Paton Financial Planning

Is your money working as hard as you do? Small, consistent habits today can create bigger rewards tomorrow.

Discover the power of financial advice: https://www.sjp.co.uk/individuals/advice-and-products/tax-year-end-2526

St. James’s Place Representatives represent only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

SJP Approved 7/1/2026

Many investors will be feeling worried about the current events in the Middle East, and are wondering what actions they should now be considering.

However, times of stress and uncertainty are the worst time to make investment decisions.

Those tempted to reduce their holdings should remember that market history, led by the US, shows us that following geopolitical shocks, stock markets bounce back.

Market events like this are highly uncertain, evolve quickly and cause significant market fluctuations, and trying to predict how these will unfold can destroy value over the long term.

Usually the best strategy in building long-term wealth is to look through the noise, remain invested and allow returns to compound over the long term.

Keep calm and carry on - geopolitical effects on markets prove temporary Keep calm and carry on - geopolitical effects on markets prove temporary

In an increasingly volatile world, what do market ups and downs mean for those investing for their retirement?

Even though volatility can be nerve-racking for investors, history suggests it is important to remain invested in tough times to benefit from the long-term gains of investing.

You can help manage the volatility risk of your retirement portfolio by choosing the level of risk you are willing to take across your investment products, whilst diversification also helps to manage volatility risk.

Planning for retirement in volatile times Planning for retirement in volatile times

Few taxes arouse as much concern - and misunderstanding - as inheritance tax (IHT).

Leaving a decent inheritance for your loved ones can be life changing, but navigating inheritance tax rules and estate planning is often tricky.

Here are five inheritance tax traps to avoid, so you can leave more of your wealth to your family.

How to avoid inheritance tax traps How to avoid inheritance tax traps

Our Real Life Advice report shows that while AI and digital tools can make financial advice more accessible, most people still want to rely on a human when it really matters: https://www.sjp.co.uk/individuals/advice-and-products/financial-advice/real-life-real-advice

St. James’s Place Representatives represent only St. James’s Place Wealth Management
plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

SJP Approved 17/4/2026

This is my favourite part of financial planning for my clients!

Returns on investments can be eroded by tax, but good planning has the power to reduce your tax bill, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned money.

The UK tax system is complex, and prone to change, as seen in the recent Autumn Budget. A regularly updated tax plan can help you navigate the maze and maximise reliefs and exemptions available to you.

The power of having a tax plan in place The power of having a tax plan in place

The Autumn Budget is out. What does it mean for you?

There is certainly a lot to unpack. As rumoured, the Chancellor extended the freeze on income tax thresholds, in a move set to drag many more into the higher rate tax bands.

Rachel Reeves also announced widespread changes to pensions salary sacrifice, the introduction of a mansion tax on high-value properties and raised wealth taxes on savings and dividends. These are just a few of the many announcements made in the Budget.

The Budget lowdown – the topline announcements The Budget lowdown – the topline announcements

You've worked hard for wealth, so why not protect it?

Talking about death is never easy, but conversations about inheritance tax (IHT) have become increasingly common in recent times.

Find out how you can protect your estate, lower your IHT liability and pass on more money to your loved ones:

Protect your estate: strategies to reduce inheritance tax Protect your estate: strategies to reduce inheritance tax