Benjamin Grimsey - Independent Financial Planner

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

A great morning spent with David Medland APFS at the Quilter Financial Planning Roadshow Conference at Sandy Park, Exeter.

Today's event focused on two of the most important areas of financial planning: pensions and inheritance tax planning.

One of the key discussions centred around the upcoming changes from April 2027, when unused pension funds will form part of an individual's estate for inheritance tax purposes. This represents one of the most significant changes to estate planning in recent years and is likely to have a substantial impact on retirement planning, wealth preservation, and how assets are passed on to future generations.

With pensions having traditionally been one of the most tax-efficient vehicles for passing on wealth, these changes mean it is more important than ever for individuals and families to review their financial plans and ensure they remain appropriate for their objectives.

As advisers, staying up to date with legislative changes is essential so we can continue helping clients navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape and make informed decisions about their future.

A big thank you to Quilter for hosting an excellent event and providing valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Always great to spend time with David Medland discussing ideas, sharing experiences, and continuing our professional development.

The financial planning landscape is constantly evolving, and today was a great reminder of why continuous learning is so important.

Also great to have a look at Exeter Chiefs extensive trophy cabinet! 😁 💯 🎉

11/05/2026

Two key pension changes to be aware of

There are two important pension changes on the horizon:

6 April 2027
Unused pension funds and death benefits are expected to fall within scope for Inheritance Tax.

6 April 2028
The normal minimum pension access age increases from 55 to 57 for most individuals.

On paper, these may seem like small technical changes —
but in practice, they can have a meaningful impact.

They may affect:
when you can access your pension
how you structure your retirement income
how efficiently your wealth can be passed on

I am already speaking to people whose plans were built around the old rules.

If you’re curious to understand how you legislation changes might affect your pension, or if your retirement or estate planning has not been reviewed recently, now is a good time to revisit it.



A pension is a long-term investment the fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Inheritance Tax Planning.

Approved by 2plan Wealth Management 02/04/2026 FP37781

08/05/2026

We’ve just released our May client newsletter which i am pleased to share with you.

There’s a lot changing in the background at the moment — particularly around pensions, inheritance tax, and tax thresholds — and this edition highlights some of the key areas to be aware of.

It also covers investing through volatility and the growing importance of staying alert to financial scams.

You can read the full article here: https://www.octofp-bg.com/octo-financial-planning-blog/client-newsletter-edition-50

Explore key financial planning themes for 2026 including inheritance tax changes, pensions, investing, tax planning, and protecting yourself from financial scams.

08/05/2026

The “retirement gap” refers to:

The difference between the lifestyle someone expects in retirement
and the income they are realistically on track to achieve.

In simple terms
what you want
vs
what your current plan is likely to deliver

This gap is often underestimated. Is what you want/expect a dream, or reality?

I regularly speak to people who assume:
“I’ll be fine”
“My pension should cover it”
“I’ll work it out when I get closer”

But without looking, how do we know for sure?

The good news is — identifying the gap early gives you options:

increase contributions
adjust retirement timing
review investment strategy
structure income more effectively

A pension on its own is not a plan

it needs to be aligned with a clear objective and supported by proper planning.

If you’re curious to understand what your retirement might actually look like, I’m always happy to help.

Because without clarity, it’s very easy for expectations and reality to drift apart.



A pension is a long-term investment the fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation. The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount invested.

Approved by 2plan Wealth Management 02/04/2026 FP37780

04/05/2026

Fees have a long-term impact

Fees can appear modest in isolation.

A fraction of a percent here…
another charge there…

But over time, even small differences can have a material impact on outcomes.
I often speak to people who aren’t entirely sure what they’re paying —
or assume it’s minimal without ever checking.

It is important to understand the full cost structure:

• platform
• fund management
• advice
• ongoing service

Because charges don’t just reduce returns in a single year —
they compound over time.

And over 10, 20, or 30 years, that can make a significant difference to:

• fund value
• income in retirement
• overall financial flexibility

Charges should always be considered in the context of value delivered —
not just the headline percentage.

If you’re curious to understand your pension charges properly, I’m always happy to help.

Do you know what you are paying, and what you are getting in return?



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

Approved by 2plan Wealth Management 02/04/2026 FP37779

01/05/2026

As nominations CLOSE TODAY for the Cornwall Law Society Awards, it’s a great moment to recognise the incredible work being done across the legal community in Cornwall 👩‍⚖️

These awards are a chance to celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and impact of individuals and firms who go above and beyond for their clients and the wider community ✨

Best of luck to everyone nominated — We are looking forward to seeing this year’s finalists announced 🏆

30/04/2026

A fantastic evening at the CEO Dinner with Jodie Marie Grimsey hosted at Cornwall College – brilliantly organised by Darren Buckley and Rob Bosworth.

It was great to hear some insightful presentations and updates, particularly around the exciting progress being made at the St Austell campus.

The continued investment and development are really encouraging and highlight the important role the college plays in supporting skills, education, and local growth.

Always a pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces, and just as valuable to meet new people and build new connections.

A thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring evening – thank you again for the invitation.

Coodes Solicitors Rhiannon Llewellyn Sunflower Accounts Darren Buckley

30/04/2026

A significant change from April 2027

A major shift is expected from 6 April 2027.

Most unused pension funds and death benefits are set to be brought into scope for Inheritance Tax.

For many years, pensions have been viewed as sitting outside of the estate —
making them a highly effective tool for passing on wealth.
This change challenges that long-standing assumption.

In practical terms, this could mean:

• larger estates becoming subject to Inheritance Tax
• less efficient intergenerational planning
• the need to rethink how pensions fit within your overall estate

I am already speaking to clients who had planned to leave pensions untouched for this reason alone.

It is clearer than ever that Pension planning and estate planning need to be considered together, not in isolation.

If you’re curious to understand how this might affect your own circumstances, I’m always happy to help.

Ensuring the right structures and plans are in place has never been more important.



A pension is a long-term investment the fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation. Taxation Planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Inheritance Tax Planning.

Approved by 2plan Wealth Management 02/04/2026 FP37778