ACJ Financial Planning

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

28/04/2026

Thinking about taking your defined benefit pension early?

This week’s blog looks at what really matters when considering retirement before scheme pension age:

• How actuarial reductions work in practice
• The potential impact on long-term income and spouse benefits
• Health, lifestyle and behavioural risks that are often overlooked

If you are weighing up flexibility today against certainty tomorrow, this is a decision worth careful planning. Click the link below to read the full blog post.

For those with defined benefit pensions, the decision whether to take a defined benefit pension is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make as you approach retirement. These pensions provide a secure, inflation-linked income for life, which often makes them a cornerstone of long

18/04/2026

This week we look at why Critical Illness Cover matters - If the worst happened, could you afford to stop working?

🔹 Pays a tax‑free lump sum on diagnosis of a serious illness

🔹 Helps cover mortgages, bills and ongoing costs or any home adaptations

🔹 Gives you financial breathing space to focus on recovery

🔹 Often overlooked, but can make a huge difference

👉 Read the full blog here:

In today's uncertain world, one of the most effective ways to safeguard your well-being and protect your loved ones is through comprehensive financial planning. One crucial component of this plan is critical illness cover. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of critical illness cover

09/04/2026

The State Pension may be simple on the surface, but the decisions around it rarely are.

This week’s blog post looks at the UK State Pension and why it still matters as part of a wider retirement plan, even for those with significant private wealth.

In the article, we explore:

• How the State Pension actually works

• Common misconceptions around entitlement

• Why timing, National Insurance records and planning ahead can make a real difference

Read the full blog post by clicking the link below and understand how the State Pension fits into your long‑term retirement strategy.

The State Pension is a crucial part of the country's social security system, providing financial support to individuals after they retire. In this blog post, we'll dive into the details of the State Pension, helping you understand how it works, who is eligible, and what you can expect to receive in

02/04/2026

This week's blog looks at how Flexible Reversion Trusts can help you reduce a future inheritance tax liability while still retaining potential access to capital. Key points include:

· Why these trusts offer a balance between control and tax efficiency

· How they can support in reducing your Inheritance Tax liability

· Common misunderstandings that often hold people back

Click the link below to read the full article.

When you start thinking about how best to pass on your wealth, you may find yourself balancing two competing priorities. On one hand, you want to reduce a potential inheritance tax liability. On the other, you may want the reassurance that you can still access funds in the future if circumstances ch

26/03/2026

This week’s blog explores one of the most misunderstood areas of inheritance tax planning – the Nil Rate Band.

Understanding how the Nil Rate Band works can make a meaningful difference to the way you plan your estate. In this week’s blog post, we unpack:

• What the Nil Rate Band and Residence Nil Rate Band actually are

• How they interact with your overall inheritance tax position

• Common misconceptions that catch families out

• Practical steps to consider when planning ahead

Click the link below to read the full blog post and learn how forward planning can help you protect more of your estate for future generations.

Inheritance planning is a topic often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in securing your family's financial future. Two significant components in the UK inheritance landscape are the Nil Rate Band (NRB) and the Residential Nil Rate Band (RNRB).