Here in the UK, we are always told to, “Remember, remember, the fifth of November.”
But this year it will be 26 November at the forefront of advisers’ minds, with chancellor Rachel Reeves expected to unveil an explosive Budget to rival any fireworks display.
The relentless rumour mill has only added fuel to the flames, with everything seemingly on the table as Reeves looks to plug a fiscal black hole to the tune of £22bn.
We look across the pond to the States, to Australia and to Europe to discover how advisers there are doing things differently
There has been speculation about a cut to the Cash Isa allowance, a raid on pensions tax-free cash, a second stab at inheritance tax (IHT) and capital gains tax, and the introduction of a wealth tax.
At Money Marketing, our team of reporters will be glued to the action, bringing you live updates and all the reaction on the day as the news unfolds.
Phil Wickenden: Reading the Autumn Budget before it’s written
Meanwhile, for our Big Picture feature this month, we look across the pond to the States, to Australia and to Europe to discover how advisers there are doing things differently – and what lessons our UK counterparts can learn from their overseas neighbours.
Our MM Talks podcast digs deeper into the same theme, with guests offering advice and practical tips on how listeners can integrate these lessons into their own advice firm.
Elsewhere, Behind the Headlines explores two very different but equally important topics.
In the first, editor Tom Browne takes a closer look at the government’s decision to remove the cap on contactless spending limits, and questions whether this move will change spending habits and lead to poor financial decisions.
In the second, features writer Amanda Newman Smith explores another cap, with the Treasury reportedly considering imposing a limit on the value of gifts a person can make before death without incurring IHT.
She asks whether this potential policy change will make parents and grandparents think twice about handing down their money to the next generation, and whether it could even spell the end of the so-called Bank of Mum and Dad.
And, in this month’s two Leader pieces, MM chief reporter Momodou Touray examines loaded premiums in the protection space, while senior reporter Tabitha Lambie lays out what ought to be in the Budget (ah, the B-word again!) but probably won’t be.
The relentless rumour mill has only added fuel to the flames
Also this month: Darius McQuaid’s Spotlight investigates the appetite for long-term asset funds among advisers; plus two candid Off the Record interviews, including one with Suman Rao, UK managing director at Avaloq.
Finally, keep an eye out for the latest in our MM Meets series with Absolute Financial CEO David Carter, who speaks about his career, leadership and family life away from advice.
On a personal note, I’ll be handing back the reins to Tom as he returns from paternity leave, no doubt having had no sleep for the past month and smelling of baby sick.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed filling in and hope I’ve left his third child (Money Marketing) in good shape.
Daniel Cooper is news editor for Money Marketing
