Five financial resolutions to get ahead in 2024

A recent survey found that only 11% of British adults kept their 2023 New Years resolutions.¹ With such a low success rate country-wide, how can you ensure that you make your resolutions work for you – and ensure that you stick to them?

The answer, according to psychological researchers, is making those goals more specific and measurable.² So while 39% of Brits have ambiguously pledged to ‘focus on finances’ in 2024, our Wealth Planners would suggest being a little more specific when it comes to setting financial resolutions.³ As such, we’ve outlined five key fiscal resolutions for our clients – all of which are realistic, easy to measure, and can be fulfilled before the end of this tax year, on 5 April.

1. New year, new situation: take your changing circumstances into account

No one’s life is static – and in a period of economic volatility, ensuring that your financial plan remains relevant to your situation is more important than ever. If you’ve experienced any significant change in your personal circumstances (for example, you might have received an inheritance, decided to sell your business, or separated from a long-term partner), make sure you’ve considered the potential implications this might have on your financial plan.

Financial plans should be revisited at the very least annually, and the new year provides a good opportunity to take stock. We would encourage everyone to speak to a Wealth Planner as part of your new year planning – to ensure that both you and your planner can continue to work towards your secure financial future, no matter what that future might look like.

2. Strategic savings: use your ISA tax allowance

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are tax-efficient investment and cash-savings wrappers that provide a shelter from tax on income and capital gains. As we approach the deadline of 5 April, make sure to make the most of your annual £20,000 ISA allowance.

Additionally, you could get ahead by using the 2024/25 allowance of £20,000 as early as 6 April, to take advantage of the current allowance before any potential change in government later in the year.

Using your ISA allowances is a key part of building a broader financial plan around your savings. Speak to one of our Wealth Planners to see how else you might organise your finances to take advantage of current allowances – and how much to keep in cash.

3. Pension considerations: optimise your contributions

Last year, the Chancellor announced an increase to the annual allowance for pension contributions from £40,000 to £60,000 (subject to caps based on earnings), along with other changes to pension legislation. For our full breakdown of these changes and how you might be impacted, you can read our guide here.

In terms of pension allowances, if you use your full pension allowance each year, don’t forget to do this before the end of this tax year. Furthermore, if you haven’t made use of your pension allowance for the year 2020/21, this is the last year to which you can carry it forward. If your budget allows it, make sure you use it – or lose it by 5 April.

The new legislation around pensions is complex, and the impact it could have on you is highly dependent on your personal situation and tax position. If you’d like to discuss how you might be impacted, get in touch with your Wealth Planner, or request a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists.

4.  Gifting strategies: pass on your wealth

If you’re looking to pass on your wealth, an annual inheritance tax (IHT)-exempt gifting allowance of £3,000 is available. This allowance can be carried forward one year, so if you did not take advantage of this in the 2022/23 tax year, you could potentially gift £6,000 completely free of IHT before allowances reset on 5 April.

As is true of all of these suggested resolutions, gifting in this manner fits in as part of a broader financial plan. It may work well alongside other methods of transferring wealth, such as paying for school fees, or contributing into Junior ISAs. While it’s good to make use of allowances while they are available, make sure that this aligns with your wider objectives, and ensure that you consult a Wealth Planner before moving any assets.

5. A family affair: discuss estate planning with your family

IHT planning, while important, is only one part of intergenerational wealth planning. A recent survey found that 42% of ‘boomers’ had not discussed any form of inheritance or gifting with loved ones – while 39% of the younger generations said they were not confident about making use of any received inheritance.⁴ How can you ensure that your beneficiaries are prepared to inherit, when the time comes?

If you haven’t already, this new year, we would suggest introducing your children or other heirs to your financial planner, and including them in the discussions about your wealth. This way, you can be confident that your loved ones are prepared to receive your legacy, and are equipped to manage it in the best way to build a strong financial future.

If you would like to know more about the best way to pass on wealth to your family, book a free consultation with one of our Wealth Planners.

Step into 2024 with financial confidence

By committing to these resolutions, you will not be merely setting financial intentions for the year, but planning actionable steps on your journey towards a secure financial future. As a can-do wealth manager, we will work closely with you to help you to build a holistic financial plan that is tailored to your personal circumstances. As such, we would recommend speaking to one of our specialists before taking advantage of any of the allowances mentioned in this article.

If you have any questions about your financial situation, please do not hesitate to get in touch. If you do not already have a dedicated CGWM contact, you can contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation, to discuss how we can help you to plan for your future.

In case you missed it:

• Take the long view: why staying invested is better than moving to cash
• Out with the old, in with the new
• Market update webinar: January 2024

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The information provided is not to be treated as specific advice. It has no regard for the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific person or entity.

The information contained herein is based on materials and sources deemed to be reliable; however, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management makes no representation or warranty, either express or implied, to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of this information. Canaccord is not liable for the content and accuracy of the opinions and information provided by external contributors. All stated opinions and estimates in this article are subject to change without notice and Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management is under no obligation to update the information.

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¹https://business.yougov.com/content/48203-new-years-resolutions-2024-uk

²https://iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aphw.12172

³https://business.yougov.com/content/48203-new-years-resolutions-2024-uk

⁴https://theprogenygroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Planning-to-pass-it-on-Progeny-YouGov-survey-on-intergenerational-wealth-transfer.pdf