Hello and welcome to our August e-newsletter.
August has arrived, and with it comes that familiar feeling that the year is moving rather quickly. For many, this is a time to slow the pace a little – perhaps enjoying a summer holiday, spending more time outdoors, catching up with family and friends, or simply making the most of the weather.
It has certainly been a summer to remember. From a financial perspective, there is plenty to keep an eye on, with changes to pensions, ISAs and inheritance tax continuing to shape the planning landscape.
Looking further ahead, the proposed changes from April 2027 mean that some long-standing assumptions around pensions and passing wealth on to the next generation may need a rethink.
Away from finance, the wider world continues to provide plenty to talk about too. Technology and AI remain firmly in the spotlight, while the unusually hot summer has brought the importance of looking after our health, homes and wellbeing into sharp focus. The UK experienced its hottest day of 2026 so far earlier this month, with temperatures reaching 38.1°C at Kew Gardens.
And perhaps that is a good reminder of something we can all too easily overlook: financial wellbeing is only one part of overall wellbeing. Having a plan that gives you confidence and clarity can be just as valuable as having time to switch off, get outside, enjoy the people around you and look after yourself.
With that in mind, this month’s newsletter looks at some important areas of financial planning, but from a very human perspective. We explore what the upcoming inheritance tax changes could mean for your pension, whether you are making the most of your £20,000 ISA allowance, and why protection planning can be one of the most important – yet probably the least enjoyable – parts of a financial plan.
We also look beyond the numbers at financial wellbeing, and why feeling in control of your finances can be just as important as growing your wealth.
So, whether you are enjoying a well-earned summer break or simply making the most of August at home, we hope you find this month’s newsletter useful, interesting and perhaps a helpful prompt to take a little time for your own financial wellbeing.
As always, if anything in this month’s newsletter prompts a question or you would like to talk through your own circumstances, we’re here to help.
Kind regards
Simon Lister
Director & Independent Financial Planner
Quote Of The Month
“Its good to have money adn the things money can buy, but its good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things money can’t buy.”
George Lorimer
