Westside Article – June 2021

The recent Budget was one of tax pain largely deferred. Mr. Sunak was never going to introduce significant tax increases as economic recovery is the priority.  The proposals of most interest were:

  • The addition of £70 to the personal allowance and £200 increase in the basic rate band, in line with indexation requirements.  However, after 2021/22, the personal allowance and higher rate threshold (outside Scotland) will be frozen for four tax years.
  • The inheritance tax nil rate band, the pensions lifetime allowance and the capital gains tax annual exemption will all be frozen at their current levels for the next five tax years.

These freezes, along with rising property prices across the UK, mean that investment values are growing, putting more people at risk of falling into the inheritance tax net.  The Government raises billions each year from people sleepwalking into higher and higher taxes.   It is time to act.  No matter how large or how modest, everyone has an estate and you will want to control how it is administered to the people or organisations you care most about.   There are lots of points to consider such as making a will, appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney or nominating a pension beneficiary.  It is important to plan ahead with confidence in order to minimise the tax burden for your family and loved ones in the future. 

The world has never seen as much coordinated stimulus as in the past nine months.  This sets the stage for a strong economic recovery across the world in 2021.  Markets have already put COVID-19 behind them and have been largely positive since January. Biden wasted no time in unveiling a $1.9 trillion stimulus package and the UK has announced more measures to protect badly affected businesses. Companies know that the end is in sight and they also know that consumers are itching to spend as soon as they can.  However, returns on bank and building society accounts are falling to a minimum and interest rates and inflation are picking up.  All of this suggests now is the time for a financial review so that you are ready for the recovery.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, financial scams have been a growing problem, particularly affecting the older generation with the average age of a victim being 75.  The need for trusted, independent advice has never been greater.  Hamnett Wealth’s Director, Jonathan Rowley, is a SOLLA accredited Independent Financial Adviser. SOLLA is a not-for-profit organisation founded to make sure older people and their families get the very best advice when it comes to financial planning for later life. SOLLA members keep up-to-date with the fast-moving world of financial fraud and can help to spot the signs of scams. They are dedicated to providing the right advice and with a full understanding of the issues affecting older people and their families. Hamnett Wealth Management has also committed to the Financial Vulnerability Taskforce Charter which aims to promote a greater understanding of vulnerability, encourage appropriate behaviours and establish good practice amongst personal finance professionals in respect of people who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.

Hamnett Wealth Management offers a free consultation where you can gain an independent and professional second opinion on your financial arrangements. Do you know what your current advisor is charging you in fees?  Recent press reports have highlighted several cases of people moving their portfolios and pensions from a certain provider because they have been subjected to high fees, poor service and a lack of transparency.  Maybe you’ve lost touch with your financial advisor, are unsure of how your portfolio is performing or are looking to minimise the fees you are paying – our Advisors can review your finances and look at alternate ways for you to get a good return on your savings and pensions. We keep our costs to a minimum and because we are independent, we don’t need to worry about shareholders.  We can then pass these savings onto our clients, meaning that our fees are cheaper than the large corporate companies.

Our office is operating as normal but we can also offer appointments in the comfort of your own home, by telephone or by Facetime, Microsoft teams and Zoom. Please call us on 0114 235 3500 to arrange a free initial meeting. 

This article appears on page 27 of the June issue of Westside magazine. You can read the magazine online at Westside | RMC Media.

Westside Article – February 2021

At the start of 2021, we can all look back and be amazed at how the world has changed over the last year. Covid-19 has had, and is continuing to have, a massive impact and has caused the untimely death of many people, placed enormous stress on health care provision and changed the way we work, travel, socialise and play. ZOOM, Microsoft Teams and Facetime have become the new communication method and working from home has brought about new ways of doing business for many. The good news is that both the Pfizer and Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines are now being rolled out and the most vulnerable are being prioritised alongside our key workers and NHS. Whilst this latest lockdown is an unfortunate necessity, the vaccination programme offers a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel and we look forward with optimism that we can return to some form of normality, in as safe a way as possible, later this year.

Politically, Brexit has continued to dominate and we managed to leave the transition period with a trade deal. This month will see a new US president with Joe Biden moving into the White House (assuming that Donald Trump will move out!)

Markets do what they do when uncertainty prevails and we saw the biggest falls of recent times in March as the full impact of the first lockdown was felt. Markets then climbed in the second half of 2020 and now look to have settled back into normal trading levels.

So what about the future? Well, markets will continue to do what they do – go up and down. Interest rates are at an all-time low. Savers are being punished if they hold too much in cash. The returns on bank accounts are derisory. If inflation is at 2.5% p.a. and your savings are getting less than 1% p.a. your money is eroding. 

