Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal, and in that spirit, it’s all change at The Wire too. As Director of Wealth Planning, I’m passionate about helping clients plan for the future and am delighted to be introducing The Wire for the first time with this packed spring edition, our first of 2026.
Last year was generally strong for global markets – and for the FTSE 100 in particular – despite geopolitical uncertainty and continuing conflict overseas, while the year ended with the highly anticipated Autumn Budget at home. And it’s here that we start this edition of The Wire.
The introduction of a “Mansion Tax” had been widely mooted in the run-up to Rachel Reeves’ late-November Budget. While speculation doesn’t always directly translate to policy, on this occasion, the chancellor did announce a High Value Council Tax Surcharge (or “Mansion Tax”), payable on properties valued at £2 million or more from April 2028.
With a top rate of £7,500 a year, it’s understandable that some of you will be worried. Read your guide to everything we know about the Mansion Tax so far and the steps you can take now to mitigate its impact if you think you will be affected.
Next up, I’ve already alluded to the FTSE 100’s strong 2025 performance, but it was actually on 2 January 2026 that the index broke the 10,000 barrier for the first time.
After a 2025 marred by geopolitical tension, ongoing wars, and unpredictability, the performance of the UK’s leading index provides some valuable lessons about ignoring the noise, staying focused, and why you needn’t be anxious about investing when markets are at an all-time high.
HMRC expect to see a jump in the number of UK taxpayers earning over £100,000 a year, with more than 2 million people expected to reach this threshold in 2026. But is £100,000 the impressive salary it once was? Take a closer look at how fiscal drag, potential knock-ons for childcare, and concerns about the 60% tax trap could affect you or your high-earning children in 2026. Plus, we’ll explore how professional financial advice could help.
Back in our spring 2025 edition of The Wire, we wrote about upcoming changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) treatment of unused pension funds and death benefits, and the impact of rising IHT bills. On that occasion, we wrote about the importance of placing life insurance policies in trust. But lifetime gifting could be a valuable strategy too.
Giving while living helps you lower the value of your estate for IHT purposes tax-efficiently. But poor record-keeping could see your gifts backfire. Find out why this is the case and how to ensure your record-keeping is robust enough to protect your wealth and loved ones.
Then, as two-thirds of young investors turn to financial influencers for “advice”, discover why these so-called “finfluencers” could be so damaging to your loved ones’ wealth. From the lack of risk warnings and regulation to the generalised nature of social media claims, read about the five simple investment lessons to teach your children or grandchildren now.
Finally, as the Department for Education has named 2026 the National Year of Reading, discover why and how to instil a love of literature in your children and grandchildren. Research suggests that reading increases empathy, improves social skills, and can even reduce stress, so we’ve included a rundown of 15 books perfect for helping you to give your children the gift of a lifelong love of reading.
I hope you enjoy this spring edition of The Wire.
Best regards,
Lisa
