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Professionals

Building a successful career in the professional services industry can be tough. Time is dedicated to building knowledge and contacts, and whilst income levels are often significant, there’s usually little control over how remuneration is structured. We understand this as we are professionals too and are often part of the same networks.

Financial planning needs are bespoke, dependent on your personal goals as well as the stage of your career.

Planning utilises regular income streams to build financial security in retirement, whilst also ensuring you have an enjoyable lifestyle along the way – one that is separate and not reliant on work. There is typically no option to generate a large capital sum on exit and therefore planning needs to start as early as possible with regular modelling to assess progress.

Whilst financial planning services are offered by many firms, our extensive experience and knowledge with professionals sets us apart. Our clients trust us to create flexible plans that help them reach their goals.

Investment
wrappers

The key to building wealth is to develop a pattern of regular investments that are reviewed often, allocating profit shares or excess income to a variety of wrappers. Tax year allowances such as ISAs and pensions should be utilised. General investment accounts and investment bonds (onshore and offshore) could be considered for any capital above this.

Many professionals are partners and therefore sit outside of the scope of workplace pensions. For high earners pensions can be extremely tax efficient, but it’s vital contributions are structured correctly as you will be subject to a variety of limits. As specialists, we take the hassle out of these scenarios by running the calculations for you. We also consider other tax relievable investments such as VCTs and EIS, to maximise your opportunities on a regular basis.

A combination of wrappers allows flexibility to build an income strategy. One that can adapt to changing circumstances whilst ensuring you are focused on your goals and lifestyle.

As with all financial planning, and while we do all we can to protect our clients’ investments, the value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest.

Any tax reliefs are dependent upon your own personal circumstances and are subject to change.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028).

VCTs and EISs investments are high risk products not suitable for the majority of retail investors.

 

Estate
planning

Building up assets through your working life (other than a pension, which is exempt under current legislation) will likely result in your estate being above inheritance tax thresholds. It’s therefore important to consider inheritance tax planning / estate planning.

Some may be focused on retaining capital within the family and keeping control of this, whilst others may want to structure gifts to allow subsequent generations to share in their success. Planning in this area will almost certainly involve other professionals, such as tax advisers or lawyers, with consideration needed at various stages of life.

Our solutions often incorporate a combination of trust planning, Family Investment Companies, protection policies and intergenerational engagement.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Trust, Estate Planning or Tax advice.

Protection

Protection is an often-overlooked area for many professionals. Whilst the main focus will likely be on building value for the future, it’s important to consider the risks that could occur before this point.

We consider and implement strategies primarily for the personal aspect of your planning, looking at cover for any debt, illness or inability to work. Professionals do often receive some form of benefits package from their company, and these should be fully assessed as part of their wider plan.

Protection plans typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.