ACJ Financial Planning

16/07/2026

Business Relief still helps pass a business on free of inheritance tax, but further changes in April 2026 warrants a quick overview of where we are.

• What Business Relief is, and what still qualifies

• The new £2.5 million cap on 100% relief, and 50% relief above it

• Why AIM and other unlisted shares now get less generous treatment

• What business owners and their families should check before relying on it

If you own a business or hold assets you expect to pass on tax-efficiently, it is worth understanding where you now stand.

Click below to find out more.

Business Relief can still pass a business on free of inheritance tax, but from April 2026 a £2.5 million cap applies. Here is what business owners need to know.

09/07/2026

New on the ACJ Financial Planning blog: the cash sitting in your business account may be less protected, and less productive, than it looks. We walk through what is worth checking.

• How FSCS protection works for business deposits, and why £120,000 per bank can cover only a slice of your reserves

• The concentration risk of running everything through one banking relationship, whatever the bank's size

• Why a competitive rate has to be weighed against access, tax and the cash you need to hand

• What cash savings platforms can and cannot do, and the FSCS points to check first

If you have not looked recently at how your company's cash is held and protected, a review can be time well spent.

Read below to find out more.

Is your business cash as safe and as productive as you think? We look at FSCS protection, concentration risk, returns and what savings platforms can and cannot do.

11/06/2026

Giving with purpose can also reduce your inheritance tax liability.

This week’s blog explores how charitable giving can form part of an effective estate planning strategy.

Key considerations include:

• Gifts to charities are exempt from inheritance tax

• Leaving 10% or more of your estate to charity can reduce the IHT rate from 40% to 36%

• Structuring your will carefully can balance legacy goals with family provision

A thoughtful approach can help you support causes that matter while improving tax efficiency.

Read the full blog post below:

When thinking about your estate, the focus is often on ensuring your family is financially secure. However, for many individuals, there is also a desire to leave something meaningful behind. Charitable giving can help you achieve both objectives, supporting causes that matter to you while potentiall

09/06/2026

Book Now!

💥 Empowering Women & Girls Through Self-Defence 💥

We’re proud to be supporting an incredible Self Defence Charity Event in partnership with G Force Martial Arts, raising funds for the OurJay Foundation.

This event is all about building confidence, awareness, and practical self-protection skills in a safe, supportive environment, led by experienced instructors.

📅 Saturday 4th July
📍 G Force Martial Arts, 5 Somers Road, Rugby, CV22 7DB
👧 Younger Girls (4+): 5:00pm – 5:45pm
👉 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/self-defence-charity-event-younger-girls-4-session-10-charity-donation-tickets-1988753378892?aff=oddtdtcreator

👩 Teens & Adults: 6:00pm – 6:45pm
👉 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/self-defence-charity-event-teens-adults-session-10-charity-donation-tickets-1988753765047?aff=oddtdtcreator

💷 £10 donation (payable on the day)

Every penny raised will go directly to the Our Jay Foundation, supporting their vital work in the community.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable skills, build confidence, and support a meaningful local cause. Let’s come together to learn, feel stronger, and make a real difference. See less

08/06/2026

Without a valid will, your wealth may not be passed on in the way you intend.

This week’s blog explores why having an up-to-date will is a crucial part of effective financial planning, particularly for those building or protecting significant wealth.

Key points include:

• How intestacy rules can override your wishes
• The role of wills in managing Inheritance Tax exposure
• Why alignment with pensions, ISAs and estate plans matters

A clear plan today can help avoid unintended outcomes tomorrow.

Read the full blog post below.

Securing your financial future is about more than just smart investments, it's also about ensuring your loved ones are protected, even when you're no longer here. One essential aspect of this planning is having a will in place.

21/05/2026

Self-employed and worried about getting a mortgage? You’re not alone.

This week’s blog post breaks down how lenders assess self-employed applicants and what you can do to improve your chances:

• How income is evaluated using accounts and tax returns

• Why consistency matters more than headline earnings

• Practical steps to strengthen your application

• Common pitfalls that can delay or derail approval

If you’re running your own business, planning ahead is key.

The path to homeownership can be more challenging for self-employed individuals. While being your own boss offers numerous benefits, navigating the mortgage market can be a complex journey. Many self-employed individuals believe that securing a mortgage is out of their reach. However, with the right

15/05/2026

Capital Gains Tax is no longer a niche concern for investors.

This week’s blog post looks at why Capital Gains Tax now matters to more people, particularly those building or realising long-term wealth.

In the article, we explore:

• How CGT works and when it applies
• Common planning pitfalls and misconceptions
• Why timing, allowances and asset choice matter as capital grows
• Practical considerations for those with significant investable assets

If you have investments, understanding CGT is essential.

Read the full blog post here:

Managing your investments and financial assets involves more than just making smart choices; it also entails understanding the implications of taxation. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a significant consideration for anyone with investments in the UK.

13/05/2026

💥 Empowering Women & Girls Through Self-Defence 💥

We’re proud to be supporting an incredible Self Defence Charity Event in partnership with G Force Martial Arts, raising funds for the OurJay Foundation.

This event is all about building confidence, awareness, and practical self-protection skills in a safe, supportive environment, led by experienced instructors.

📅 Saturday 4th July

📍 G Force Martial Arts, 5 Somers Road, Rugby, CV22 7DB

👧 Younger Girls (4+): 5:00pm – 5:45pm

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988753378892?aff=oddtdtcreator

👩 Teens & Adults: 6:00pm – 6:45pm

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988753765047?aff=oddtdtcreator

💷 £10 donation (payable on the day)

Every penny raised will go directly to the Our Jay Foundation, supporting their vital work in the community.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable skills, build confidence, and support a meaningful local cause. Let’s come together to learn, feel stronger, and make a real difference.

07/05/2026

This week’s blog post looks at the key pension options available as you approach retirement, and why the decisions you make now can have long‑term consequences.

In our latest article, we explore:

• The main ways you can access your pension benefits

• How tax treatment and flexibility differ between options

• Common pitfalls and misconceptions to avoid

• Why pension decisions should sit within a wider financial plan

If you are nearing retirement or reviewing existing arrangements, this is a helpful starting point.

Click the link below to read this week’s blog post in full.

In this blog post, we'll explore the pension options available for those approaching or enjoying retirement and explain how working with a financial adviser can help you make the most of your pension savings.

30/04/2026

Are you getting mortgage‑ready?

Applying for a mortgage can feel daunting, but a bit of preparation can make a big difference to both your chances of approval and the deal you’re offered.

This week’s blog breaks down:

✅ What lenders really look at

✅ How to get your finances in shape

✅ Common mistakes that can slow things down

If you’re planning to buy your first home, move house, or remortgage, this is a great place to start.

👉 Read the full blog here:

Buying a home can be an exciting but challenging journey, especially if it's your first time navigating the complex world of mortgages in the UK. While the prospect of owning your own property is undoubtedly thrilling, the mortgage application process can be daunting. However, with careful preparati