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Liberty news
Pensions & IHT: the ‘double tax’ trap
For years, pensions have offered a valuable tax advantage alongside retirement income, enabling people to pass on wealth to the next generation. But from April 2027, changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules could mean some families face a significantly larger tax bill than they expected. In some cases, beneficiaries may face both IHT and income tax on inherited pensions – this is known as the ‘double tax trap.’
The missing years: caring, career pauses & long-term planning
Figures show women are substantially more likely than men to take a career break during their working life. Whether it’s maternity leave, caring for young children, or looking after elderly family members, the responsibilities that lead to time out of paid work are more likely to impact women.
Latest news
Women & wealth: A growing frontier
Women own more wealth than at any time in history. Money is being earned, created through entrepreneurship, and inherited by women through wealth transfer at a rapidly growing rate. But for many women there are still significant barriers to growing their wealth and gaining financial security.
The taxable benefits of buying an annuity
Changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules which will bring most pensions into scope from next April are changing how people think about retirement planning, with more turning once again to annuities. For many years annuities have been firmly out of fashion. This followed the introduction of pension freedoms in 2015 which made it much easier for people to take out money from their pension fund, rather than having to buy an annuity.
Mortgage rule changes could help more self-employed & older borrowers
The self-employed, older borrowers, first-time buyers, and workers paid in a foreign currency are among those who could benefit from a relaxation in mortgage lending rules. The regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, has published a consultation into its proposed mortgage rule changes. The reforms, if introduced, would give lenders greater flexibility when lending to specific groups.
Women & wealth: Navigating the financial future
Female wealth is growing at pace, fuelled by inheritance, more women in higher earning careers, and a rise in female entrepreneurship. Yet it is not a consistent picture across the board; research tells us that many women are facing gaps in their finances. As the largest provider of financial advice in the UK, St. James's Place is committed to helping women take charge of their financial future.
Approaching retirement: what is the right time to de-risk?
Moving from decades of building wealth to relying on investments for income is a significant transition. At this point, many people begin to think more carefully about risk, particularly how much of it they are comfortable taking.
New tax year: maximising opportunities at every life stage
Household finances continue to be squeezed in 2026. With income tax thresholds frozen until at least 2031, more taxpayers are being pulled into higher tax bands. Plus, years of high inflation have compounded the problem as rising prices mean less disposable income.
Saving & investing for children & grandchildren
Many parents worry that their children will struggle to find their financial feet in the current environment. Concerns include the flagging jobs market and inadequate retirement savings. Meanwhile, high house prices make it increasingly difficult to take the first step onto the property ladder. These are all factors driving fears that younger generations will face a tougher financial future.
The busiest shipping lanes in the world
The conflict in Iran has brought shipping traffic to a halt in the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global trade. This disruption has highlighted the world’s reliance on this strategic sea route and the vulnerabilities it creates for the global economy. Here we explore some of the busiest and most important shipping lanes in the world.
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