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Having worked hard during your life and paid your fair share of taxes, you’re likely to want the wealth you’ve created to benefit those who matter most. Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a major concern in the UK as property prices and estate values continue to increase. Unprotected assets are subject to 40% taxation on values exceeding the Nil Rate Band of £325,000 (2023/2024) per person. Within your financial plan/, we will assess how we can minimise your tax liability, whilst maximising what you can pass on to your loved ones in a tax efficient manner.

HM Revenue & Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.

Click here to read our latest Market Updates on Estate Planning

Saving and investing for maximum tax efficiency is more likely to result in your hopes and dreams becoming a reality. Whether it is saving for a deposit for your first home, planning for school fees or just saving for a rainy day, Riverside is here to determine the most effective route to achieving your investment goals.

We have access to a large number of UK and International funds either directly, via our Platform proposition, or indirectly, via our Insurance proposition. We can offer pre-approved portfolios by Old Broad Street Research (OBSR) or we will tailor a bespoke portfolio dependent on your particular attitude to risk.

The value of the investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the amount originally invested.

Click here to read our latest Market Updates on Investments

Life and health assurance are generally considered to be essential cornerstones of financial planning. Against a general trend of better health and decreasing mortality rates, insuring against these risks can be relatively inexpensive.

Most people are aware of the need to have life assurance, if they have dependents or outstanding liabilities. But you should not ignore the need to have health assurance that will pay you an income if you are ill and cannot return to work. Critical Illness cover provides a lump sum should you be diagnosed with a pre-defined condition.

We will recommend the types of cover that are relevant for you, calculate how much you need and over what term. From a panel of providers we will identify the solution most appropriate for your circumstances.

Click here to read our latest Market Updates on Protection & Life Assurance

With life expectancy continually on the rise and expected pension age increasing accordingly, thinking about and planning for you retirement has never been so important. Not only are people living longer, but their lives tend to be far more active, with a greater spending appetite to match. The basic fact is that our income in retirement will need to support us for much longer than previous generations ever expected.

At Riverside, we encourage our clients to start retirement planning as early as possible. We view it as integral to proper, holistic financial planning. As part of our advice process, we will help you plan for your retirement, to maximise your pension fund, select funds matching attitude to risk and ensure that the right decisions are made at the appropriate time. Of course, when you reach retirement age and you want to start taking your benefits, we will be there to guide you through the myriad of options available to you.

The value of the investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the amount originally invested.

Click here to read our latest Market Updates on Retirement planning

How long will my pension need to last Click here to visit the Office for National Statistics calculator

Without business protection, the death or serious illness of a key member of staff could have serious consequences for a business. Key Person Cover can protect against the following business risks:

· Recruitment costs to find a suitable replacement
· Loss of profits whilst the business is disrupted
· Paying any company sick pay to the key person if the claim is related to a critical illness
· Being unable to repay a loan
· Paying back a business overdraft
. Covering salaries, dividends or loan repayments

The proceeds of Key Person cover could help the remaining owners buy the affected individual’s share and retain control of the business.

Click here to read our latest Market Updates on Business Protection

Annuity

You can normally withdraw up to 25% of your pot as a one-off tax-free lump sum then convert the rest into a taxable income for life called an annuity. You can also choose to provide an income for life for a dependent or other beneficiary after you die.

Flexi Access Drawdown

With this option you can normally take up to 25% of your pension as a tax-free lump sum, then re-invest the rest into funds designed to provide you with a regular taxable income. You set the income you want, though this might be adjusted periodically depending on the performance of your investments. Unlike with a lifetime annuity your income isn’t guaranteed for life – so you need to manage your investments carefully.

Take small cash sums from your pot

You can use your existing pension pot to take cash as and when you need it and leave the rest untouched where it can continue to grow tax-free. For each cash withdrawal, normally the first 25% is tax-free and the rest counts as taxable income. You can also keep saving into a pension if you wish and receive tax relief up to age 75.

Which option or combination is right for you will depend on:

· Your age and health
· When you stop or reduce your work
· Whether you have financial dependants
· Your income objectives and attitude to risk
· The size of your pension pot and other savings
· Whether your circumstances are likely to change in the future
· Any pension or other savings your spouse or partner has, if relevant

Click here to read our latest Market Updates on Retirement

How long will my pension need to last Click here to visit the Office for National Statistics calculator

Stamp Duty Calculator Click here to visit GOV.UK’s calculator