Freer Financial Planning Ltd

- Did you know...

Financial advice isn't just for people with lots of money!

Whether you're buying your first home, planning for retirement, protecting your family, or simply wanting to make the most of your finances, getting advice can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

It's all about creating a plan that works for your goals—whatever stage of life you're at.

Happy Friday! 😊

Did you know...

You can pay up to £3,600 a year (gross) into a pension for your child — even if they don't earn an income.

It might seem early to think about their retirement, but thanks to the power of long-term investing and compound growth, starting young could make a real difference over the decades.

It's a thoughtful way to help give them a head start for the future while you're creating a lasting financial legacy.

Life Cover and Critical Illness Cover are often mentioned together, but they protect you in very different ways.

Life Cover is there to help protect the people you leave behind, while Critical Illness Cover is designed to support you financially if you're diagnosed with a covered serious illness.

Understanding the difference can make choosing the right protection a little less confusing.

*Policy terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Critical Illness Cover only pays for illnesses and conditions defined in the policy.*

Honestly, nothing makes us happier than getting our clients the outcome that they want - your success is our success. We also strongly believe that financial advice should be for everyone, we are aware that it can get complex at times but we pride ourselves in being able to explain things in a way it makes sense so it doesn't feel overwhelming or stressful.

Your financial journey doesn't have to be complicated.

Whether you're looking to grow your wealth, protect your family, plan for retirement, or simply gain clarity over your finances, having the right advice can make all the difference.

Here's what working with us looks like:
✨ You realise you need some help
📞 We arrange an initial meeting
📋 We review your complete financial position and goals
🎯 We create a bespoke plan tailored to you
📈 We provide ongoing support and monitoring
🤝 You gain confidence knowing your finances are on track

Our approach is built around long-term relationships, personalised advice, and helping you achieve what matters most.

If you'd like to find out how we can help, send us a message or get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.

Freer Financial planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 16/07/2026

Wedding bells... and financial perks?

Getting married is about far more than tax allowances and pensions (obviously ❤️), but tying the knot can come with some financial benefits too.

Here are a few you might not know about...

💷 Marriage Allowance – You could be able to reduce your tax bill if you meet the eligibility criteria.

🏡 Inheritance Tax – Married couples can usually pass assets to each other free from Inheritance Tax, with unused allowances potentially transferring to a surviving spouse.

📈 Capital Gains Tax – Transferring assets between spouses can often be done without triggering Capital Gains Tax, which may help with longer-term financial planning.

💼 Pension benefits – Depending on your pension scheme, your spouse could be entitled to valuable survivor or death benefits.

📝 Estate planning – Marriage can affect how your estate is treated, although keeping your will up to date is still just as important.

Love might not have a price tag... but marriage can come with a few financial advantages worth knowing about. 💕

As always, the benefits available depend on your individual circumstances, and tax rules can change over time.

What is volatility? 📈

You've probably seen headlines about markets rising one day and falling the next—but what actually causes that?

*Volatility* is simply the natural movement of investment prices. Sometimes markets rise, sometimes they fall, and that's a normal part of investing.

Recent examples include:
📉 Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which caused oil prices to jump and markets to react.
💷 Political uncertainty in the UK, which affected the value of the pound and investor confidence.
📊 Changing expectations around interest rates and inflation, which continue to influence markets and investment values.

This is why understanding your *attitude to risk* is so important.

Things to ask yourself:
✔️ Would short-term market falls worry you?
✔️ Are you investing for the next 5, 10 or 20+ years?
✔️ Can you stay invested when markets are unsettled?

Risk isn't about avoiding market ups and downs—it's about choosing an investment strategy that's appropriate for your goals, timescale and comfort with uncertainty.

Remember: markets have experienced periods of volatility throughout history, but short-term movements don't necessarily determine long-term outcomes.

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You don't have to take all of your pension's tax-free cash as one big lump sum?

In many cases, you can choose to take it gradually instead, giving yourself a *tax-free income* over time rather than taking it all at once.

For some people, this can offer greater flexibility and help their retirement income last longer.

Every retirement is different, so understanding your options can make a real difference.

*Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change in the future.*

It's world emoji day (apparently!) so we thought for some Friday fun we would put together a little game - enjoy!

Answers in the comments!