Inheritance Tax in 2026 – Part 1: Lifetime Gifts and the New Business Property Relief Rules
Part 1 of a two-part series on inheritance tax (IHT) by Andrew Hamilton, Chartered Tax Adviser. A short history of death taxes I am old enough to remember the precursor of IHT: Estate Duty (1894 to 1975). Estate Duty taxed the deceased’s estate at progressively higher rates — the larger the estate, the higher the […]
Estate Planning: Protecting Wealth and Preserving Intent
Estate planning ensures your wealth is distributed according to your wishes efficiently and clearly. It goes beyond writing a will. It brings together legal, tax and family considerations into a coherent plan. What Is Estate Planning? Estate planning involves organising your affairs so that: Assets pass smoothly Tax is managed efficiently Dependants are protected Your intentions are clear […]
Inheritance Tax Planning for Edinburgh Homeowners
For many Edinburgh homeowners, property is one of the most valuable assets they own. A home that was bought years ago may now represent a significant part of the family’s wealth, especially in areas where house prices have increased over time. This is why inheritancetax planning for Edinburgh homeownersis so important. Property values can have […]
Saving for Children and Grandchildren
JISAs, Junior SIPPs, and the Power of Starting Early In the UK, saving and investing are not commonly taught in schools. That means the responsibility of introducing children to money management often falls on parents and, in some cases, grandparents. This can be challenging, as investing is a complex area with many options to navigate. […]
The Hamilton Kids Guide to Risk
When adults talk about investing, they often talk about “risk.” But risk isn’t just about money. Risk is something you experience every day. Let’s look at what it really means. What Is Risk? Risk means: Something might not go exactly the way you expect it could go better or worse. That’s it. It doesn’t mean […]
The Hamilton Kids Guide to Money
Simple lessons for smart futures What Is Money (And Why Does It Matter)? Money is a tool. It helps you buy things.It helps you plan for the future.It gives you choices. But money is not the goal. It’s what money allows you to do that matters. You can use money to: Learn new skills Travel […]
