Private Wealth Podcast

Saffery

We explore the changing world of private wealth – from family offices and succession planning to philanthropy and the changing personal tax landscape.

  1. Philanthropy, tax and legacy planning

    Jun 10

    Philanthropy, tax and legacy planning

    The most generous giving can also be the most strategic, but only if you understand the UK tax rules behind it. Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges, private wealth partners, discuss philanthropy from a private client perspective, focusing on how to give with clarity, avoid common traps, and build a plan that fits your wider wealth management and estate planning goals. This episode starts with Gift Aid, because it underpins most UK charitable giving. We explain how the basic rate reclaim works, how higher and additional rate taxpayers can claim further income tax relief, and why some donors get caught out by an unexpected Gift Aid tax charge when they’ve not paid enough tax. We also look into practical planning: using donations to manage thresholds such as the £100,000 personal allowance taper and child benefit clawback, plus the rules on when a cash donation can be carried back to the prior tax year. We cover gifting quoted shares and securities, including why it can be so effective for capital gains tax (CGT) planning and income tax relief, and what to consider if you’re also making Gift Aid cash donations. We then look at inheritance tax (IHT) relief, charitable legacies, and the reduced 36% IHT rate where at least 10% of the estate goes to charity, alongside why careful will drafting matters when charity trustees are involved. Finally, we compare donor advised funds (DAFs) with running a private charitable foundation, including anonymity, administration, governance, and how philanthropy can help engage the next generation through shared decision-making and impact. If you'd like to find out more about how we can support your philanthropic goals, then please do get in touch. You may also be interested in our article covering tax relief on charitable donations. And don't forget to subscribe on your preferred podcast platform and leave us a review if you found this episode helpful. For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/ Saffery official website Visit saffery.com Follow Saffery online LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safferyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/ Email: info@saffery.com

    21 min
  2. Choosing the right wealth planning structure: FICs vs trusts vs offshore bonds

    May 5

    Choosing the right wealth planning structure: FICs vs trusts vs offshore bonds

    Family investment companies (FICs), trusts and offshore bonds are three of the most common structures used in UK tax and wealth planning — but what do they actually mean for you and your family? In this episode, we break down how each structure works in practice, how they differ on control, tax, reporting and long term succession, and why the right choice depends on your goals rather than what’s currently popular. We look at how trusts separate ownership and benefit, how FIC share classes shape governance and growth, and how offshore bonds use tax deferral and 5% withdrawals. We also explore when it makes sense to combine structures, plus the real world trends we’re seeing — from rising reporting requirements to cross-border moves and the growing appeal of familiar corporate frameworks. Listen now to understand these wealth structures in simple terms and consider which approach fits your family’s plans. Related articles: Family Investment Company (FIC) | Wealth Structuring Guide Unlimited vs limited liability in Family Investment Companies (FICs) What is an offshore bond? Trust and estate planning Trust Registration Service For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/ Saffery official website Visit saffery.com Follow Saffery online LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safferyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/ Email: info@saffery.com

    20 min
  3. Tax planning for your assets and possessions: understanding exemptions, gifting and IHT

    Mar 24

    Tax planning for your assets and possessions: understanding exemptions, gifting and IHT

    Your garage, loft or side table might be hiding a surprisingly tax-efficient asset. We sit down to unpack which personal possessions you can sell or give away in the UK without any tax implications. If you have assets such as art, collectables or classic cars, the difference between a clean gain and an unexpected tax charge often comes down to a few definitions and one or two easily missed rules.    We talk through the practical capital gains tax (CGT) framework for private owners, after which we dig into chattels (tangible movable property), including real-world examples like books, comics, paintings and some more specific corners of HMRC guidance.    The conversation then turns to two of the most useful exemptions and planning angles. First, “wasting assets” and the 50-year predictable life test; second, the chattels rules around the £6,000 threshold and the special gain-restriction calculation above that level. Lastly we look at real life habits you should always be instilling: good records, sensible valuations, and remembering that gifts to family are CGT disposals at market value, while holding valuables until death can increase inheritance tax exposure. If you’d like to read more about this topic, then our recent article, ‘Do I have to pay tax when selling or gifting personal possessions?’, gives further insight.   Get in touch to discuss any of the issues and points raised. For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/ Saffery official website Visit saffery.com Follow Saffery online LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safferyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/ Email: info@saffery.com

    15 min
  4. Tax planning in 2026: the key changes you can't afford to miss

    Mar 16

    Tax planning in 2026: the key changes you can't afford to miss

    There are a number of significant tax changes occurring in 2026, and to help you stay ahead, we breakdown the key dates and deadlines you need to be aware of, including the appropriate actions you should be taking before 5th April 2026. Our podcast episode explores: Dividend tax increases: Rates rise for basic and higher-rate taxpayers from April 2026. We discuss if bringing dividends forward is the right move for your cash flow. BADR: With Business Asset Disposal Relief rising to 18% on 6 April, we explore why timing a disposal now could materially change your tax outcome. Making Tax Digital (MTD): Quarterly returns move from theory to reality for many self-employed individuals and landlords. We outline who is in scope and how to prepare. Looking to 2027: Why proposed changes to Pensions and Inheritance Tax are already driving major shifts in estate planning and gifting strategies. Year-end essentials: From ISA allowances to CGT holdover claims—the "boring" but essential steps to take before the deadline. We also have an article that highlights practical planning points to look over before the end of the tax year. If you have any questions on how these changes affect you, please get in touch. And don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/ Saffery official website Visit saffery.com Follow Saffery online LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safferyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/ Email: info@saffery.com

    16 min

About

We explore the changing world of private wealth – from family offices and succession planning to philanthropy and the changing personal tax landscape.

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