receives the support they need if you’re no longer able to provide it.

3. Build an emergency fund

An emergency fund provides a vital financial buffer if you or your family experience an unexpected shock, such as redundancy or medical costs. This money could ensure that:

• Your family’s routine and sense of security are protected
• You don’t need to immediately dip into your savings
• You can avoid expensive borrowing.

It’s widely recommended that you hold enough savings to cover around three to six months of essential expenses. However, this is a general rule of thumb, and it’s important to consider your specific circumstances and needs when deciding how much is “enough” for your family.

For example, you may want to save more if you have several children or other family members who are financially dependent on you.

You might find it helpful to set up automated monthly payments so that a portion of your salary goes into a savings account that you can easily access in an emergency.

Get in touch

If you’re a parent who would like help creating a financial plan that provides for your family’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning or Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Note that life insurance and financial protection plans typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.

Cover is subject to terms and conditions and may have exclusions. Definitions of illnesses vary from product provider and will be explained within the policy documentation.

Approved by Best Practice on: 24/6/2026

The number of people celebrating their 100th birthday in the UK is on the rise. As life expectancy continues to increase, it is more important than ever to plan financially for a 100-year life.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 16,600 centenarians in 2024 – double the number in 2004 (21 October 2025).

Among those marking the milestone this year is the renowned natural historian Sir David Attenborough. The broadcaster turned 100 on 8 May, and he continues to share his passion for nature with the world.

Attenborough shows that entering later life doesn’t have to mean taking a step back. You could still embrace new experiences and create a life you love.

However, planning for a 100-year life often raises important questions about how to arrange your finances to secure the life you want, including how to ensure you have “enough” and what strategies are appropriate for you.

This guide explores some of the steps you might take to plan for a 100-year life.

Download your copy here: How to plan for a 100-year life

If you have any questions about planning for your later years, please get in touch.

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

All information is correct at the time of writing (April 2026) and is subject to change in the future.

Back in November, we introduced you to the newest member of our team, Tom Fraser.

We’re delighted to announce that Tom has successfully passed his probationary period at Blue Wealth.

Here’s what Tom told us about his role at the firm and plans for the future.

How long have you worked at Blue Wealth and what has been your career journey so far?

I joined Blue Wealth in October 2025, so it’s been seven months now.

I’ve worked in financial services since graduating Swansea University in 2019, and I decided to focus on paraplanning a few years ago. I’m keen to build a long-term career in the financial planning profession.

Since joining the firm, I’ve been learning a lot on the job, getting stuck in, while also working towards Chartered status.

How has your role changed since passing your probation?

Although my title hasn’t changed, I’m taking on more responsibility since passing probation.

I’m more involved in research and report preparation now, and I’ve started to develop a better understanding of processes from start to finish.

I am involved in more complicated financial planning solutions and products. I’m also becoming better able to support the team and advisers, which I really enjoy.

How does this promotion fit with your long-term career plans?

My main goal is to qualify as a fully Chartered paraplanner and build a strong technical foundation over the next couple of years. From there, I’d like to continue developing within financial planning, learning as much as I can and gaining solid experience.

What do you like best about your new role, and what aspects will challenge you to learn and develop?

I really enjoy the research side of the role and knowing that the work I’m doing contributes to helping our clients achieve their long-term goals. Being part of a small team is also great, as you get exposure to different areas and can learn quickly.

The most challenging part is probably building up my technical knowledge and working towards the diploma at the same time, but it’s a good challenge and something I’m motivated to keep improving on.

Get in touch

If you’d like to learn more about the Blue Wealth team and how we can support you with all your financial planning needs, we’d love to hear from you.

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.