We believe that in the short-term, cash is king. Make sure you have enough to cover the next few years. Any surplus wealth you have should be invested in areas that allow you to keep pace with inflation and offer some growth potential. People are now looking to transfer money into different areas so they can profit from the new economic climate we are living in. We know that there is a range of funds that can offer low risk to very high-risk funds and can assist you in finding the best place for your money. There will be bumps in the road but don’t panic, focus on what you can control and mitigate risks elsewhere.  

Businesses will continue to fail and new ones will take their place. This is usual. However, the pace of change has quickened over the last year. We strongly believe that good companies, with sound management, low indebtedness and strong markets will continue to flourish. Rest assured that we will continue to monitor the companies and funds that we manage on your behalf and are working hard to minimise costs whilst offering support wherever we can.

Now is a time for us all to reflect, focus on the future and make sure our families are all safe and well. If this last year has taught us anything, it’s that plans change. Maybe you’ve decided to bring your retirement plans forward or are looking to try and pay off the remainder of your mortgage. If you would like one of our Advisors to review your finances, are unsure of how your portfolio is performing, or want to look at alternate ways to get a good return on your savings and pensions, please call us on 0114 235 3500 for a free initial meeting. Our office is operating as normal but we can also offer appointments by telephone or Facetime, Microsoft teams & Zoom.

You can read this month’s Westside online at https://www.rmcmedia.co.uk/magazines/westside/

Westside Article – October 2020

No matter how large or how modest, everyone has an estate and you will want to control how it is administered to the people or organisations you care most about. There are lots of points to consider such as making a will, appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney or creating the right Trust to protect your assets and help your beneficiaries. It is important to plan ahead with confidence in order to minimise the tax burden for your family and loved ones in the future.

Many people will hold considerable investments and share portfolios that form part of their estate on death. It is possible to transfer some or all of those assets into alternative vehicles that fall outside of your estate after 2 years.  You can also retain access to the capital in case you need it. This is achieved by utilising business property relief which results in 100% relief from inheritance tax on the amount invested after a maximum of two years.

Business owners can gain business relief which makes their business exempt. However, when the business is sold, the sale proceeds are inside their estate for Inheritance Tax and 40% tax beckons. It is possible to re-invest into qualifying investments where the previous business reliefs are retained.

If your estate is valued at over £1M, as many increasingly are, then a Inheritance Tax Review is advisable.  Here’s an example of how it works:

A couple own a house worth £700K.  They also have –

ISA’s                                                £100K

Share portfolio                            £350K

Buy-To-Let houses                    £500K

Their total estate comes to £1.65M.  Assuming they have 2 Nil-rate bands of £325K each (£650K) plus a main residence nil-rate band of £175K each (£350K), it is possible for most people to pass on £1M of their estate tax free. In this example there is a £650K excess taxed at 40% so the tax bill would be £260K.

If the above clients transferred their existing share portfolio of £350K into an exempt asset, it would reduce their Inheritance Tax bill by £140K and they would still have control of their money, be able to access it at any time and receive a stable return.

More and more people are seeing the increase in house prices pushing their estate values higher and higher. The Government raise billions each year from people sleep walking into higher and higher taxes. It is time to act now.

Call us on 0114 235 3500 or email us at advice@hamnettwealth.com for a free consultation to find out how we can help you.  Our recommendations will take into account all of your investments, retirement and protection strategies so that your estate planning fits your goals.

You can read this month’s Westside online at https://www.rmcmedia.co.uk/magazines/westside/

Westside Article – July 2020

We hope all Westside readers are keeping well during this difficult time. The affect of Covid-19 is still being felt world-wide and financial markets have been volatile, as you would expect in times of uncertainty, with many sectors and funds being adversely impacted.

At Hamnett Wealth Management, our investment philosophy has always been to look to the long term.  We have never attempted to predict the immediate path of the stock markets and we are not about to start now.  Over the last 30 years, we have witnessed several global crises. Each one different from the last. However, what we have learnt from all of them is to keep calm and endure.

There will be those of you who want to ‘do something’ but often the best, and hardest, option is to do nothing. Whilst uncertainty can create anxiety, don’t be tempted to make any rash decisions.  We are in constant contact with the fund management groups and the over-riding sentiment that we are hearing is that Covid-19 will have an impact on all businesses – some more than others.   Therefore we are currently looking at the possibilities and focusing on those companies that can weather this storm and will continue to adjust our portfolios over time.

