Oakpath Financial Planning

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BT phishing scams: how to spot them and keep yourself safe | Quilter BT phishing scams often involve phone calls and follow up emails designed to gain access to your accounts. Learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself.

It’s the ideal time to make the most of tax-efficient opportunities before the new financial year begins on 6 April 2026. Let’s take a look at some of main tax planning opportunities

Start 2026 ahead: Know your tax numbers Start thinking about making the most of tax-efficient opportunities before the end of the 2025/26 tax year. Think about your pension, ISAs, CGT, Dividend Tax and gifting for IHT purposes.

In this week’s News in Review – Bank Rate held at 3.75% by the MPC, average house prices surpass £300,000 and strong growth in the UK services sector in January

News in Review Bank Rate has been retained at 3.75%, average houses prices surpass £300,000 and the UK services sector strengthens.

Are you aware of the £100k tax trap that could impact millions of taxpayers? Frozen thresholds mean more people than ever are set to pay an effective income tax rate of 60% as their earnings increase beyond £100,000. For more information, read this article from MoneyWeek.

Oakpath is not responsible for the accuracy of this article's information.

Two million taxpayers to be hit by £100k tax trap by 2026/27 Frozen thresholds mean more people than ever are set to pay an effective income tax rate of 60% as their earnings increase beyond £100,000. We look at why, as well as how you can avoid being caught in the trap.

Research suggests that cancelling unused direct debit payments and putting that money towards your pension savings instead, people could end up with an additional £37,000 in their pension pot. Find out more in this article.

Capital at risk.

Oakpath is not responsible for the accuracy of this article's information.

How cancelling unused direct debits could boost your pension by £37,000 A new year refresh of your spending could save you money and help boost your pension pot.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We are delighted to share another 5* review from one of our clients.

"He did not rush me and over a few meetings guided me through the investment options available for my existing pension arrangements that included leaving an arrangement untouched as it was already in the best place"

https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financial-advisor-ifa/alton/069605-nick-winter

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Download our FREE guide to investing and get a clear understanding of how we can help you achieve your financial goals.

Download your guide here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:3bb7a972-74f6-4ab5-a997-2148d2fc5368

Plus, enjoy a complimentary initial meeting to explore how our services work and whether we’re the right fit for you.

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[email protected]
07717 571609

Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited December 2025

Are you unsure about how much you should be drawing from your pension in retirement? It’s a big question for retirees and getting it wrong could mean running out of money too soon. Check out this insightful article from MoneyWeek for guidance.

Oakpath Financial planning is not responsible for the accuracy of this article's information.

moneyweek.com

Big day in Westminster...and the Autumn Budget 2025 has delivered some pretty chunky shifts that will hit families, investors, homeowners and business owners in very different ways.

Here are the headline changes:

🔒 The freezes on personal tax thresholds are extended for a further three years, from 2028-29 to 2030-31.

So, the income tax personal allowance (PA) stays at £12,570, the higher-rate threshold (HRT) at £50,270, and the additional-rate threshold (ART) at £125,140, until 2030-31.

The NIC secondary threshold is also frozen until 2030-31.

📉 Savings, dividends & investment income hit harder.

Dividends

From April 2026, basic and higher rates of tax on dividends will increase by two percentage points, reaching 10.75% and 35.75% respectively.

Savings Income:

From April 2027, the basic, higher, and additional rates of savings income tax increase by 2 percentage points, reaching 22%, 42%, and 47% respectively.

Property Income:

From April 2027, the basic, higher, and additional rates of property income tax increase by 2 percentage points, reaching 22%, 42%, and 47% respectively.

😁 One that may have slipped under the radar but a welcomed update...

The new £1m allowance for 100% agricultural and business property relief that’s coming in April 2026, will be transferable between spouses / civil partners.

💼 ISA changes

From April 27 - cash ISA reform to £12,000. Stocks and shares full £20,000
Over 65 will retain full £20k cash ISA allowance.

🏠 High-value property surcharge
Homes valued over £2m face a new surcharge from 2028 — a major change for wealth planning.

💼 Pensions shaken up

From 2029, salary-sacrifice pension contributions over £2,000 lose their NI advantage.

👶 Two-child benefit cap scrapped
Ends April 2026, lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.

📈 Wages and State Pension rising
Triple lock protected; energy bills and everyday costs get some modest relief.