Fingerprint Financial Planning

Fingerprint Financial Planning FingerprintFinancialPlanning are Truly Independent Financial Advisers based at the Historic Dockyard

Let's talk, listen and support for better mental health together.This years focus is lived experiences heard: Support st...
10/10/2026

Let's talk, listen and support for better mental health together.

This years focus is lived experiences heard: Support starts with being heard. Its good to talk its even better to be heard.

Conversation's about mental health make a difference. And they matter most when we listen to people's experiences.

By sharing your experience, starting a conversation and taking the time to listen you could help someone feel understood, less alone and more confident reaching out for support.

This could be a friend, a loved one or a colleague.

Regular valuations and reviews can help you establish the value of your estateIHT rules mean it’s important to take an o...
07/10/2026

Regular valuations and reviews can help you establish the value of your estate
IHT rules mean it’s important to take an overview of your whole estate, rather than just looking at your income and bank balance as a barometer of your wealth.
It’s a good idea to get up-to-date valuations for your:

Home and any other properties
Cash savings
ISAs
Investments
Valuable possessions
Business interests.

Pensions have traditionally been excluded from an estate and therefore have often been a tax-efficient asset to pass on.

However, from 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and some death benefits will be included in an estate for the first time, potentially raising its value and bringing it into the scope of IHT.

From 2027, when calculating your estate’s value, you’ll need to include all current and previous pensions, which could be from former employers or periods of self-employment. We can help you track down any long-held or potentially lost pensions.

Valuing your estate can be a big job if you try to calculate it as a one-and-done exercise. Rather, try to maintain up-to-date records and review valuations on a regular basis so you can adjust your estate planning if necessary.

As well as the total value of your estate, you’ll need to factor in debts and liabilities, such as any outstanding mortgages, credit card balances, or loans. Funeral expenses can usually be deducted from your estate.

Understanding your potential IHT exposure can support your estate planning strategy. If you think your estate could be liable for IHT, there are actions you can take to reduce its value and mitigate the bill for your beneficiaries.

These can include:

Gifting during your lifetime
Charitable giving
Trusts

You could also consider taking out life insurance and putting it into trust. While this won’t reduce the value of your estate, it could leave funds for your loved ones to settle an IHT bill.

Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

According to Today’s Wills and Probate, almost half of homeowners describe themselves as “just getting by” financially, ...
05/10/2026

According to Today’s Wills and Probate, almost half of homeowners describe themselves as “just getting by” financially, despite their estates being above the current Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold.

Although this might sound contradictory, it’s more than feasible to have a relatively modest disposable income at the same time as owning a high-value home.

However, in some cases, not feeling as though you fit the definition of “wealthy” could mean that you incorrectly think estate planning isn’t relevant to you. This could lead to your beneficiaries receiving an unnecessary IHT bill, or one which could have been mitigated with careful estate planning.
Read on to discover why understanding the value of your estate could ultimately be beneficial to your loved ones.

Increased asset values combined with frozen thresholds could expose your estate to Inheritance Tax

Your wealth status can often change without you consciously realising it. Rising asset values, such as property, don’t influence your everyday income, so aren’t immediately in your line of sight. It is feasible that you bought your home years or even decades ago, and its value may have increased significantly.

Other assets, such as long-term investments, may have also grown substantially without boosting your income.

IHT is usually applied at 40% on assets above certain thresholds. The nil-rate band, above which an estate usually becomes liable for IHT, is £325,000. This has been frozen since 2009/10 and is due to remain at its current level until April 2031.

In some cases, frozen thresholds can lead to fiscal drag; as asset values rise, the IHT threshold remains the same, which could result in more estates becoming liable for IHT. In fact, according to Saga, 10% of estates may be liable for IHT by 2030.

The residence nil-rate band applies up to £175,000 when you leave your home to your direct descendants. Combined with the nil-rate band, this means you could potentially pass on up to £500,000 before IHT is applied.

Unused allowances can be transferred to your spouse or civil partner, potentially allowing a couple to pass on up to £1 million.

The first Autumn Budget under Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey will be delivered on 28 October. Ne...
02/10/2026

The first Autumn Budget under Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey will be delivered on 28 October. New leadership in the Labour Party may signal a change in direction, so it’s not surprising that speculation about what could be announced is rife.

In addition, official forecasts suggest that public borrowing in July was £2.3 billion more than predicted1. As a result, Healey, who has adopted fiscal rules that commit to funding all day-to-day spending through tax receipts by the end of the decade, could face some difficult decisions.

This has led to rumours about what will be announced and your personal finances may be affected. While this can feel unnerving, staying calm is important. We’re writing to reassure you that we’re in your corner and will keep you up to date with Budget news, so you don’t need to rely on the rumour mill.

However, if you’re tempted to make changes to your finances after reading the news, here’s why you could benefit from pausing to consider what’s driving your decision.

3 reasons to avoid reacting to speculation ahead of the 2026 Budget

1. The speculation might prove false and could lead to regrets
2. Financial decisions should be carefully considered
3. There’s often a transition period before changes are implemented

We’ll be watching the Budget and analysing what it means for you.

Its so important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and the fact its not just women tha...
01/10/2026

Its so important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and the fact its not just women that are at risk. So this is to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to check themselves regularly not just this month but every month.

