Balance Briefing: August 2025
Interest rates, global markets and inheritance tax
The financial landscape is always changing, and with each shift comes new opportunities. This month, we look at key updates, from lower interest rates and global market opportunities to changes in inheritance tax (including pensions). We’ll also discuss speculation around the upcoming Autumn Budget.
In this month’s Balance Briefing, Financial Planner Jorge Jackson explains why these changes matter and how the right plan can turn them into opportunities for your future.
Our latest update
In this short 4-minute video, Jorge shares:
• How lower interest rates may affect your savings, borrowing, and investment opportunities.
• Market shifts and global opportunities: What this could mean for you.
• The clarified inheritance tax reforms.
• The Autumn Budget – Speculation on further IHT reforms.
Key topics you should know about
Interest rate cuts
With rates falling, it’s a good time to reassess your cash and investment strategy. Is your money still working hard enough?
Upcoming IHT changes
From 2026 to 2027, changes to inheritance tax could affect more people, especially those with pensions or business assets. Planning early helps you stay in control.
Autumn Budget speculation
Further tax changes could be on the horizon. We’re keeping a close eye on developments so clients can adapt with confidence.
Planning ahead as IHT receipts rise
With inheritance tax reforms on the horizon, it’s worth noting how much more the government expects to collect. From £6.7 billion in 2022–23 to an estimated £14 billion by 2029–30.
Projection forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)
As more estates are drawn into the IHT net, it’s a timely moment to consider whether your plans reflect these changes, and how financial planning could help you pass on more of your wealth, tax-efficiently.
We recently wrote a blog on ‘How to choose the right inheritance financial adviser’. In it, we share practical tips on what to look for in an adviser, the questions to ask, and how the right advice can make a difference to your family’s long-term plans.
The next steps
Periods of change often bring the best planning opportunities, but only if you have the right plan in place.
If you’re not currently working with a financial planner who actively monitors your strategy and makes timely adjustments, now could be an ideal moment to explore how one of our Chartered Financial Planners can support you.
Please note: This update is not financial advice and is provided for information only. You should not take any action before speaking to a Financial Planner, who will confirm what suits you. Past performance is no guarantee of what will happen in the future.