With 2026 underway, Rosart is extremely excited about what lies ahead. We continue to improve in the areas we believe will add the greatest value to the individuals, families, and corporates we look after.
Our team is expanding, allowing us to strengthen the support we provide. Alongside this, we are continuing to build meaningful relationships with specialist third‑party professionals, from legal teams to investment solutions, giving us deeper expertise and focusing on our holistic approach to financial planning.
In the first blog of the year, we wanted to reflect on the themes and questions that have been dominating recent conversations, where thoughtful planning can make a difference in the months and years ahead.
Changing times
As with any sensible financial plan, taking a long‑term view is essential. The world will always move through cycles, and short‑term noise can be distracting, but staying the course is crucial.
When reviewing our investment portfolios, the key data we focus on tends to be over three and five year timeframes. With this in mind, looking back to 2021 brings into perspective how much the world has navigated post the pandemic.
We have lived through events which may have been considered once in a generation. Geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have created humanitarian challenges and added volatility to global markets. At the same time, economic shifts led to record levels of inflation, supply chain disruption, and interest rate pressures.
More recently, geo-politics and AI commentary have dominated our newsfeeds.
Moving forward, one thing is for sure, that more uncertainty, is a certainty.
While past events have had significant global impacts, and future ones will no doubt do the same, the world has consistently adapted. With each period of change has come innovation, new ways of working, and industries evolving faster than anyone anticipated.
Client plans have naturally evolved alongside this. Strategies have been refined, assumptions updated, and conversations have broadened. But importantly, the long‑term vision and mindset remain the same.
Ultimately, while periods of instability are uncomfortable, history is clear, that staying the course is often the most effective decision we can make.
Revisiting what is important
For most, financial plans are centred around three key stages:
- Looking towards becoming financially free from work
- Navigating the early years of retirement
- Balancing potential care costs in later life
Our role is to ensure that each of these stages is achievable. Along the way, we seek to help people tick off the ambitions and goals that matter most to them, whether that’s travel, supporting family, or simply having the confidence to live life on their terms.
In recent years, talks with those entering early retirement have become increasingly challenging. This period is exciting, but it can also bring a wave of uncertainty. Many find themselves nervous about stepping away from a regular income, even when every projection, model, and stress test shows that they are more than secure.
This is where it becomes essential to revisit the deeper questions. What is most important? What does a fulfilling next chapter look like? What experiences do you not want to miss?
For some, the answer is clear, they want to enjoy every moment. For others, priorities lean more toward ensuring enough is set aside for loved ones. These are equally significant discussions, and they naturally lead into the third major topic that has been most spoken about recently – inheritance tax.
Inheritance tax (IHT) planning – a personal choice
While always a key consideration as planners, IHT has been brought closer into scope through the last two Autumn Budgets. The key announcements were:
- The inclusion of pensions within the estate for IHT purposes from 2027
- The freezing of ‘tax-free’ IHT thresholds until 2031
Together, these changes mean that more families may find themselves facing a potential IHT liability, but our question is often the same – how does that make you feel?
We see enormous variation in answers. For some, it sits at the very heart of their priorities, and for others, it simply isn’t a concern. There is no right or wrong answer here, it is entirely dependent on personal values, but our job is to make sure they make an informed decision which they are comfortable with.
With the standard rate of 40% applied above the available allowances, the impact can be substantial, and many clients are understandably keen to review what options are available to them.
How we can help
At Rosart, our focus is always on helping those we look after navigate big life decisions with confidence, whatever may be influencing them.
Whatever you are planning for, the new year offers a great opportunity to speak with us, we would love to hear from you.