                                                             ——————–

We are pleased to welcome a new Advisor to the team, Erica Dietsch.  Erica is an extremely experienced Financial Advisor who has worked with individuals and small businesses on all aspects of financial planning. 

Erica said: “I am looking forward to joining the Hamnett Wealth team. When the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to help Jonathan and Phil grow the business. I have always admired the way that they operate and how they have built a loyal base of clients who rely on them for managing their finances.  They both share my passion for providing clear, concise and transparent independent financial advice.”

Jonathan Rowley, Director of Hamnett Wealth, said: “I have known Erica both personally and professionally for many years. When we needed to expand the team, I knew that Erica would be the ideal person to help us grow our advice capabilities.  Erica is well known to many in Sheffield, having worked for the last 12 years at a local firm of Chartered Accountants. Erica has a very personable approach and I am sure she will fit into the existing team well.”

If you would like one of our Advisors to review your finances, are unsure of how your portfolio is performing, or want to look at alternate ways to get a good return on your savings and pensions, please call us on 0114 235 3500 for a free initial meeting.  Our office is operating as normal but we can also offer appointments by telephone or Facetime, Microsoft teams & Zoom.

You can read this month’s Westside online at https://www.rmcmedia.co.uk/magazines/westside/

Westside Article – Dec 2019

The end of 2019 is nearly here and what a year it has been.  We have celebrated our 30th anniversary, launched our new website, supported various charitable events and, of course, continued to provide unbiased, reliable and trusted personal financial and investment advice to all of our clients. 

Looking further afield, we’ve had a prorogued Parliament, the country feels divided, there is slow economic growth and a General Election is imminent (result unknown at time of print)….and we still don’t know what’s happening with Brexit!

Whilst uncertainty can create anxiety, our advice has remained the same throughout –  Brace for Brexit but don’t be tempted to make any rash decisions. It’s important to remember that when the financial landscape changes, to not respond would be a missed opportunity.  Whatever the result of the General Election, it is important to maximise your tax free savings, utilise all of your allowances and ensure your investments are positioned for 2020 and beyond. 

We suggest taking some time over the festive period to ask yourself the following questions:

1.Are you maximising your tax free saving allowances?

If you’ve money to save, but haven’t used up your ISA allowance, make sure you take advantage of this tax-free form of investment.  Equally, ensure you’re making the most of allowances on your pension contributions to cut your tax bill.

2.  Are you in control of your pension arrangements?

Whether you’re looking to set up a pension, save money on annual management charges or to reduce fees on expensive pension plans, review your current pension arrangements to see if they’re likely to help you achieve your retirement goals.

3. When was the last time you reviewed your investments?

Markets have been volatile over the last 12 months. With fast changing political events affecting markets, it‘s imperative that your portfolio and pensions are strategically invested to profit from uncertainty and protect yourself from market shocks.

4. Are you prepared for the future?

Safeguard against unexpected future events spoiling your final wishes by setting up a trust alongside your will.  Trusts come in a variety of forms and can help lower potential inheritance tax bills as well as give extra guarantees  that loved ones will be looked after. Appoint a lasting power of attorney so loved ones can act in accordance with your best interests and wishes as they are now.  There are two different lasting powers of attorney to consider – one to look after your health and the other your finances.

If you would like to review your finances, are unsure of how your portfolio is performing, are concerned that you are paying too much for a poor service or just want a second opinion, please call us on 0114 235 3500 for a free initial meeting. We can then review your current plans and discuss how we can help.

Hamnett Wealth Management would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our clients, professional connections and Westside Readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  Our office closes at 5pm on Friday 20th December and reopens at 9.30am on Thursday 2nd January. 

Westside Article – Nov 2019

Hamnett Wealth Management has launched a brand new website to mark the 30th anniversary of the business.  The new site has a modern look and feel and offers both a user-friendly navigation and a responsive design on mobile platforms.

The new website provides clear, uncomplicated information on the financial products and services we offer and is designed to appeal to both our current clients as well as a wider target market. You can also learn more about the Hamnett Wealth team and keep up to date with our latest news.

Jonathan Rowley, Director and Chartered Independent Financial Advisor, said:  “Financial planning is one of the most important decisions you can make so we wanted to make sure that our new website conveyed the friendly approach for which we are renowned. After all, being client focused is ultimately what has led to our longevity.”

Take a look for yourself at www.hamnettwealth.com  and let us know what you think.  We’d love to hear your hear your feedback.  Please email your comments to advice@hamnettwealth.com

Hamnett Wealth Management have been providing unbiased, reliable and trusted personal financial and investment advice since 1989.   The business has continually evolved over the last 30 years, changing with the times and keeping pace with the shifting economic landscape.  However, one thing that hasn’t changed are the core principles of trust and good service. With a wealth of experience under our belts, and expertise in a broad range of financial products and services, our clients entrust their financial future with us.

