Ben Williams Financial Planning

20/04/2026

This is a great read for anyone looking to build stronger financial foundations.

Focusing on something as practical as emergency savings, the article breaks down how simple, structured conversations around money can help people feel more confident and prepared for the unexpected ➡ very much aligned with how we support our clients every day.

By turning complex financial topics into clear, actionable guidance, it highlights the real value of financial education in helping people make informed decisions.

Well worth a read for anyone looking to take greater control of their financial future.

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One in five have less than £1,000 in emergency savings, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected costs. How much should you have in your rainy day fund?

17/04/2026

Lifetime Financial Planning starts with a simple idea..... listening first.

Taking the time to truly understand what matters most - your values, your priorities and the life you want to create.

Because it’s never just about numbers on a page.

It’s about the people, experiences, and sense of security those numbers are meant to support.

At the heart of it all is one powerful question - what is enough?

- Enough to support the people you love
- Enough to create opportunities and meaningful experiences
- Enough to make a difference beyond yourself
- Enough to feel calm, secure, and in control of your future

When we take the time to define “enough,” financial planning becomes something more intentional.

It shifts from simply accumulating wealth to creating clarity, confidence and a deeper sense of purpose.

The result is a plan built not just for growth, but for balance, fulfilment, and lasting peace of mind.

Have you thought about what enough look like for you?

15/04/2026

When we think about financial planning, we often focus on savings, investments, pensions, and so on, but what’s often overlooked is protecting what you already have.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 isn’t just about insurance policies; it’s about building financial resilience.

It’s about making sure that if life throws the unexpected your way - illness, loss of income, or worse - you and your family aren’t left exposed.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be breaking down the different types of protection, why they matter, and the key questions you should be asking to ensure you’re properly covered.

Because when it comes to your income, health and loved ones, one of the smartest moves you can make is to protect them 🛡️

07/04/2026

The new tax year started on 6 April 2026, and it brings several important updates affecting employees, employers, business owners, investors, and the self-employed.

Here are the headline changes to be aware of 👇

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐱
The Personal Allowance remains frozen at £12,570 until at least 2031. While rates haven’t changed, frozen thresholds mean more people may be pulled into higher tax bands as salaries rise.

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
NIC thresholds and rates are largely unchanged:
- Employees: 8% between £12,570–£50,270, then 2%
- Self-employed (Class 4): 6% then 2%
- Employers: 15% on earnings above £5,000

𝐈𝐧𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐱
A significant update for farmers and business owners:
- 100% Agricultural & Business Relief now capped at £2.5m per individual
- Assets above this receive 50% relief
- Nil-rate band remains frozen at £325,000 until 2031

𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐂𝐆𝐓
Key changes for investors:
- Dividend allowance remains £500
- Dividend tax rises to:
- 10.75% basic rate
- 35.75% higher rate
- CGT annual exemption remains £3,000
- ISA limit stays £20,000 for 2026/27

𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟
One major shift for employees:
- Employers can still reimburse home-working costs tax-free
- But employees can no longer personally claim HMRC tax relief if their employer doesn’t reimburse them

The biggest theme this year is clear - more frozen thresholds, tighter reliefs and fewer personal claims.

For business leaders, finance teams, and employees alike, this is a good time to review payroll, tax planning, investment structures, and employee benefits 💡

27/03/2026

Majorca with the boys 😎☀️

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 more ➡ https://partnership.sjp.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.

10/03/2026

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.*