Archives
The Advice-Only Mistake: Why Execution Matters Just as Much as the Plan
You’ve got the plan. The recommendations are clear, the goals are mapped out, and the next steps look achievable. But without support to implement them, even the best advice can end up gathering dust. At Cedar House, we believe good financial advice doesn’t stop at the “what”, it continues through the “how.” A smart strategy […]
Posted in Financial Planning
What Happens to Your Pension When You Die? Why 2025 Is the Year to Recheck Your Nomination
Pensions don’t automatically follow your will. Most defined contribution pensions (the kind you build through personal or workplace plans) pass on according to your nominated beneficiary form, not your estate. If you haven’t nominated anyone, or your nomination is out of date, the pension provider may use discretion to decide where the money goes. That […]
Posted in Pensions
The £3,000 Gift Everyone Forgets to Use (And Why HMRC Loves That)
Every year, millions of people in the UK let a simple tax break slip through their fingers: one that could save their families thousands. The £3,000 annual gift allowance sounds modest, but used consistently, it’s a powerful way to reduce future inheritance tax bills. The irony of it all is that most of us never […]
Posted in Financial Planning
Is Your Mortgage Deal Hiding a Trap? What to Know Before You Remortgage Again
That ‘too good to miss’ rate might look pretty tempting… much like a pancake van on a chilly autumn evening. But – the small print can come with costly surprises. Many of us get drawn like a moth to a flame when it comes to shiny, cleverly marketed deals and switch before really looking into […]
Posted in Mortgage
The Early Exit Retirement Plan Most People Overlook
Most people assume they’ll work into their late 60s, not because they want to, but because they think they have to. But what if that assumption is wrong? The truth is, many people could stop working sooner than they realise. The key is knowing your number and testing the plan, not relying on guesswork or […]
Posted in Retirement Planning
How Spreading Investments Too Thin Could Be Slowing You Down
Diversification is one of the most repeated pieces of investment advice, and for good reason. But here’s the part that rarely gets mentioned: too much diversification can actually hold you back. Instead of boosting performance or reducing risk, overdoing it can lead to a bloated portfolio that’s confusing, inefficient, and ultimately less effective. The […]
Posted in Financial Planning, Investments
The Property Gifting Cheat Sheet: Keep It in the Family, Cut the Tax
Thinking about gifting a property to your kids? It’s something we hear a lot, especially from parents who’ve built up wealth in their home and want to help the next generation. But handing over a house isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Between inheritance tax rules and tricky timeframes, a well-meant gift can come with […]
Posted in Financial Planning, IHT Planning
Can Your Home Pay for Its Own Makeover?
Dreaming of a kitchen extension or a new bathroom? With savings squeezed and costs climbing, many homeowners are asking the same question: Can I use my mortgage to fund it? If your property’s value has gone up, you might have untapped equity sitting in your walls, and yes, that could mean your home can help […]
Posted in Mortgage
Mortgage Overpayments vs. Building Wealth: What’s the Smarter Move?
Overpaying your mortgage feels like a win, and it can be. But in 2025, when interest rates are high at 4.25%, investment returns are bouncing back, and tax rules are shifting under your feet, the question isn’t just “Should I overpay?” It’s “What’s the smartest place for my money right now?” Let’s zoom out and […]
Posted in Mortgage
5 Tax-Free Ways to Gift Money in 2025 Without Triggering the Taxman
Thinking of giving your kids a bit of help with their deposit? Or slipping your grandkids some cash for uni? Just make sure HMRC doesn’t turn it into an accidental tax trap. Fortunately, there are several perfectly legal ways to give financial support without creating a future inheritance tax headache. And in 2025, with frozen […]
Posted in Financial Planning