Wednesday, 19 March 2014 17:59
Budget 2014 panel reaction: Michael Smith
Financial Planner's Budget 2014 Panel: Michael Smith, co-owner and director of IFP Accredited Financial Planning FirmTM, Chamberlyns.
1. How do you rate this budget for Financial Planners?
This budget is extremely interesting for financial planners and I've no doubt will require rapid understanding and personalised interpretation on behalf of clients, many of whom will be directly affected by the announcements.
2. What are the positive elements for the FP community?
There are lots of positive elements in respect of the planning opportunities that will now come into play for clients of financial planning firms, including the raising of the higher rate tax threshold, the merging and raising of the annual ISA allowance and the huge changes to the way in which benefits can be taken from pensions.
3. What are the negative elements?
The budget was so fast-paced and full of not just changes, but frankly, bombshells, I'm struggling to see anything initially that could be regarded as negative from a financial planning perspective. Obviously, some of the changes, particularly around pensions, have the potential to be dangerous, but this is where sound planning and advice will be very important.
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4. Are there 2-3 specific budget changes that you will be following up with your clients?
This Budget will throw up several potentially complex financial planning issues which will need to be considered with clients over the coming weeks and months, including in the areas of tax, retirement planning, saving and investing.
5. What did George Osborne miss? What should have been in that wasn't?
It would have been nice to see a return in the availability of Index-Linked National Savings Certificates, as this would have provided significant help to savers, regardless of age.
6. Give the Chancellor your marks out of 10? 1=poor 10=outstanding
I think the Chancellor deserves credit for a Budget which, from a Financial Planning perspective, seems to deliver – or at least aims to deliver - freedom, choice, control and opportunity. 9/10.
1. How do you rate this budget for Financial Planners?
This budget is extremely interesting for financial planners and I've no doubt will require rapid understanding and personalised interpretation on behalf of clients, many of whom will be directly affected by the announcements.
2. What are the positive elements for the FP community?
There are lots of positive elements in respect of the planning opportunities that will now come into play for clients of financial planning firms, including the raising of the higher rate tax threshold, the merging and raising of the annual ISA allowance and the huge changes to the way in which benefits can be taken from pensions.
3. What are the negative elements?
The budget was so fast-paced and full of not just changes, but frankly, bombshells, I'm struggling to see anything initially that could be regarded as negative from a financial planning perspective. Obviously, some of the changes, particularly around pensions, have the potential to be dangerous, but this is where sound planning and advice will be very important.
{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}
4. Are there 2-3 specific budget changes that you will be following up with your clients?
This Budget will throw up several potentially complex financial planning issues which will need to be considered with clients over the coming weeks and months, including in the areas of tax, retirement planning, saving and investing.
5. What did George Osborne miss? What should have been in that wasn't?
It would have been nice to see a return in the availability of Index-Linked National Savings Certificates, as this would have provided significant help to savers, regardless of age.
6. Give the Chancellor your marks out of 10? 1=poor 10=outstanding
I think the Chancellor deserves credit for a Budget which, from a Financial Planning perspective, seems to deliver – or at least aims to deliver - freedom, choice, control and opportunity. 9/10.
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