Richard Gillies

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.

I've spent over 20 years in public service and Chauffeuring, during that time I found I had a keen eye for financial planning and would often help friends, family and colleague with their finances.

I started to research the financial industry and came to quickly realise that the population is simply not educated to the correct standard at any point regarding financial matters, from a range of subjects including taxes, savings, pensions, investments or simply how the system works. I began my official career in finance by becoming a Mortgage and Protection advisor, then moving into Private Medical Insurance before becoming fully qualified with a Diploma in Financial Planning.

Whether it is helping people plan for their savings goals, plan for their retirement or just to obtain financial freedom, I thrive on that challenge and the help it provides.

My spare time is taken up with my wife and two children, I love travelling and if I could, I would spend my days travelling the world.