Traprain Financial

27/03/2026

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is one of the biggest changes to the UK tax system in decades, coming into effect from April 2026.

It will change how sole traders and landlords report their income, moving from annual tax returns to a more frequent, digital system.

If you earn income outside PAYE, it’s important to understand what’s changing and how to prepare.

Here's what you need to know ➡➡➡

20/03/2026

Emerging markets have regained positive momentum, helped by fading headwinds, more attractive valuations and stronger long term growth prospects.

Many regional economies have moved up the value chain, driven by technology, better regulation and favourable demographics.

Further drivers include the weaker US dollar, subdued growth prospects across developed markets and concerns that valuations in key sectors, especially tech, in some of these markets are overextended.

Read on here ➡ https://www.traprainfinancial.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/emerging-markets-the-next-generation.html

19/03/2026

The Bank of England has hit pause, taking a “wait and see” approach. And right now, that same mindset might make sense for your finances too.

𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫
Expected rate cuts didn’t happen, partly due to global uncertainty. That means mortgage rates, especially new fixed deals, are creeping up again as lenders adjust.

𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬? 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠
Some improved deals are out there, but competition is still cautious. Don’t expect dramatic returns just yet.

𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠
With energy bills expected to increase this summer, household budgets could be squeezed even further.

What you can do now:
➡ Review your budget carefully.
➡ Avoid rushed financial decisions.
➡ Seek advice if you’re unsure.
➡ Stay flexible, things can change quickly.

A rate “hold” doesn’t mean everything stays the same. It’s a signal to stay alert, plan ahead, and make smart, informed choices.

13/03/2026

With the 2025/26 tax year ending on 5 April, it’s a good time to review your dividend strategy.

From 6 April 2026, dividend tax rates will increase by 2 percentage points:

• Basic rate dividend tax: 8.75% → 10.75%
• Higher rate dividend tax: 33.75% → 35.75%
• Additional rate dividend tax: remains 39.35%
• Dividend allowance: remains £500 (tax-free)

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬?

If you take £20,000 in dividends, after the £500 dividend allowance, £19,500 is taxable.

Basic rate taxpayer

• Current tax (8.75%): £1,706
• From April (10.75%): £2,096

Higher rate taxpayer

• Current tax (33.75%): £6,581
• From April (35.75%): £6,971

Even small tax rate changes can have a noticeable impact, particularly for business owners and investors who regularly take dividends.

With the tax year ending on 5 April, now is a good time to review whether taking dividends before the new tax year could be more tax efficient.

11/03/2026

There's a unique sense of satisfaction as you steadily advance towards your financial goals 🎯

Whatever your ambitions, smart tax planning can play an important role in helping you achieve them.

𝐒𝐨, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐆𝐓 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐩?

Have a read >>>



*The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services. The ‘St. James's Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.*

10/03/2026

What a wonderful way to spend a Tuesday morning! Thank you to Hood Magazine for hosting a wonderful brunch at The Ivy to celebrate their new podcast series.

I am delighted to sponsor an episode in conversation with Nicky McConnachie 29twelve

04/03/2026

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement against the backdrop of intensifying conflict in Iran and the Middle East.

Reeves hailed the improved growth forecasts published by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), saying this was evidence that her economic plan was working.

But growing uncertainty around rising oil prices due to the war in Iran, and the knock on impact for inflation and interest rates, could yet derail growth.

Improved forecast for UK growth

Reeves delivered her Spring Statement on 3 March. She unveiled the OBR’s improved forecast for UK growth, which it estimates will reach 1.9% by 2029, albeit with a downgrade for 2026 from 1.4% to 1.1%.
The government hopes the figures indicate the green shoots of economic recovery. But the OBR was clear to include a strong caveat to its research, stating the conflict in the Middle East had escalated while it was finalising its report. It added the conflict could have ‘very significant impacts on the global and UK economies.*

Following the escalation of the conflict and fears over oil prices and inflation, market experts are now less bullish about the prospect of an interest rate cut by the Bank of England when its monetary policy committee (MPC) meets next to decide on rates on 19 March.

Inflation is predicted to reach the government’s 2% target by the end of the year, according to the OBR report. But again, this is potentially less certain in the light of the situation in the Middle East.

Source
*March 2026 Economic and fiscal outlook - GOV.UK

SJP Approved 03/03/2026

27/02/2026

What feels important to one person may not even register for another. And that’s exactly how it should be…

When it comes to financial planning, for some, success means building and growing wealth as much as possible.

For others, it’s about having their finances clearly organised, reducing stress, and creating more time to enjoy life.

The most effective financial plans start with you. By identifying what truly matters to you, you can set goals that are personal, meaningful and motivating 🎯

That might be striving for a strong net worth, or simply knowing your money is set up to support a comfortable, confident future.

Take a moment to think about what ‘enough’ looks like for you, and let that shape your plan.

Your future self will thank you ✅

24/02/2026

The so-called 60% tax trap is quietly catching more people than ever...


As this recent MoneyWeek article highlights, frozen tax thresholds mean that millions of higher earners are now drifting into a zone where earning more can actually feel like going backwards.

Between £100,000 and £125,140, the gradual withdrawal of the personal allowance creates an effective marginal tax rate of around 6️⃣0️⃣% , and in some cases even higher once other factors are considered.

What makes this particularly challenging is that the trap isn’t always obvious.

Pay rises, bonuses, overtime or changes in benefits can push income over key thresholds unexpectedly, triggering a disproportionate tax bill.

This is exactly why professional financial guidance is so important.

A qualified financial planner can help individuals understand their adjusted net income, spot potential pinch points early, and put sensible planning strategies in place, whether that’s around pensions, allowances, or broader income structuring, to ensure decisions are made with the full tax picture in mind 💡

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.

23/02/2026

There's an unmatched sense of fulfilment realising you're making steady progress towards your financial aspirations 🎯

Whatever your ambitions, smart tax planning can play an important role in helping you achieve them.

𝐒𝐨, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡?

Have a read >>>



*The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.*

21/02/2026

Packing up ready for the Fayre tomorrow with East Lothian Parenthood Collective 😁

18/02/2026

Owning a home is a key milestone for many people. One that requires financial planning and preparation. However, ownership comes with additional responsibilities and costs – some of which can be avoided under certain circumstances.

This article outlines some of the tax benefits of owning a home, from tax breaks for first time buyers, relief from capital gains tax upon sale and opportunities to minimise inheritance tax on your property when the time comes to pass it down to your loved ones.

Read full article here 🔗 https://www.traprainfinancial.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/the-tax-benefits-of-owning-a-home.html