April Parrish - Financial Planner at Emerald Financial Associates Ltd

18/09/2025

Can I pass on my pension when I die?

Passing on unspent pensions is still a great way to leave a legacy, but from 2027, it’s no longer free from inheritance tax.

Nevertheless, there are ways to gift money during your lifetime that can reduce the value of your estate and leave everyone better off.

Financial advice is proving invaluable for anyone starting to plan their inheritance, or looking to adapt their existing inheritance plans as a result of these changed tax regulations.

Will my pension die when I do? It’s a stark question, but one with a positive answer. Most pensions can still be passed on – with one caveat. In her 2024 Autumn Budget, the chancellor announced that pensions would no longer sit outside an estate. Effectively this means pension funds are no longer exempt from inheritance tax (IHT). From the beginning of the 2027 tax year, leaving someone an unspent pension could land them with an IHT bill of 40%.

This change sent a minor shockwave through many middle and high income households who had already planned to pass some or all of their pension on when they die. For many people, pensions have often been the last asset to be touched when drawing income in retirement, precisely because of their IHT-free status. Putting money into pensions meant reducing the size – and IHT liability – of an estate, plus being able to pass on significant sums of money, all in one fell stroke.

However, now the dust has settled, clear, tax-efficient estate planning alternatives are emerging. In this article, we’ll look at your options for gifting or donating some of those pension savings tax free, during your lifetime.

Read more: https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/can-i-pass-on-my-pension-when-i-die

11/09/2025

How I balance my career and being a parent 👩‍👧‍👦

Navigating my career as a single parent has been tough.

I’ve had to learn to set boundaries with my time and to lean on the lovely people I have in my life who support me. I focus on work during the time when the kids are with their dad and slow down when they’re at home so I can be present for them.

I’m fortunate that I can flex my work around what they need but I’ve also had to accept that it isn’t about perfection - some nights are spent working until late with a packet of chocolate biscuits and the house won’t ever be tidy again, but my children feel safe and loved and I’ll take that, any day. 💚

06/09/2025

Today's the day!

Freddie & Poppy are running the Mini GNR to help raise funds to be able continue Freddie's physio at the Heel & Toe Children's Charity.

As most of you know Freddie has Cerebral palsy and works so hard to keep his mobility at a level where he can run around with his friends.

This will be a huge challenge for Freddie and for Poppy who is excited to support her big brother in the run.

The support from Heel & Toe has been invaluable for Freddie but it does come at a cost so any support for him would be a huge help ❤️

If you see us running please give him a big cheer to spur him on!

Thanks so much xx

About Freddie & Poppy Freddie & Poppy are running the Mini GNR this year!! Running this far will be a huge challenge for Freddie, who has cerebral palsy, which impacts his mobility. Also for h

27/08/2025

💼 Women Who Win: Meet Nellie 💼

Nellie runs a fast-growing consultancy with a small, tight-knit team. One of her senior team members, her operations lead, is absolutely essential to the day-to-day running of the business.

If that person were suddenly unable to work, it could seriously disrupt client delivery, team structure, and cash flow.

That’s why Nellie put key person insurance in place.

It’s a smart safety net that gives her business the breathing space it would need to adapt, recruit, or restructure without panic or financial pressure.

Nellie knows that planning for the unexpected doesn’t mean expecting the worst. It means she’s protecting the business she’s worked so hard to build.

Why is Nellie Winning?
🛡️ Protected her business against the sudden loss of a key team member
💼 Planned for continuity so operations won’t grind to a halt
⏳ Bought valuable time to recruit, train, or restructure
📊 Reduced financial risk in an already stressful situation

Who is the heartbeat of your business and have you planned against unexpected absence?

25/08/2025

Trust is everything.

When it comes to your finances, I know how important it is to feel confident in the person advising you. That’s why I take the time to build real relationships with my clients and focus on transparency, consistency, and care.

Trust is very important to me because when clients feel secure and supported, they’re empowered to make confident financial decisions for the future.

22/08/2025

How my children inspire my career 🥰

I am reminded every day by my children that financial advice isn’t just about numbers – it’s about people, dreams, and futures.

When I help a family plan, I think about the security, opportunities, and peace of mind that I want for my own kids.

Things can change quickly - in the last 2 years my kids have wanted to be painters, firefighters, car washers and Anna from Frozen.

When we plan well, we give the people we love the freedom to dream big and that’s priceless 💚

20/08/2025

💼 Women Who Win: Meet Nyah 💼

For years, Nyah avoided looking too closely at her finances. She earned well, but always felt like money was slipping through her fingers. Budgeting seemed restrictive, and long-term planning was overwhelming.

