The Michelle Sheppard Practice Ltd

19/05/2026

Dementia Action Week: Shoring up the future with a lasting power of attorney

This week (18 to 24 May) marks Dementia Action Week, an annual awareness campaign led by the charity Alzheimer’s Society, which aims to bring people and organisations together to act on dementia.

Read more here: https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/denebtua-action-week-shoring-up-the-future-with-a-lasting-power-of-attorney.html

The Michelle Sheppard Practice Limited 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).

SJP Approved 11/05/2026

14/05/2026

Fixed or tracker? Many people are revisiting this question for their mortgages.

With the Bank of England holding rates for now — but future increases expected — it’s important to understand how different mortgage types work.

🏡 Explore the differences and what to consider when reviewing mortgage options:

https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/fixed-rate-or-tracker-choosing-the-right-mortgage-in-uncertain-times.html

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

The Michelle Sheppard Practice Limited 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).

SJP Approved 13/5/2026

But market expectations are now that the base rate will rise during 2026. This is because inflation is likely to go up due to increased oil prices caused by the prolonged conflict in Iran. The Bank of England uses interest rates as a tool to control rising inflation.

12/05/2026

Economic conditions can affect different households in very different ways.

In the US, rising inequality has created a growing gap between those able to weather recent challenges and those feeling the strain. With consumer spending such an important part of the economy, this imbalance brings both risks and considerations.

This article looks at the drivers behind the US’s increasingly “K‑shaped” economy and what it may mean for the region:

Click here to read the article: https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/the-special-k-shaped-economy.html

Fast forward over 200 years, and the US has supplanted France as the world’s greatest power. Thankfully, centuries of progress mean the levels of deprivation found back then are no longer so widespread in the world’s leading economies.

07/05/2026

The Renters’ Rights Act has introduced important new rules for landlords in England.

From May 2026, no‑fault evictions are no longer permitted, rent increases are more tightly regulated, and landlords must provide tenants with specific government information.

This article provides a clear overview of the changes and what landlords may want to check as part of staying compliant:

https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/renters-rights-act-what-landlords-need-to-know.html

The Michelle Sheppard Practice Limited 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).

SJP Approved 6/5/2026

The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026. It brought in new rules and requirements for private landlords in England, including the banning of no-fault evictions and fixed term tenancies. There are also new regulations around increases to rent.

05/05/2026

The start of a new tax year is a useful moment to take stock.

With tax thresholds frozen and living costs still elevated, making the most of available allowances has become increasingly important.

This article explores how priorities can change at different life stages and why regular reviews — whether early in a career or approaching retirement — can help financial plans stay aligned with long term goals.

🔗 Read more: https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/new-tax-year-maximising-opportunities-at-every-life-stage.html

The Michelle Sheppard Practice Limited 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).

SJP Approved 1/5/2026

Household finances continue to be squeezed in 2026. With income tax thresholds frozen until at least 2031, more taxpayers are being pulled into higher tax bands. Plus, years of high inflation have compounded the problem as rising prices mean less disposable income.

21/04/2026

Is all that glitters fool’s gold?

After two years of rapid price increases, the conflict in Iran has seen gold prices fall notably. With the metal struggling, we look at what drives its performance, and how SJP views it as an asset class.

To read more on this topic, click the link below:

https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/is-all-that-glitters-fools-gold.html

The Michelle Sheppard Practice Limited 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).

SJP Approved 15/04/2026

After two years of rapid price increases, the conflict in Iran has seen gold prices fall notably. With the metal struggling, we look at what drives its performance, and how SJP views it as an asset class.

16/04/2026

New tax year: Round-up of rate and allowance changes

We’ve created a summary of the key tax changes for the 2026/27 tax year to help individuals and businesses with their tax planning.

The new tax year (2026/27) began on 6 April. Updated tax rates and allowances have been well-trailed by the government so there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises for taxpayers. That said, it pays to take note of how the adjustments, including new requirements for filing tax information, will affect your finances this year.

Click here to find out more: https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/new-tax-year-round-up-of-rate-and-allowance-changes.html

The Michelle Sheddard Practice Limited 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).

SJP Approved: 06/04/2026

The new tax year (2026/27) began on 6 April. Updated tax rates and allowances have been well-trailed by the government so there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises for taxpayers. That said, it pays to take note of how the adjustments, including new requirements for filing tax information, will affect...

14/04/2026

Can a trust help protect your estate?

Trusts are increasingly used in the UK as a strategy to manage inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities, especially with upcoming changes to IHT rules set to affect pensions.

Here, we look at how they work in estate planning.

https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/can-a-trust-help-protect-your-estate.html

The Michelle Sheppard Practice Limited 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).

SJP Approved 09/04/2026

Trusts are increasingly used in the UK as a strategy to manage inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities, especially with upcoming changes to IHT rules set to affect pensions. We look at how they work in estate planning.

09/04/2026

10 tips for business owners heading into the new financial year

As the new tax year begins, many business owners are using the quieter spring weeks to reset, refocus and plan. With several bank holidays ahead, now’s the ideal time to pause, reflect and set the tone for the year to come.

Click the link below for 10 practical tips to help you start strong.

https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/ten-tips-for-business-owners-heading-into-the-new-financial-year.html

The Michelle Sheppard Practice Limited 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).

SJP Approved 02/04/2026

02/04/2026

Anyone with overseas income or assets may now be affected by the major changes to the UK’s non‑dom rules.

The reforms introduced in April 2025 have reshaped how foreign income, gains and inheritance tax are applied.

Explore the key changes and the areas that may impact financial planning.

🔗 https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/non-dom-tax-changes-why-planning-is-vital.html

The Michelle Sheppard Practice Limited 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).

SJP Approved 30/3/2026

The non-dom tax regime has seen a monumental overhaul in the past year. New regulations, introduced in April 2025, radically changed how foreign income and gains are taxed for individuals living in the UK who had previous non-dom status. There are also big implications for inheritance tax.

01/04/2026

Tax thresholds are frozen and the cost of living has been rising - which means many people are feeling the impact on their take‑home pay.

That’s why using your available allowances before 5th April is more important than ever.

👉 Discover 5 allowances worth knowing about: https://www.michellesheppard.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/five-allowances-to-use-before-tax-year-end.html

Taxation rules can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.

The Michelle Sheppard Practice Limited 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).


SJP Approved 2/3/2026

With the rise in inflation and the freeze on income tax thresholds until at least 2031, the tax burden has increased considerably for many of us. This is especially true for those who have benefited from rising wages but who have moved into higher income tax bands as a result. This is why it is more...