Smart Money September/October 2025

Welcome to our September/October edition of Smart Money. Here’s a brief summary of what’s included in this edition:

On page 03, we look at how the growing awareness of intergenerational wealth transfer, alongside recent changes to Inheritance Tax rules, is prompting more people to reassess their estates and seek professional advice. A substantial proportion of people plan to pass on their wealth to future generations; however, many are unaware of how to do this in a tax-efficient way.

On page 04, we examine the key aspects and potential benefits of Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), which offer tax-efficient retirement savings with government top-ups, wide investment choice, and flexible contribution methods. SIPPs can suit both hands-on and managed approaches, making them versatile for different investor needs, but professional advice is often essential for maximising benefits and avoiding pitfalls.

On page 06, we explore how grandparents could support their grandchildren more effectively through tax-efficient savings and investment options such as Junior ISAs, Junior SIPPs and Lifetime ISAs. With thoughtful planning, grandparents can help create meaningful financial security and leave a lasting legacy.

On page 10, we highlight the importance of financial protection to help safeguard your family’s lifestyle if income is disrupted by illness, injury, or death. We also explore the value of inheritance planning through trusts to reduce tax burdens and protect assets. By combining these measures, families could help achieve peace of mind and long-term financial resilience.

Foster Denovo Private Wealth is a trading name of Foster Denovo Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028 unless the plan has a protected pension age).

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available.

Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.

The Financial Conduct Authority doesn’t regulate trust planning and most forms of inheritance tax (IHT) planning.

The financial conduct authority does not regulate tax and trust advice and will writing.

Some IHT planning solutions put your money at risk, and you may get back less than you invested. IHT thresholds depend on individual circumstances and the law. tax and IHT rules may change in the future.

The tax treatment is dependent on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in future.