The builders and painters have been busy and here is a few pictures of fixtures, fittings and a media wall. There has be...
28/09/2026

The builders and painters have been busy and here is a few pictures of fixtures, fittings and a media wall. There has been so much progress its really starting to look good and we are excited to see it finished and move back.

Read on to discover the last three ways house sale advice has changed over the years, and how to get your property in pe...
25/09/2026

Read on to discover the last three ways house sale advice has changed over the years, and how to get your property in peak condition for viewings and photographs.

3. Think about your online listing

While the viewing was all-powerful in the past, your online listing could now hold even more sway. According to Property Daily, 97% of respondents said they had used an online portal for their property search.

Your prospective buyer is very likely to see your home online before they decide whether to view, so it’s important to get your house in order for the pictures, not just the viewing.

It’s therefore a good idea to declutter, make your beds, and open up your curtains and blinds to get the best effect and lighting for the photos.
You could even go for a one-off professional clean before the photographer arrives.

4. Show opportunities rather than your own taste

A viewing used to present an opportunity to show your own take on each room. However, with hybrid working, many people are now looking to see the potential other variants for the rooms.

According to Finder, 39% of Brits work from home at least some of the time, so will be looking for a comfortable working environment.

Add a desk and working area to one of your spare bedrooms, to show potential
See if areas such as alcoves or large hall or landing spaces could house a dedicated workspace
Demonstrate flexibility. As well as home working, you could consider how rooms could be converted into a nursery or space for an older relative.

5. Remember the importance of “kerb appeal”

In this respect, the advice hasn’t really changed. The front and exterior of your property is still arguably the most significant, as it creates the first physical impression for your prospective buyers.

Mow the grass and trim edges so the lawn is neat
Clean the front door and windows
Move bins to a discreet place
Sweep and clear pathways
Make sure your house number or name is clearly visible

You could also add a few potted plants or hanging baskets to the front of your house to add some colour.

Selling a home is, for most, an infrequent event. The last time you moved house could have been years or even decades ag...
23/09/2026

Selling a home is, for most, an infrequent event. The last time you moved house could have been years or even decades ago.

As such, you could be forgiven for being somewhat surprised that, when you come to prepare for viewings, much of the advice you learned the last time has been turned on its head.

Read on to discover five ways house sale advice has changed over the years, and how to get your property in peak condition for viewings and photographs.

1. Think fresh rather than fragrant

A Rightmove article from 2014 suggests using delicious smells to add allure to your home, suggesting freshly baked bread and flowers. Other advice around this time was to brew fresh coffee, warm vanilla extract in the oven, or even fry bacon to create an appetising aroma.

Today, the focus is much more on freshness rather than “staged” scents. Strong smells can be off-putting, clash with each other if you overdo it, and make prospective buyers wonder what you’re trying to mask.

Think clean and airy rather than powerful and potent:

Air rooms by opening windows for 30 minutes before your viewing.
Avoid cooking beforehand.
Empty all rubbish bins.
Deal with the source of persistent smells, rather than trying to mask them.
If you have pets, empty any litter trays, and make sure all their bedding is clean.

2. Be less personal

Previous advice encouraged sellers to make a home seem lived-in, by displaying photographs and personal items.

Nowadays, experts advise focusing on decluttering and removing personal effects, so people viewing the property can more easily imagine their own belongings there.

However, it’s important to strike the right balance. You don’t need to turn it into a clinical, sterile environment; rather, think about minimalisation.

Reduce any large collections of family photos.
Put away anything that’s highly personal.
Declutter crowded shelves and surfaces.

Artwork on the walls, books on shelves, and plants on windowsills are fine, as they can create a welcoming look without it being “your” look.
To be continued...

In a shake-up to Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules, your pension could become part of your estate from 6 April 2027. This may ...
21/09/2026

In a shake-up to Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules, your pension could become part of your estate from 6 April 2027.

This may mean the tax bill your estate needs to pay when you die could be significantly higher and affect what you leave behind for your loved ones.

The changes could have implications for your estate and retirement plans. So, you might benefit from making adjustments to reflect the incoming rules.

If you have any questions about IHT or your overall financial plan Fingerprint Financial Planning can help you create a solution.

4. You can walk and talkIf you have headphones, you can pop them in and take a walk at the same time you’re chatting. It...
18/09/2026

4. You can walk and talk

If you have headphones, you can pop them in and take a walk at the same time you’re chatting. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, do some exercise, and catch up with your friends and family at the same time.

5. A conversation can be more spontaneous

Messaging can be very considered and curated. You can edit and delete and retype until you’re happy you’ve created the perfect communication.

A phone conversation is much less controlled, allowing you to ask questions as they naturally arise, rather than contemplating and ruminating over a message.

6. Difficult conversations can be easier

An apology can feel much more heartfelt if you take the time to make a phone call, rather than sending a quick message. In the same way, talking about sensitive personal matters, resolving a disagreement, or discussing worries with someone over the phone is a much clearer and positive way of communicating.

7. You’re more likely to give it your full attention

When you’re messaging, you’re likely to be doing something else at the same time, such as watching television, cooking, or working. But when you’re on the phone, you generally stop what you’re doing and give your full attention to the person at the other end.

Address

Admirals Offices, The Historic Dockyard
Rochester
ME44TZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+443452100100

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fingerprint Financial Planning posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Fingerprint Financial Planning:

Shortcuts

Share

Category