Dan Reed

Have you considered the importance of estate planning?

Many people don’t realise that inheritance tax (IHT) can apply once your estate goes over £325,000, although some people may also benefit from an additional residence nil rate band when passing on a home to direct descendants. This includes property, money, investments, and everyday belongings, and from April 2027, unused pension savings may also form part of your estate for inheritance tax. This can affect how much of your wealth is ultimately passed on to the people who matter most.

Estate planning helps ensure your wishes are followed and that as much of your estate as possible passes to the people you choose. However, the rules around inheritance tax can be complex and lots of people don’t understand how allowances apply or what their tax position will be.

That’s where I can help. I can help you to get a clear picture of the value of your taxable estate, explore ways to manage or reduce any tax liability and put a long-term plan in place that fits your goals and circumstances.

If you’d like to take control of your legacy, let’s talk about how I can support you.

I’ve worn a few different career “hats” prior to becoming a financial adviser. I originally come from a scientific background and started out as an academic research astronomer as part of obtaining a doctorate in astronomy. 

After leaving academia I spent the bulk of my career so far in financial services consulting, where I specialised in providing professional investment strategy and risk management advice to the trustees of large occupational pension schemes, which is where I gained my Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) professional accreditation with the CFA Institute.

More recently, I decided to switch tracks within the industry and pivot to become a financial adviser to individuals, families and small business owners instead because I enjoy meeting with and directly helping people from all walks of life. To do this I retrained and obtained the necessary Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS), became a member of one of the industry’s main professional bodies (the Chartered Insurance Institute) and joined Quilter Financial Advisers.

Outside of work, I like to get out into the countryside for scenic walks/hikes with the family, explore new areas, keep up to date with the latest news in astronomy and technology, keep fit & healthy and meet up with friends in local community groups for various events and charity endeavours.