What's Happening in the World of Personal Finance?

Aveton Gifford Associates achieves Chartered status

Official recognition is a welcome benefit to any business – particularly when you’re acknowledged as being at the highest level of your field.

That’s just what Aveton Gifford Associates have done, following our achievement of Chartered status.

Not only are we one of the first firms in Scotland to attain their charter, but partner Hugh has also become a Chartered Financial Planner in his own right.

So if you’re looking for expert financial advice, why not talk to a company with impeccable credentials? (Click here to contact us.)

Savers lose out on £170 million

An incredible 7 million UK savers choose accounts without the tax-free benefits of an Isa, according to research group IFA Promotion.

This means that they’re paying £86 million in unnecessary taxes on those savings.

And that’s not including the 4 million of us who hold equities that aren’t in an Isa wrapper – they give the taxman a further £84 million. That’s £170 million that he doesn’t really deserve.

The fact is that Isas are an excellent way for people to make the most of their money – as any Professional Adviser would tell you. And if you’re saving money outside of an Isa, you really will be paying too much tax.

Sources: www.londonstockexchange.com 2007

Professional Inheritance Tax Planning increasingly important

With Revenue & Customs investigating more and more IHT avoidance schemes, couples are being advised by experts to ensure that their tax planning is absolutely watertight.

If you’re married or in a civil partnership then you can inherit all your partner's estate without worrying about inheritance tax. But for couples who live together it’s a different story – they have no right to inherit assets from a dead partner.

Professional advice that really counts

Seeking professional advice is your first step to tackling IHT, and independent financial experts like Aveton Gifford can make a huge difference. We’re experts in all aspects of IHT planning, from making your will to ensure property passes to a partner, to actions that minimize the effects of IHT, special trusts for children called 'bare' trusts which will not be hit by new IHT tax measures.

So if you’re concerned about protecting your loved ones from a hefty tax bill, get in touch with Aveton Gifford Associates today.

Sources: www.thisismoney.co.uk 2007