R J Financial Planning Ltd - Senior Partner Practice of St. James's Place

14/10/2026

Whole of life assurance: the quiet solution to the IHT landscape
In 4 minutes

At a glance
It can be difficult for beneficiaries to pay IHT within the six-month deadline, where an estate has assets that take longer to sell, such as property. Pensions could add similar issues from April 2027.

SJP Approved 14/09/2026

From April 2027, most unused pension funds will be included when calculating the value of someone's estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. This will push more people into the scope of this tax.

12/10/2026

👀 WeekWatch - In 5 minutes

📈 Stock Take
Russia’s diesel release and why oil remains above $100 a barrel

🛢️ Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz in September were not far off their pre-war level. Yet hopes that the oil price would drop as a result have not materialised. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose last week and so far this year is up 66%.

SJP Approved 12/10/2026

07/10/2026

The missing years: caring, career pauses and long-term planning

At a glance
Figures show women are substantially more likely than men to take a career break during their working life.1 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.

SJP Approved 25/09/2026

Figures show women are substantially more likely than men to take a career break during their working life.1 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.

05/10/2026

WeekWatch
In 5 minutes

Wealth Check
Pensioners to lose triple lock from 2030 under Labour.

SJP Approved 05/10/2026

Last week’s Labour party conference gave the new prime minister a platform to set out his vision for the country, including some ambitious changes to housing and social care. However, the details of how this will be paid for won’t be revealed until the Budget at the end of the month, at the earl...

02/10/2026

Counting the cost: why caring shouldn't mean losing yourself

At A Glance
A financial plan can ensure you don’t lose focus on your goals while you’re caring.

SJP Approved 11/09/2026

Caring for a loved one, in their old age or poor health, can be hugely rewarding and millions of people across the UK provide unpaid care1.

24/09/2026

Show Your Stripes 2026!
🩵💙🧡🩷

Today Team RJFP had a chance to wear their stripes to work and had some fun with supporting and raising funds for Cancer Research Wales.

Cancer Research Wales is the only charity wholly dedicated to funding cancer research in Wales, for Wales. One in two of us will get cancer, which means we will all be affected by cancer in one way or another. To tackle this, research is happening all over Wales, in our communities, our hospitals, our GP surgeries. It’s making Wales a healthier, and better place to live.

23/09/2026

WeekWatch
In 6 minutes

- Bank of England halts long-bond sales
- More pensioners to pay tax following boost to state pension.
- The representative Morgan Stanley Broad Artificial Intelligence Index has risen approximately fourfold since 2021.

SJP Approved 21/09/2026

It was a busy week for central bank watchers. First up was the US Federal Reserve’s rate-setting committee, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which on Wednesday voted unanimously to raise US interest rates by 0.25%. This was the first Fed hike in three years. Following this move, shares an...

21/09/2026

The capital gains tax surprises that catch people out

At a glance
The run-up to a Budget often prompts people to think about tax and their finances. While future tax policy remains uncertain, understanding the rules that apply today can help avoid costly surprises. Capital gains tax (CGT) is one area where unexpected bills can arise, particularly as allowances have reduced in recent years. As a result, more people may find themselves facing a CGT bill when selling or gifting assets.

SJP Approved 11/09/2026

The run-up to a Budget often prompts people to think about tax and their finances. While future tax policy remains uncertain, understanding the rules that apply today can help avoid costly surprises. Capital gains tax (CGT) is one area where unexpected bills can arise, particularly as allowances hav...

09/09/2026

The new retirement dilemma: preserve or spend your pension

At a glance
- Most unused pension assets will be included in an estate for inheritance tax purposes from 6 April 2027.
- The rule change means many families will need to review their retirement income and estate planning strategies.
- Most pensions can be accessed from age 55 (rising to 57 from 2028).

For years, many people viewed their pension as more than just a source of retirement income. It was also a tax-efficient way to pass wealth on to future generations. But changes coming into force in April 2027 could prompt many families to reconsider their retirement and estate planning.

SJP Approved 01/09/2026

For years, many people viewed their pension as more than just a source of retirement income. It was also a tax-efficient way to pass wealth on to future generations. But changes coming into force in April 2027 could prompt many families to reconsider their retirement and estate planning.

07/09/2026

👀 Week Watch
In 4 minutes

📈 Stock Take
Healey eyes 'turning corner' as bonds heat up
The UK economy is ‘turning a corner’, according to UK Chancellor John Healey.

💷 Wealth Check
Homeowners and buyers warned of rising mortgage rates
Mortgage brokers are urging people buying property or remortgaging to secure deals sooner rather than later as mortgage rates are expected to climb sharply.

🖼️ In The Picture
Savers boost cash ISAs ahead of cut allowance
More savers are putting money into cash ISAs as they look to make the most of valuable saving allowance before it is reduced.

SJP Approved 07/09/2026

In his first major speech since becoming chancellor, and ahead of his first Budget, Healey sought to create a sense of optimism. However, rumours about thousands of job losses at Jaguar Land Rover (later confirmed) swirled before his speech, highlighting the challenges still faced.