Then one day, she decided to stop winging it and start owning it!

With support from a financial adviser, Nyah rewired her mindset. She got clear on her goals, built a simple budget that reflects her values, and created a financial plan she could actually stick to.

Now? She knows where her money is going, what she’s working toward, and how to make it happen without stress or shame.

Why is Nyah Winning?
💭 Reframed her mindset from fear to focus
🎯 Set clear financial goals that feel realistic and achievable
🧾 Built a values-based budget (not a restriction, a reflection)
🧘‍♀️ Feels in control and free from financial anxiety

Are you ready to take control of your mindset?

18/08/2025

Why its not as hard as you think to make a Will!

Making a Will is the best way to make sure your money, assets and property go to the people, or good causes, that you want them to. So why don’t more than half of all adults between the ages of 50 and 64 have one?

The answer is that Wills can involve making some difficult choices. They mean answering questions that many of us would rather put off or avoid altogether, such as “what if I can’t decide who gets what?”, “what if my children aren’t ready to be responsible for a large sum of money?” or even “can I leave someone out of a Will?” Broaching the subject with other family members can lead to heated exchanges, even estrangements.

No wonder over half (53%) of us haven’t even told anyone what we want to happen when we die – let alone got round to making a Will.

Read more: https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/why-its-not-as-had-as-you-think-to-make-a-will

13/08/2025

💼 Women Who Win: Meet Elina 💼

Elina runs a growing creative agency with her business partner. They’ve built something amazing together - a team they trust, a reputation they’re proud of, and clients who count on them.

But Elina also knows that life is unpredictable. That’s why she took steps to protect the business by putting shareholder protection insurance in place.

If something were to happen to either partner, the insurance ensures that ownership stays in the right hands, the business can keep running smoothly, and loved ones are fairly compensated.

It’s one of those smart, behind-the-scenes decisions that gives real peace of mind for Elina, her partner, and everyone who depends on the business.

Why is Elina Winning?
🛡️ Protected the business against unexpected loss of a shareholder
🤝 Agreed a clear succession plan with her business partner
💼 Avoids disruption to the team, clients, and daily operations
💰 Ensures fair pay out to the partner’s family if needed

Have you thought about protecting your business?

11/08/2025

Quiet Confidence is Still Power 🚀

We often picture success as flashy big salaries, luxury lifestyles, or social media milestones. But the truth? Success doesn’t always look loud.

Sometimes, it’s quietly setting realistic goals. It’s choosing to budget, not out of restriction, but out of clarity. It’s building a financial plan that fits your life - not someone else’s.

Success can mean having a clear direction for your money, knowing your priorities, and feeling at peace with where you're headed.

You don’t need to have thousands in the bank to be financially successful.
You just need a plan that works and the confidence to stick with it.

06/08/2025

💼 Women Who Win: Meet Talia 💼

Talia recently opened a Stocks & Shares ISA - not because she wants to "play the market," but because she wants to own her future.

By investing small amounts each month, she’s taking advantage of pound cost averaging and letting time do the heavy lifting. Her ISA is growing tax-free, and she’s building up savings for both the near future (like a dream trip) and longer-term goals (like early retirement).

No stress. No second guessing. Just consistent, confident action toward the life she’s building.

Why is Talia Winning?
📈 ISA Power: She’s growing her wealth in a tax-efficient way.
📆 Pound Cost Averaging: Regular investing without trying to “time” the market.
🎯 Short & Long-Term Goals: Saving for the now and the future.
🧘‍♀️ Confidence Over Chaos: She understands her money and feels in control.

What are your thoughts on a stocks & shares ISA?

01/08/2025

From Gem to Jewell - The Emerald August Step Challenge raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support! 💎

This August, our team at Emerald is putting our best feet forward - literally! We’re lacing up our trainers, syncing our step counters, and embarking on an epic (virtual) journey…

From the sleepy streets of Corbridge, Northumberland (our head office!) all the way to the majestic Taj Mahal in India, we’re stepping our way across continents for a great cause!

Why the name From Gem to Jewell?
Well, Emerald is a gem 💎… and the Taj Mahal is often called the “Jewel of India” 💠. Together, we’re making every step count from one shining icon to another!

Our Goal?
To collectively walk 4,300 miles, in just one month, and to raise funds for the amazing team at Macmillan Cancer Support, who do life-changing work for people affected by cancer and their families.

How You Can Help:
Cheer us on! 🙌
Donate what you can 💚
Share our challenge with your friends and family 🗣️

Donate here - https://www.justgiving.com/page/emerald-august-step-challenge
Thank you for your support! 💪👟

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