Where is my money?
Which accounts hold what, and how is each taxed?
Tax-aware planning that works with your plan
Tax touches almost every financial decision. Planning around it, lawfully and in good time, can improve how much of your money you keep.
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Good tax planning is not about aggressive schemes. It is about knowing which accounts to use, when to take income, how to structure gifts and how business and personal finances interact, so that tax is a factor in each decision rather than a surprise afterwards.
We are not a substitute for your accountant. We work with them so your investments, retirement income and business planning are coordinated.
How it fits together
Each part of a plan connects to the others. Select a topic to read more.
Tax-aware plan
Tax opportunities across life
What matters most varies by stage.
Early career
Learn which accounts and credits are available and start using them.
Family years
Look at education savings, childcare relief and household income balance.
Peak income
Review how much is lost to tax and whether contributions, giving or structure could help.
Business ownership
Plan the mix of pay and profit, and how company savings are held.
Retirement
Choose the order of withdrawals and benefits to smooth tax over the years.
Illustration only. Your own needs will differ.
Who may want tax-aware planning?
- Higher earners who feel they pay too much tax
- Business owners and the self-employed
- People holding investments in several account types
- Those approaching retirement who need an income plan
- Families planning gifts or an inheritance
- Anyone who gets a tax bill they did not expect
Why it matters
Tax is often one of the biggest lifetime costs, yet decisions are made without it in view. Even modest improvements, repeated over many years, can add up. The key is planning early, documenting decisions and staying within the rules.
Questions worth asking yourself
- Which of my accounts are taxed now and which later?
- Am I using all the allowances and reliefs available to me?
- How will my tax change when I stop working?
- Does my investment mix suit the accounts it sits in?
- Have I coordinated gifts and estate plans with tax in mind?
- Is my accountant aware of my wider financial plan?
Go deeper
Tax-advantaged accounts
Many countries offer accounts with tax relief on contributions, growth or withdrawals. Using them in the right order is a core planning skill.
Asset location
Different assets are taxed differently, so which investments you hold in which account can matter.
Income smoothing
Avoiding large spikes in income can help keep more of your money at lower rates.
Charitable giving and gifts
Planned giving can reduce tax while supporting causes and family.
Working with your accountant
We provide the planning view; your accountant confirms the rules that apply and prepares your returns.
Ways tax is charged
| Type | When it applies | Planning idea |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | On earnings, pensions and interest | Use allowances, time income and balance between spouses where permitted |
| Capital gains tax | When an asset is sold at a profit | Hold longer, use available exemptions and spread disposals |
| Dividend and corporate tax | On company profits and payouts | Plan the mix of pay and profit with your accountant |
| Estate or inheritance tax | On wealth passed on at death | Use gifts, trusts and exemptions where suitable |
Important to know: rules differ by country and change over time. This is a general illustration, not tax advice.
Three questions behind every tax plan
When will I need it?
How does timing change the tax I pay?
Who else is involved?
Is my accountant working from the same plan?
Related solutions
Retirement Planning
Turning a lifetime of saving into an income you can rely on.
Read more →Wealth Building
Saving and investing with clear goals, sensible risk and a long-term view.
Read more →Business Owners
Protecting the business, the owners and the plan for what comes next.
Read more →Legacy Planning
Making sure what you have built passes on the way you intend.
Read more →Life Insurance
Cover that can help your family keep its footing if your income stops.
Read more →Living Benefits
Protection that responds to serious illness or disability while you are alive.
Read more →Common questions about tax strategies
Is tax planning legal?
Yes. Using reliefs and structures the law provides is legitimate. We do not recommend evasion or aggressive schemes.
Do you prepare tax returns?
No. We coordinate with your accountant, who prepares returns and confirms how rules apply to you.
When is the best time to plan?
Before year-end, before a big income change and well ahead of retirement or a business sale.
Can planning reduce my tax in retirement?
Often. The order and timing of withdrawals and benefits can make a real difference.
What should I bring to a first meeting?
Recent tax returns, statements for your accounts and any pension information.
Important to know
The information on this page is general and educational. It is not financial, insurance, investment, tax or legal advice, and it does not take your personal circumstances into account. Product availability and eligibility depend on licensing, location and provider rules. Speak with a qualified professional before you act.
Let’s start with a conversation
A short, no-pressure call to talk through your situation and decide whether we can help.