.jpg)
No one likes to think about the unexpected, but without the right plans in place, if the unthinkable happens, it could leave behind uncertainty and added pressure for your loved ones.
It’s something many people intend to address, but often delay.
Estate planning is often seen as little more than drafting a will, but in reality, it plays a far greater role. It forms a key pillar of comprehensive wealth management - helping to protect what you’ve built, organise your finances in a tax-efficient way and guide the thoughtful transfer of wealth across generations.
At Two10 Investment Services, we believe estate planning isn’t only about what happens after you’re gone - it’s also about how your wealth is managed and aligned with your values today, so that the legacy you’ve worked hard to build can continue to support your family and future generations.
Why Estate Planning is Important
Estate planning plays a vital role in helping individuals, families and business owners protect what they’ve built and shape how it’s passed on. One of its key benefits is the potential to reduce liabilities such as inheritance tax, which can significantly impact the value of your estate. With the right planning, it may be possible to structure your financial affairs in a way that helps minimise unnecessary tax exposure and preserve more of your wealth for future generations.
But estate planning isn’t just about financial efficiency - it also offers peace of mind. It provides the chance to clearly outline your intentions, support those closest to you and create a foundation for continuity. This can be particularly valuable in complex family dynamics or business scenarios, where clarity and preparation can help avoid conflict and uncertainty down the line.
Common Estate Planning Strategies
Estate planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are a range of tools and strategies available, each designed to support different personal, financial and family circumstances. Some of the most commonly used approaches include:
- Wills - A fundamental legal document that outlines out how you would like your assets to be distributed after your death.
- Trusts - These can be used to hold and manage assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Depending on how they’re structured, trusts may offer greater control, flexibility and potential tax advantages.
- Lifetime gifting - Transferring assets during your lifetime can be a way to reduce the overall value of your estate. However it’s important to fully understand the rules and implications.
- Lasting Powers of Attorney - These legal arrangements allow you to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you’re no longer able to do so, covering both financial and healthcare matters.
Each of these strategies plays a role in building a thoughtful and personalised estate plan - one that not only reflects your intentions but also supports the long-term preservation of what you’ve built. When used as part of a wider wealth management strategy, they can help you plan with purpose and protect your legacy.
Considerations for Business Owners
For business owners, estate planning can be especially important - and often more complex. Without a clear plan in place, the future of the business can become uncertain. Questions around ownership, leadership and continuity may arise, potentially leading to confusion or conflict that could affect both the stability of the business and family relationships.
Estate planning strategies for business may involve succession planning, shareholder agreements and making use of available business reliefs to support a more tax-efficient transfer of assets. These steps aim to provide clarity around who will take over the business, how it will be valued and how its assets will be managed and distributed.
By working with a financial adviser and legal professional, business owners can develop a plan that supports both their personal wishes and long-term business goals. Done thoughtfully, estate planning can help protect what you’ve worked hard to build and lay the foundation for a legacy that continues well into the future.
Taking the First Step
Estate planning isn’t just for the very wealthy - it’s for anyone who wants to take greater control over their financial future and support the people and causes that matter most. Whether you’re thinking about how to pass on your assets, protect your business or simply bring clarity to your affairs, a well-considered estate plan can be a valuable part of your overall wealth strategy.
If estate planning has been on your mind - or even if it’s something you’re only just beginning to explore - starting the conversation can be a powerful first step. At Two10 Investment Services, we aim to offer clear, thoughtful guidance tailored to your individual circumstances, helping you make informed choices as you look to protect your wealth and shape your legacy.
*Investments can go down as well as up and you might not get back the capital invested. Some estate planning solutions do use investment strategies. The financial conduct authority does not regulate tax and estate planning.
