Redwood Financial Family Wealth & Estate Planners Ltd

15/06/2026

Crystallising a Pension: what does it actually mean?

Many people reach retirement knowing they have a Pension, but not always knowing what happens when they start accessing it.

We often see Clients who assume crystallising a Pension simply means “taking some money out”. In reality, it can affect tax, future income, investment growth, and even Estate Planning.

For example, taking tax-free cash may feel like the obvious first step, but without a wider plan it could reduce future flexibility or create unexpected tax consequences later on.

In this explainer video, we look at:

• What Pension crystallisation means
• When a Pension becomes crystallised
• How tax-free cash works
• Pension drawdown and annuity options
• Common Pension withdrawal mistakes
• Why timing and Professional Advice matter

Crystallising your Pension is not just an admin step. It is a key Financial Planning decision.

🎥 Watch the video here:
https://zurl.co/CABes

11/06/2026

Checklist for University

Parents, before they head off to start university in September, make sure they have everything they need:

✔️ Laptop, Mobile & Charger
✔️ Basic Kitchen Kit
✔️ Mini First Aid Kit and Medicines
✔️ Laundry Bag and Washing Pods
✔️ Noise-Cancelling Headphones
✔️ Bank card

Oh, and…

✔️ Lasting Power of Attorney

Why? Because once your child turns 18, you no longer automatically have the legal right to make decisions or manage things for them if they become seriously ill or lose mental capacity.

A recent UK case involving a 19-year-old student, Sudiksha Thirumalesh, became the centre of a highly publicised Court of Protection case after disagreements arose over her medical treatment while she was seriously ill in hospital. Doctors believed treatment should be withdrawn, having been wrongly forced into palliative care by medics, while Sudiksha and her family wanted alternative options explored.

The case later reached the Court of Appeal, where judges ruled concerns around her mental capacity had been wrongly assessed.

While the circumstances were complex and deeply tragic, the story brought national attention to an issue many parents never think about: student shocked many families and highlighted just how difficult things can become without LPAs in place.

An LPA isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making sure the people they trust can step in quickly if life takes an unexpected turn.

So before they head off for Freshers’ Week or fly off on their first lads’ or girls’ holiday… before independence truly begins… make sure this important protection is in place.

Read the full article about Sudiksha case here: https://zurl.co/a7wlS

In this video, Jasmine Lambert explains why a Lasting Power of Attorney is so important, what could happen if you do not have an LPA, and why LPAs, Wills and Estate Planning should be reviewed as part of your wider Financial Planning.

# HolidayChecklist

08/06/2026

“Dad’s Will leaves everything equally to the children. But I don't need the money, and my brother is struggling.”

It’s a situation many families quietly face after someone dies.

A Will sets out what should happen to an Estate, but life is rarely that neat. Family circumstances change. Tax positions change. What looks fair on paper may not feel like the best outcome in practice.

In some cases, beneficiaries may be able to change how an Inheritance is distributed using a Deed of Variation.

That could mean redirecting part of an Inheritance to children, grandchildren, a Trust or charity. It may also help with Inheritance Tax Planning, depending on the circumstances.

But there are rules.

The change usually needs to be made within two years of the date of death, and all the people affected must agree. Professional Advice is essential before taking action.

We’ve explained the main post-death planning options, when they might be useful, and the key points families should understand in our latest blog.

Read the full article here: https://zurl.co/5mvVW

We cannot stress enough the importance of having an up-to-date Will that reflects your wishes. However, circumstances may require special support.

04/06/2026

More than three-quarters of workers are not on track for a “moderate” retirement income, according to BBC News.

The article reports that a moderate retirement lifestyle could cost around £32,700 a year for one person, or £45,400 for a couple, yet only 23% of the working population are currently on course to reach that level.

That raises an important question:

How do you know if you’re saving enough for retirement?

It’s not just about how much is in your Pension today. It’s about the retirement you want to have.

* When do you want to retire?
* What sort of lifestyle do you want?
* How often would you like to go on holiday?
*Will you want to replace your car regularly?
* What income might you need each year?

In our Pensions Webinar, 'How to Know if You’re Saving Enough for Retirement', Chartered Financial Planning expert Jasmine Lambert explains how we help our Clients understand whether they are on track to achieve their retirement goals.

Register to join our complimentary Pension's education webinar: https://zurl.co/hvF6I

The video covers why your goals matter, how to review your Pension savings, how Savings and Investments may support your retirement plans, and why regular Financial Planning reviews and Professional Advice can make such a difference.

Watch the video to understand the key questions to ask when planning for retirement.

Source: BBC News https://zurl.co/eT5u4

01/06/2026

When Estate Planning Goes Wrong: Stacey & Graham’s Story

Most people think Estate Planning can wait.

Stacey thought so too.

She spent 10 years caring full-time for her father, Graham, who was living with advanced dementia. She had clear wishes about who should inherit her Estate… but she never got around to putting them into a Will.