If you feel that you would like to review your finances, are unsure of how your portfolio is performing, are  concerned that you are paying too much for a poor service or just want a second opinion, please call us on 0114 235 3500 for a free initial meeting. We can then review your current plans and discuss how we can help.

We will also be celebrating our anniversary by making a donation to Totley Library. We are strong supporters of our local community and know that many of our clients value this important community resource that is run by volunteers.

Please feel free to call in and celebrate our 30th anniversary with us. The door is always open and the kettle is always on. We are based at 160 Baslow Road, Totley, Sheffield S17 4DR.

Hamnett Wealth Management would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients, professional connections and friends who have played a significant part in our journey so far.

Westside Article – Oct 2019

Hamnett Wealth Management have been providing unbiased, reliable and trusted personal financial and investment advice since 1989, when the business was established by Peter Hamnett.

The business has continually evolved over the last 30 years, changing with the times and keeping pace with the shifting economic landscape. We have had to adapt to meet the constant changes in legislation and regulatory regimes. Hamnett Wealth in 2019 bears very little resemblance to the business that Peter set up.

However, one thing that hasn’t changed are the core principles of trust and good service. With a wealth of experience under our belts, and expertise in a broad range of financial products and services, our clients entrust their financial future with us.

Now managed by Phil Smith, who joined in 1996 and Jonathan Rowley, who joined in 2002, the team have built long-lasting relationships with clients and families, some of whom have been dealing with the company for the last 30years. Our client-centric approach is ultimately what has led to our longevity.

Last year was a particularly important for the company. We started 2018 by being awarded the prestigious ‘Chartered Financial Planners’ title by the Chartered Insurance Institute. Chartered status is an exclusive title only awarded to firms which meet rigorous criteria relating to professionalism and capability with fewer than 700 firms having achieved Chartered status, an indication that this highly exclusive award is reserved for the leading firms within the financial advice market.

Towards the end of 2018, Jonathan achieved Later Life Adviser Accreditation from the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA). SOLLA helps people in finding trusted accredited financial advisers who understand financial needs in later life.

In 2019, to mark our 30th anniversary, we will be launching our new website. The new site has a modern look and has been designed to provide you with a user-friendly experience. You can find out more about our values, the range of financial services we offer and learn more about the Hamnett Wealth team. The new site also has improved navigation and functionality throughout and you can stay informed with our latest news.

Along with the new website, we will also celebrate our anniversary by making a donation to Totley Library. We are strong supporters of our local community and know that many of our clients value this important community resource that is run by volunteers.

Please feel free to call in and celebrate our 30th anniversary with us. The door is always open and the kettle is always on. We are based at 160 Baslow Road, Totley, Sheffield S17 4DR.

Hamnett Wealth Management would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients, professional connections and friends who have played a significant part in our journey so far.

Westside Article – May 2019

Hamnett Wealth Management is a local, Chartered Independent Financial Advice company, based in south-west Sheffield, which has been helping people since 1989.  Our business is small enough to care about each and every one of our valued clients, building trust and long-lasting relationships, yet large enough to provide specialist financial planning advice on pensions, investments, inheritance tax and estate planning needs.

Our Chartered status means we have satisfied rigorous criteria relating to professional qualifications and ethical good practice. It means you can be confident that you are dealing with one of the UK’s leading firms that is wholly committed to providing you with the best possible advice, service and support.

At Hamnett Wealth Management you’re personally looked after by one of our four experienced, qualified and Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) who will be dedicated to managing your individual requirements.

Being Independent means they are not restricted or limited in which products or providers they recommend.

Our IFAS are:

Jonathan Rowley has been advising clients for nearly 25 years and has been with Hamnett Wealth Management since 2002  Jonathan is also a SOLLA Accredited Later Life Adviser.  SOLLA helps people to find trusted accredited financial advisers who understand financial needs in later life.

Phil Smith joined the company in 1996 and, in that time, has dealt with all different kinds of clients, many of whom he still looks after today.  Phil specialises in advising clients on investments, pensions and inheritance tax planning.

Louise Gower came to Hamnett Wealth Management in 2009 and is an accredited member of Resolution which specialises in Pensions and Divorce.

Graham Walton started with the company in 2003 and focuses on green and ethical investments.

