Sarah Buchanan-Smith

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.

My career has seen me in roles such as a financial analyst, management consultant, and investor relations expert, providing me with invaluable insights that inform the advice I provide today.

As a holistic financial planner, I help individuals, families, and business owners create comprehensive strategies tailored to their unique circumstances. Whether you’re seeking clarity on pensions, investments, protection, or inheritance tax planning, my goal is to empower you with a financial plan that aligns with your values, priorities, and long-term goals.

My areas of expertise include Holistic Financial Planning to create a financial strategy that integrates all aspects of your financial life, Pension & Retirement Planning to help you prepare for a comfortable future and Investment Planning to help you grow and preserve your wealth.

I can also help you with Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning to ensure your family’s financial stability across generations and provide you with Protection and Insurance to secure your income, assets, and loved ones. (Please note that succession planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

Also, having run my own business for over 20 years, I provide Business Services to assist business owners with succession planning and financial security.

I work with diverse clients, including individuals navigating significant life changes, such as loss, divorce, redundancy, or the birth of a child; business owners seeking tailored protection and succession planning; families focused on setting their children up for financial success and preserving wealth for future generations; and young adults navigating their path to financial independence.

As a “Woman of a Certain Age,” I am passionately committed to empowering midlife women to take control of their financial futures and helping them build confidence and clarity in planning and managing their wealth.

I’m not sure how it happened, but I’m a big fan of cold-water swimming! When I’m not jumping into the North Sea, I love travelling, especially by train. I also enjoy music, art, reading and spending time with my husband and our three almost grown-up children.