Graham Featherston

Could you be more financially savvy this tax year?

March, and spring more generally, is often a time for fresh starts. And now your tax allowances are getting one too. The new tax year begins on 6 April, giving you time to plan how you’ll use all those new allowances to your advantage.

Take your ISA allowance. It can be tempting to leave it until the last minute to use it up. But, if you’re able to pay into it at the beginning of the year, you’re potentially getting a whole extra 12 months of time for your savings to grow.

A review right at the start of the tax year, or just before it, can also help us spot if there are any tax incentives you could use throughout the year.

You might be surprised just how many people don’t do this - and miss out on money that’s rightfully theirs. These tax incentives can be things like increasing your pension contributions or charitable giving to help offset your income tax.

I can also draw up a cashflow model to bring this to life. The model allows us to explore and compare different strategies and scenarios, so you can see the difference it will make to your long-term finances and goals.

If you want to find out more about the savvy financial strategies I could help you with this tax year, feel free to get in touch.

Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change.

Stocks and Shares ISAs invest in corporate bonds, stocks and shares and other assets that fluctuate in value.

Tax Planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited. November 2025.

After working for many years in an employed role, I decided to make the move into self-employment as a financial adviser. As mentioned, I have advised both as an independent advisor (IA) and a restricted advisor (RA), as I am now with Quilter Financial Advisers. I do feel the distinction between the two is sometimes misunderstood. For me, as an RA I have selected to partner with Quilter Financial Advisers Ltd who are part of Quilter, a FTSE 250 company, as they do all of the appropriate due diligence for me in selecting appropriate investment partners for my clients - they specialise in creating and managing multi-asset investment portfolios, and also managing their own funds, which for me provide ideal solutions for my clients. The support that Quilter provides to both me and my clients is exemplary.

I offer holistic financial advice with a personal service and an ongoing relationship built on trust. I help my clients meet their goals and objectives by undertaking regular reviews. With over 40 years’ experience in financial services, I have a genuine interest in my clients personal and financial situation, and I always ensure I have the time to properly look after all of my clients. I also believe that through those 40 plus years I bring valuable life experience which I can share with my clients.

Outside of work my wife and two daughters enjoy riding their two horses, while I much prefer long walks with eight year old Golden Retriever Monty, as well as playing the drums, piano and guitar.