Investment planning is a core area of our business. We can provide a tailored, expert service, coupled with an ongoing review and evaluation process.

We outline below just one possible scenario for a retiring couple:

Broad Facts:

• Couple are retiring imminently
• Tax-free cash is due from current employers' pensions schemes, together with reasonable level of occupational pension income
• Both clients have old personal pension schemes, which are also due
• One of the couple has high blood pressure, but no major health worries
• Clients have a number of investments via a bank, on which they are receiving no service or ongoing advice
• Clients are unsure regarding the risk profile of their current holdings in relation to their current view of investment risk
• Clients wish to derive income from their current holdings in a tax efficient manner to boost retirement income, but are unsure how
• There is an awareness of and concern over Inheritance Tax

Possible Solution:

• Detailed investment recommendations regarding the use of clients' pension tax free cash
• Recommendations regarding the taking of personal pension benefits, including the enhancement of pension benefit rates based on one client's health position, namely the high blood pressure
• Full review of existing investments in relation to performance, charges, income generation, tax efficiency and servicing standards, with the movement of funds to improve one or more of the above issues
• Dovetailing existing investments with new recommendations to ensure the clients' risk profile is adhered to in relation to the whole investment mix
• Recommendations regarding the taking of the required level of income, taking account of tax efficiency and capital preservation
• Use of Inheritance Tax friendly trusts for part of the funds under review, to painlessly and gradually reduce the impact of Inheritance Tax on the estate