A practical guide for anyone thinking about how, and when, to pass on what they've built to the next generation. It walks through the main options for transferring wealth and the decisions worth making early, rather than leaving them until later in life.
Why the how matters as much as the who
Most people know who they want to benefit from their estate. Working out how to pass wealth on is often the harder question. The guide makes the case for thinking this through properly, since the right approach depends on your goals, your family's circumstances, and how much control you want to keep along the way.
The three main ways to pass on wealth
Gifting during your lifetime, placing assets in a trust, or leaving them in your will each work differently and suit different situations. The guide weighs up the advantages and drawbacks of each, and shows how many families end up combining more than one to get the outcome they want.
Balancing generosity with your own security
Gifting can make a real difference to loved ones now, but it raises an important question: could it leave you short later in life? The guide looks at how to think through this trade off properly, so a gift today doesn't come at the cost of your own financial security tomorrow.
The tax side of passing on wealth
Transferring assets isn't always as straightforward as it sounds, and Inheritance Tax can take a meaningful bite out of what actually reaches your beneficiaries. The guide explains what can trigger a liability and points to our Inheritance Tax calculator if you want to see roughly where you stand.
Bringing your family into the conversation
Passing on wealth doesn't have to be a solo decision. The guide sets out the case for involving your family in the process, from opening up difficult money conversations to spotting tax efficiencies you might otherwise miss, and explains why a third party in the room often makes those conversations easier.
Who it's for
Anyone with family wealth planning on their mind, whether you are just starting to think about it or already have a plan you'd like to review. It's a good starting point if you want to leave more to your family and less to tax.
