Annuities back in the retirement toolkit
Rising annuity rates have made guaranteed income products relevant again for retirees planning around uncertain markets. Scottish Widows makes the case for annuities as a way to cover essential expenses from a secure source, freeing up the rest of the pension pot for growth-oriented drawdown.
One notable stat: 85% of annuities are still bought on a single-life basis — meaning income stops when the policyholder dies, leaving surviving partners exposed. A joint-life annuity is worth considering for couples. Some products also offer inflation protection, though at the cost of a lower starting income.
Original commentary by Scottish Widows, published in the 2plan Wealth Management Newsletter, Edition 48 (September 2025).How trusts fit into inheritance tax planning
With frozen IHT allowances and rising house prices, many more families are now caught by inheritance tax than were a decade ago. Quilter looks at how trusts allow you to move assets out of your estate for IHT purposes while retaining a degree of control over how — and when — beneficiaries receive them.
Useful for parents who want to plan tax-efficiently now, but aren't yet ready to hand wealth over unconditionally. Professional trustees are an option if family or friends aren't the right fit for the responsibility.
Original commentary by Quilter, published in the 2plan Wealth Management Newsletter, Edition 48 (September 2025). Reflects Quilter's understanding of HMRC tax practice as at June 2025 — tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change.Why diversification still matters
Parmenion uses the 2007-2009 Global Financial Crisis as a cautionary tale — the frenzy over US real estate produced the biggest economic contraction since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The point: single-asset conviction, however strong, is fragile.
Diversification across asset classes and geographies remains the strongest defence against markets that can turn quickly — and the highest-returning asset in one year is often the worst-performing in the next.
Original commentary by Parmenion Capital Partners, published in the 2plan Wealth Management Newsletter, Edition 48 (September 2025).Protecting your income against illness
Income protection and critical illness cover work best in combination — income protection replaces regular income if you can't work due to illness or injury, and critical illness cover pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a specified condition. Together they cover both the recurring bills and the one-off costs (adaptations, treatment, time off work) that a serious health event brings.
The article's take: it's not either/or. The combination protects wealth, lifestyle and financial legacy.
Original commentary by 2plan Wealth Management Ltd, Edition 48 (September 2025).Five principles for successful investing
Omnis's overview covers the timeless principles — time in the market beats timing the market, diversification across assets and geographies, keeping costs in check, emotional discipline through market noise, and the value of ongoing financial advice. A useful reminder to stay in your chair when markets get choppy.
As always, the value of investments and any income from them can go down as well as up, and past performance is not a guide to future returns.
Original commentary by Omnis Investments Ltd, published in the 2plan Wealth Management Newsletter, Edition 48 (September 2025).The April 2027 pension inheritance tax change
The government has confirmed that from April 2027, most unused pension death benefits will fall inside the deceased's estate for inheritance tax — with limited exemptions for spouses, civil partners and charity.
Aberdeen argues that for most savers, the practical impact is likely smaller than the headlines suggest — most people should focus on making sure their retirement savings support their intended lifestyle, rather than aggressively restructuring around the IHT change. Higher-net-worth clients, however, may need to revisit their pension-withdrawal plans well before the deadline.
Original commentary by Aberdeen, published in the 2plan Wealth Management Newsletter, Edition 48 (September 2025). Based on government announcements confirmed as at newsletter publication — the position may change; check current guidance before acting.Want the full detail?
The individual articles referenced above appear in full in the PDF version of the newsletter, along with charts, further examples, and adviser commentary. If any of the above prompts a question about your own circumstances, get in touch.