Sue Barnes

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’m a Financial Planning Consultant based in Cornwall, with strong ties to Wiltshire and Hampshire. I hold a BA (Hons) in Business Enterprise and professional qualifications from the London Institute of Banking & Finance, including the DipFA, CeMAP, and CeRGI. With over 35 years’ experience as a customer-facing professional, I pride myself on being empathetic, approachable, and genuinely interested in my clients’ stories. I take the time to truly understand your unique goals and aspirations. Together, we can build a robust financial plan tailored specifically to your needs - one that helps you feel confident and excited about the future and focused on what matters most to you.

I have experience working with generational families, those needing specialist financial advice due to disability, business owners (from sole traders to limited company directors), farmers, and dedicated professionals. I work with clients to align and protect both their personal and business interests, generate and preserve wealth, and safeguard what matters most.

My approach is honest, people-focused, and grounded in expert coaching and advice. I’m here to understand what drives you, and to help you navigate the financial milestones of life - from education and career-building, through marriage and parenthood, to retirement and beyond. So you can nurture your dreams and achieve your financial goals.