Posts by Andrew Upton
Why Your Lasting Power of Attorney Can’t Wait (And Why So Many People Get It Wrong) ⚖️
If you’ve been putting off getting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), you’re not alone. It’s one of those documents people assume they can sort “later”—but later might be too late. ⏰ Here’s the thing: an LPA isn’t something you can rush into when you need it. By law, you can only create one while…
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Ordinary (General) Power of Attorney: A Practical Guide for When You’re Away A General Power of Attorney (GPA) – sometimes called an Ordinary Power of Attorney (OPA) – is a flexible legal tool that allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs while you’re temporarily unable to do so yourself. Whether you’re…
Read MorePassing Assets to the Next Generation: Planning Ahead to Reduce Inheritance Tax 🏠💷
Planning to pass on your assets? A little preparation now can make a big difference for your loved ones later. Here’s a practical guide to reducing inheritance tax (IHT) and giving your family peace of mind. How Inheritance Tax Works (Plain English) 📖 Inheritance tax is a bill your estate might face when you die.…
Read MoreThe True Cost of DIY Estate Planning 🛠️
Picture this: You spot a DIY will kit online, promising quick results and big savings. 💷 It looks simple – so why not do it yourself? Many people take this route, hoping to save money and hassle. But what’s the real cost of cutting corners? DIY Wills: What Can Go Wrong? ⚠️ DIY wills and…
Read MoreDo You Need More Than a Will? 🏡
Imagine this: You’ve finally made your will. ✅ Relief! But is that really enough to protect your family and legacy? Many people think a will is all you need for estate planning, but when you look at will vs. LPA and trusts, the picture changes. A basic will is important, yet it can’t always protect…
Read MoreDon’t Let Your Children’s Inheritance Slip Away 🏡💷
Protect Your Family Home and Savings – Before It’s Too Late Many families worry about what will happen to their home and savings in the future. 🏠 Care fees, remarriage, and family disputes can all chip away at what you’ve worked hard for. The good news? You can take action now to protect your legacy…
Read MoreInheritance Tax: Boo! But Here’s How Charity Can Help You (And Others) 🎁
Let’s be honest – inheritance tax (IHT) isn’t exactly anyone’s favourite subject. In fact, it’s almost universally unpopular. Yet, IHT is a key tool for the government, raising a staggering £7.9 billion last year alone – even though only 4% of estates actually paid it. That’s a hefty plug in the national finances, and it’s…
Read MoreFrom Hospital Bed to EC Awards Finalist: My Business Comeback Story 🚀
A Life-Changing January On 7th January 2025, my world changed in an instant. Two sudden waves of numbness hit my face and arm. Words felt foggy. Within hours, I was in hospital. The diagnosis? Stroke. But that wasn’t all. A Full-Body Red Flag 🚩 Doctors found life-threatening blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, an…
Read MoreWills vs. Power of Attorney: Clearing Up the Confusion 🤔
It’s easy to mix up wills and powers of attorney in the UK. Many people do! You might have heard someone say, “My executor is my attorney,” or, “I’ve got a will, so I’m covered if anything happens.” If you’re unsure about the difference between wills vs power of attorney in the UK, you’re not…
Read MoreWhat Is a Flexible Life Interest Trust? 🦸♂️
A Flexible Life Interest Trust (FLIT) is a powerful way to protect your assets – like savings, investments, and additional property – for your loved ones. At Beacon Advice, we usually use a Flexible Life Interest Trust alongside a Property Protection Trust, which separately protects each person’s share of the main home. The FLIT takes…
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