Godiva Financial Planning Ltd

28/10/2026

The Autumn Budget has brought changes across savings, investments, tax and business ownership.

We look at some of the key changes and what to be aware of as you plan for the future.

Read our Autumn Budget update: https://www.godivafinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/the-2026-autumn-budget

St. James’s Place Representatives represent only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Chancellor John Healey’s much awaited first Autumn Budget did much as expected – which was to announce a series of small fixes aimed at offsetting rising living costs. In the chancellor’s words, to offer millions some ‘breathing space’. There were also measures to support smaller businesse...

22/10/2026

Inheritance Tax planning isn't only about how much tax might be due. There’s another question worth considering:

Will your family have access to the money to pay it when it's needed?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is generally due by the end of the sixth month after someone dies. This can create practical challenges where much of an estate is tied up in assets such as property and cannot easily be accessed or sold.

Changes from April 2027, when most unused pension funds are due to be included when calculating the value of an estate for IHT purposes, could make this an important consideration for more families.

One option that may form part of an estate plan is whole of life assurance.

A whole of life policy provides a guaranteed lump sum on death, provided the policy remains in force and the required premiums have been paid. When appropriately written in trust, the proceeds will usually sit outside the estate for IHT purposes and can generally be accessed without waiting for probate.

This could provide beneficiaries with funds that can be used towards an IHT liability without necessarily having to sell other assets or borrow money at what may already be a difficult time.

However, whole of life assurance isn't suitable for everyone. Premiums are normally payable for life and the cost can vary significantly depending on factors such as age, health and the level of cover required.

Whether it is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances and should be considered as part of your wider estate and financial planning.

If you'd like to understand the options available when planning for Inheritance Tax, we're here to help.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This content is for information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.

Read more: https://www.godivafinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/whole-of-life-assurance-the-quiet-solution-to-the-iht-landscape

20/10/2026

Many business owners tuck their commercial properties into their pensions, thinking they are sorting their taxes and future plans out nicely. But come April, changes in inheritance tax might add a few unexpected twists.

If your wealth is entwined in bricks and mortar, your loved ones could face a mountain of paperwork and financial surprises. Not exactly the inheritance you would wish to leave behind, right?

If your commercial spaces are included in a pension, it might be a good time for a little reassessment. Are your current plans still doing the job?

No one enjoys financial surprises, especially when it comes to the legacy we leave for our family.

Godiva Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

15/10/2026

For years, many people viewed their pension as more than just a source of retirement income. It was also a tax-efficient way to pass wealth on to future generations. But changes coming into force in April 2027 could prompt many families to reconsider their retirement and estate planning.

Read more: https://www.godivafinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/the-new-retirement-dilemma-preserve-or-spend-your-pension

13/10/2026

Is it time for a little financial rethink? 🧐

Traditionally, many have thought it wise to sip from the ISA cup first and save that pension wealth like the last biscuit in the tin for future generations. But with looming pension and inheritance tax changes set for April 2027, we might need a new game plan.

This raises a few fun questions:
- Should we be dipping into those pension assets a bit earlier?
- Has our tried-and-true withdrawal hierarchy gone the way of flip phones? 📱
- Is being tax-efficient still the top priority, or has flexibility stolen the spotlight?

Financial planning is anything but a one-size-fits-all hat, and that’s exactly why it’s worth having a good chinwag about your unique situation. After all, nobody woke up thinking, ‘I can’t wait to read some jargon!’ 😄

Maybe it’s time to refresh those strategies!

Godiva Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

08/10/2026

With less than four weeks before the chancellor John Healey stands up to give his first Budget, leaks about what might be announced have been few and far between.

The lack of rumours has also led to a notable reduction in speculation, which has been welcomed by both SJP and markets. The panic seen in previous years around potential changes to pensions for example, appears to have been largely muted.

However, in his keynote speech to the Labour Party conference in Birmingham on Tuesday, the prime minister Andy Burnham set out a pledge to offer access to free social care services to everyone in England – on which he intends to lead Labour into the next election.

Read more: https://www.godivafinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/autumn-budget-2026-with-a-month-to-go-what-lies-ahead

05/10/2026

Investors saw a perfect storm this week across financial markets. This culminated in US 10-year Treasury yields reaching 5.1%, a level last seen during the global financial crisis in 2007. The 30-year Treasury yield rose even further, exceeding its level in 2004.

Government bond yields are climbing as investors demand even more compensation in response to persistent inflation pressures, a resilient economy as well as high energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty. Reinforcing higher US inflation pressures was a data release on the economic health and sentiment across the services and manufacturing sectors.

This showed US business activity during September accelerated to its fastest rate in over five years. While signs of a booming economy would normally be considered as positive for markets, difficulties in sourcing suitable staff and order backlogs are adding to fears of higher pressure on selling prices and therefore inflation in the months to come. This strength in the economy also suggests it is strong enough to absorb another rate hike. It also feeds into the higher for longer narrative regarding interest rates, pushing bond prices, shares and the gold price lower.

Read more: https://www.godivafinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-28-09-2026

02/10/2026

Financial plans should reflect who we are and what we truly want. We’re all unique, with goals that vary widely - from buying a first home to saving for a child’s education or preparing for retirement. This variety means a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work.

Take saving for a child’s education. One family might want to cover university fees, while another may focus on private schooling. The ways you save for each will be very different. ✏️

This is where tailored advice really helps. When you work with someone who knows your specific goals, you can create plans that fit your needs and adjust them as life changes.

The beauty of financial planning is its ability to shift as your goals change. Keeping the conversation going ensures that your plans stay relevant and work for you.

What are your financial goals? Have they changed over time? 🤔

25/09/2026

Meet Ian Luckett

Selling up is a major transition for any business owner – even more so when you’re the third generation of your family in charge.

For Ian Luckett, his family’s coach-travel business represented a lifetime’s hard work for himself, his brother, his father and grandfather – as well as the financial security of their loved ones. With the support of his financial adviser, Ian was able to realise the rewards of that hard work and secure his family’s future.

Read more: https://www.sjp.co.uk/individuals/client-stories/turning-a-family-business-into-family-wealth

22/09/2026

Feeling overwhelmed by financial decisions is something we can all relate to. 🤔 Whether it's planning for retirement, saving for a child's education, or simply wondering if you're on the right track, the stress can be immense.

Tailored financial advice offers a sense of clarity and peace of mind. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding your unique situation and goals. With personalised guidance, you can finally breathe a little easier, knowing that you’re following a plan designed just for you.

This newfound confidence can ripple into other areas of your life. When you feel secure about your finances, it frees up mental space to focus on what truly matters - enjoying life and cherishing time with family. 💖

Reflecting on our financial paths can help us feel more connected and create understanding.