Ryan O’Connell

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 follow a three-step process with my clients:

1. Discovery: Our initial meeting focuses on you - where you are now and where you want to be. Understanding your unique story is paramount.
2. Financial Planning: In this meeting, we answer the critical question: ‘How much is enough?’ When does work become optional for you to maintain your desired lifestyle and spend time doing what truly matters?
3. Implementation: During this meeting, we review my recommendations and implement any advice that is appropriate in helping you get to where you need to go.

Outside of work, I cherish time with my wife, Kate, and our daughter, Lily. We’re passionate about cruising, enjoying incredible sunsets and the excitement of waking up in a new place every day. We also love visiting National Trust sites like Kingston Lacy and Stourhead, where we immerse ourselves in the beautiful and well-preserved scenery.