JRR Tolkien wrote stories that captured the imagination of millions. But his meticulous estate planning could also teach us some important lessons: discover more about four of these.

Gifting assets during your lifetime has become a common strategy for reducing a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill. Yet, gifting doesn’t always mean that assets are excluded from your estate when calculating IHT. Find out what you need to know.

Once you’ve created an estate plan, you might want to talk to your family about the decisions you’ve made. While these conversations can be difficult, they’re important and could ensure everyone is on the same page.

Estate planning is an important part of your financial plan. Not only does it ensure your assets are passed on to who you wish and considers areas like Inheritance Tax (IHT), but it could provide you with peace of mind about your future too. Over the last few months, you’ve read about why estate planning matters, how to decide who to pass on assets to, and when you need to create a plan for IHT. Now, read on to find out what steps you could take to improve your own financial

When you’re deciding how to pass on assets and who you want them to go to, understanding their value, and how this might change, is crucial. Last month, you read about why estate planning should be part of your overall financial and life plan. Now, read on to discover why getting to grips with what your estate covers is important. Essentially, your estate is everything you own when you pass away. This could be material items or assets like your investments or savings. As a re

If Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a concern for you, taking out a life insurance policy could mean your estate passes to loved ones intact. With some careful planning, a life insurance payout can cover your IHT liability and ensure assets are passed on to your loved ones. Planning what will happen after your death isn’t easy, but being proactive is important and can help ensure your assets are passed on effectively. £2.7 billion paid in IHT between April and August 2021 According t

Thinking about passing away and leaving loved ones behind can be incredibly difficult. While it can be challenging, many Brits have thought about what their preferences would be, and millions want their loved ones to celebrate their life. According to a survey from Co-op Funeralcare, a third of Brits feel like funerals, in general, are too sombre and should be more uplifting. So, it’s not surprising that an estimated 35 million would prefer their funeral to be a celebration o