Then the unexpected happened.

After Stacey passed away suddenly, everything changed:

• The family home became vulnerable to Care Fees
• A large future Inheritance Tax problem was created
• Decision-making became legally frozen
• The people Stacey wanted to inherit received nothing

Instead, her Estate passed under the Rules of Intestacy to a family member whose own Inheritance Tax liability was already high and who had care home fee commitments that would eventually consume this unexpected inheritance.

It’s a heartbreaking example of how good intentions alone are not enough when it comes to Estate Planning.

If your wishes aren’t properly documented, the law decides what happens next.

Read the full case study: When Estate Planning Goes Wrong: Stacey & Graham’s Story and see why putting things off can have devastating consequences. https://zurl.co/lf99O

Don’t wait until it’s too late to put the right Planning in place.

A properly structured Estate Plan can protect your loved ones, preserve your assets, and ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.

If you would like guidance tailored to your circumstances, contact Redwood Family Wealth & Estate Planners today for a complimentary callback consultation.

Contents show 1 A Redwood Case Study 2 A Life Devoted to Family 3 A Plan Half-Finished 4 The Unexpected Happens 5 The Domino Effect of Inaction 6 Don’t Leave It Too Late 6.1 Final Thought A Redwood Case Study Estate Planning is one of those things people often mean to get around to. It […]

28/05/2026

What Is a Trust and Why Might You Need One?

Secure Your Legacy: Learn How Trusts Can Protect Your Wealth & Loved Ones!

Imagine a Trust as your personal virtual safety deposit box, a secure space where you can store your assets, accessible only to you and your chosen Trustees.

What makes it unique is how your assets are transferred. Instead of being gifted outright, they are provided as a loan from the Trust. This key distinction helps keep the value of these assets separate from your beneficiaries’ Estate, offering significant protection.

In this FAQ video, Chartered Financial Advisor Jasmine Lambert explains why this matters and how it can strengthen long-term financial planning.

Want to learn more about Trusts and the benefits of Fully Protective Wills and Estate Planning?

Join us for our FREE Public Information Webinar today! Simply register and watch from the comfort of your own home.

🔗 Register now: https://zurl.co/Ifplk

👉 Read our full blog here: https://zurl.co/4JYIN

25/05/2026

✨ Ready to make your money work harder for you? ✨

Then join our new Understanding Savings & Investments Webinar

Want to take control of your financial future? Join our free Webinar designed to help you make smarter money choices and build long-term wealth.

In this Webinar, you will learn about:
✅ Smart tax-saving opportunities: keep more of your money working for you.
✅ The investor's roadmap: what to expect at each stage of your financial journey.
✅ Saving vs. Investing explained: when to protect your money and when to grow it.
✅ Strategies for long-term success: plan ahead with confidence and clarity.
✅ Costly pitfalls to avoid.

🖥️ Online: easy to join from anywhere, and watch at a time that works best for you!

👉 Register now:https://zurl.co/VazG4

Start building the future you deserve. 🌱💷

24/05/2026

Redwood Is Growing!!

We are looking for a Receptionist to join the Redwood Team. If you are looking to progress your Financial Planning career, we'd love to hear from you!

Redwood is an award-winning, professional, and highly rated Hampshire-based independent financial firm with an excellent working environment. Due to continued success, we are looking to expand our Financial and Estate Planning services.

If you’re organised, professional, people-focused, and thrive in a fast-paced office environment, we’d love to hear from you.

✨ Full-time permanent office based role
✨ Great benefits + profit share scheme
✨ Supportive, close-knit team
✨ Career progression opportunities

Ready for your next move?

Click here to find out more: https://zurl.co/yYRhD

Our dedicated team is an integral asset to our family-owned and run business. As a Receptionist, you’ll be the initial point of contact and friendly face that our valued Clients meet!

21/05/2026

Redwood Financial will be closed for the late Spring Bank Holiday, Monday, May 25th. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26th, ready to help you grow, protect, and enjoy your wealth!

Whatever your plans for what is shaping up to be the first warm and sunny May Bank Holiday of the Year, we wish you all a wonderful weekend!

The Redwood Team

21/05/2026

Redwood Is Growing!!

We are looking for a Receptionist to join the Redwood Team. If you are looking to progress your Financial Planning career, we'd love to hear from you!

Redwood is an award-winning, professional, and highly rated Hampshire-based independent financial firm with an excellent working environment. Due to continued success, we are looking to expand our Financial and Estate Planning services.

If you’re organised, professional, people-focused, and thrive in a fast-paced office environment, we’d love to hear from you.

✨ Full-time permanent office based role
✨ Great benefits + profit share scheme
✨ Supportive, close-knit team
✨ Career progression opportunities

Ready for your next move?

Click here to find out more: https://zurl.co/tj15o

Our dedicated team is an integral asset to our family-owned and run business. As a Receptionist, you’ll be the initial point of contact and friendly face that our valued Clients meet!