December 2024 Newsletter

Hello and welcome to our latest e-newsletter and our final edition of 2024.

Well, another year has flown by and December is here, which can only mean one thing – it’s Christmas!

As the year draws to a close, we hope you’re enjoying the festive spirit and finding time to reflect on a year well-spent in all areas of your life.

December is not only the perfect time to reflect a little on the year that has gone before but also to think about the year ahead in relation to all the elements that make up your life, including financial. Opportunities will exist in 2025 both financially and in life and we will continue to be with you and by your side to help you with both.

We have covered a number of topics throughout the year and we end 2024 with articles that may have a resonance with you around the festive period but of course we start with the ever present Market Commentary.

We follow that with some thoughts on giving or gifting money and any Inheritance Tax (IHT) implications. We share with you some thoughts on President Elect, Donald Trump and how he may have an influence on future Christmas’s in relation to the toy industry. Finally, as this time of year is family orientated, we look at estate planning for blended families.

In ML news we provide details of our office opening hours over the festive period as well as details on some webinars we are looking to run in early 2025.

Whilst at this time of year it is a time of giving and thinking of others it is also important that you think of yourself so, amid the holiday bustle, don’t forget to take some time to recharge. Whether it’s enjoying winter walks, gathering with loved ones or simply savouring a quiet moment with a hot drink, a little balance can make the season even brighter.

In an, at times uncertain world, we will continue to look to provide you with some certainty in 2025 by always being there for you to advise, support and reassure throughout!

As always, if you have any concerns or questions we’re here and happy to help so please do not hesitate to get in touch.

In the meantime, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for the festive season and beyond – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Kind regards

Simon Lister
Director & Independent Financial Planner

Quote Of The Month

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”

Helen Keller

December Market Commentary

The US election provided another definitive moment in what has been a politically charged year. With many countries holding elections in 2024, analysts have been second guessing...

ML News

News and views from the ML Offices...

Is Giving Money Away An IHT Planning Option?

Labour's new policy on inheritance tax (IHT) means that more estates could pay inheritance tax in the future. Whilst there are plenty of legitimate ways to reduce an IHT liability, there's...

Is Trump The Christmas Grinch?

With Christmas looming and President Elect, Donald Trump, promising the introduction of greater trade tariffs, the toy manufacturing industry is in a rush to move away from Chinese factories...

Estate Planning For Blended Families

Blended families are formed when two people live together with children from previous relationships. They are increasingly common in the UK and can work extremely well. However, it is...

OUR NORTHAMPTON OFFICE

Whilst our Northampton office hours are largely the same as our Head Office in Wymondham, there are occasions when it is unmanned during the working week.

We would love to see you though – so if you do not have a meeting booked in at our Northampton office, but are thinking of popping in to see us or to drop something off to us, then please give us a call on 01953 711123 to check that there will be someone in the office for when you plan to visit.

Thank You