Our team of IFAs are backed up by professional support from our administration team who are all based in our Totley Office.  These are:

Lisa Richards – Business Manager

Louise Myers – Administrator

Jayne Briggs-Willis – Administrator

Alex Brown – Administrator

Some areas we deal with can be financially complex but we all speak in plain English and explain everything comprehensively.  We encourage you to ask as many questions as you need until you’re comfortable and able to make an informed decision as to how you wish to progress.

Please call the team on 0114 235 3500 for a free initial review meeting without obligation.  Alternatively, call in and meet us at 160 Baslow Road, Totley, Sheffield S17 4DR.

Westside Article – April 2019

April 6th 2019 sees the start of the new tax year and is an excellent time to spring clean your financial arrangements.  Here’s Hamnett Wealth Management’s suggested to do list:

1. Maximise your tax-free saving allowances

If you’ve money to save, but haven’t used up your ISA allowance, make sure you take advantage of this tax-free form of investment.  Equally, ensure you’re making the most of allowances on your pension contributions to cut your tax bill.

2. Take control of your pension arrangements

Whether you’re looking to set up a pension, save money on annual management charges or to reduce fees on expensive pension plans, review your current pension arrangements to see if they’re likely to help you achieve your retirement goals.

3. Review your investments

Markets have been volatile over the last 12 months. With fast changing political events affecting markets, it‘s imperative that your portfolio and pensions are strategically invested to profit from uncertainty and protect yourself from market shocks.

4. Plan for the future

Safeguard against unexpected future events spoiling your final wishes by setting up a trust alongside your will.  Trusts come in a variety of forms and can help lower potential inheritance tax bills as well as give extra guarantees  that loved ones will be looked after.

Appoint a lasting power of attorney so loved ones can act in accordance with your best interests and wishes as they are now.  There are two different lasting powers of attorney to consider – one to look after your health and the other your finances.

5. Brace for Brexit but…

…don’t be tempted to make any rash decisions. It’s important to remember that when the financial landscape changes, to not respond would be a missed opportunity. We recommend you seek advice from a professional Independent Financial Adviser to review your investments and ensure that your current financial plan is still working for you now and will continue to do so in the future.

Hamnett Wealth Management are Chartered Independent Financial Advisers who offer unbiased, expert financial planning advice and a working towards becoming a dementia friendly business.  Jonathan Rowley, Director and Chartered Financial Planner, is also an associate member of SOLLA. SOLLA helps people and their families in finding trusted accredited financial advisers who understand financial needs in later life.

We offer a free initial face-to-face consultation where we’ll assess your needs and explain how we can help. You’re always welcome to call into our office on Baslow Road, Totley or we can visit you in the comfort of your own home.  Call us now on 0114 235 3500.

Westside Article – March 2019

Entering the new tax year is a great time to spring clean your finances. Here’s Hamnett Wealth Management’s suggested checklist:

1. Maximise your tax-free saving allowances

If you’ve money to save, but haven’t used up your ISA allowance, make sure you take advantage of this tax-free form of investment.  Equally, ensure you’re making the most of allowances on your pension contributions to cut your tax bill.

2. Take control of your pension arrangements

Whether you’re looking to set up a pension, save money on annual management charges or to reduce fees on expensive pension plans, review your current pension arrangements to see if they’re likely to help you achieve your retirement goals.

3. Review your investments

Last year saw increased volatility and this year could be just as interesting. This has meant that some previous flagship funds have fallen from grace. These new “Dog funds” have been named and shamed for charging high fees and delivering well below average performance. We are happy to review your funds and ensure that they are in line with your objectives and attitude to risk.

4. Plan for the future

Safeguard against unexpected future events spoiling your final wishes by setting up a trust alongside your will.  Trusts come in a variety of forms and can help lower potential inheritance tax bills as well as give extra guarantees  that loved ones will be looked after.

Appoint a lasting power of attorney so loved ones can act in accordance with your best interests and wishes as they are now.  There are two different lasting powers of attorney to consider – one to look after your health and the other your finances.

5. Get in touch

Have you lost touch with your previous advisor? Did you use a Bank who have since withdrawn from offering advice? Has your advisor lost their Independent status and become restricted in what they can provide to you?

Hamnett Wealth Management are Chartered Independent Financial Advisers who offer unbiased, expert financial planning advice and are working towards becoming a dementia friendly business.

Jonathan Rowley, Director and Chartered Financial Planner, is also an associate member of SOLLA. SOLLA helps people and their families in finding trusted accredited financial advisers who understand financial needs in later life.

We offer a free initial face-to-face consultation where we’ll assess your needs and explain how we can help. You’re always welcome to call into our office on Baslow Road, Totley or we can visit you in the comfort of your own home.  Call us now on: 0114 235 3500 or email us at: advice@advice@hamnettwealth.com