April: A Fresh Financial Start – Let’s Make Your Money Work for You
Providing easy-to-understand financial advice.
April isn’t just about longer days and (hopefully) some spring sunshine—it’s also the start of a brand-new tax year. And that means a golden opportunity to reset, review, and refresh your finances.
Before we dive in, I have some exciting news! 🎉 I’ve been recognised as a Top Rated Financial Adviser, appearing in The Times on 15th March. It’s a huge honour, but more importantly, it means I get to keep doing what I love—helping people like you make smarter financial decisions.
So, let’s kick off this tax year the right way. Whether you're a business owner, a high earner, or just someone who wants to feel more in control of their financial future, here are five key areas to focus on in April.
Make the Most of Your Pension Contributions
Your pension allowance has reset, which means you have a fresh opportunity to maximise contributions and reduce your tax bill.
🔹 For 2024/25, you can contribute up to £60,000 into your pension (or 100% of your earnings, whichever is lower).
🔹 Didn’t use your full allowance last year? You may be able to carry forward unused allowances from the last three years.
🔹 If you’re earning over £100,000, contributing to your pension can help lower your taxable income, meaning you keep more of your personal allowance.Example: A client earning £130,000 was about to lose their tax-free personal allowance. By increasing their pension contributions, they reduced their taxable income and saved thousands in tax—while growing their retirement fund at the same time!
Thinking about your pension? As a Cheshire based Financial Adviser, I specialise in helping clients with multiple pension pots get clarity and confidence about their retirement. Let’s chat!
Business Owners: Are You Being Tax-Efficient?
If you run your own business, your pension isn’t just for the future—it’s a smart tax strategy today.
✅ Employer pension contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your Corporation Tax bill.
✅ You can contribute up to £60,000 per year from your business into your pension.
✅ This is one of the best ways to extract money from your business tax-efficiently.
Many business owners wait until the end of the tax year to do this, but why not get ahead now?
If you’re a Cheshire-based business owner wondering how to make your money work harder, I can help you set up a tax-efficient pension strategy.
Use Your £20,000 ISA Allowance Early
ISAs are one of the easiest ways to grow your wealth tax-free. The annual allowance is £20,000, and using it early means your money has more time to grow.
Stocks & Shares ISAs can be a great way to invest for the long term, with tax-free growth and withdrawals.
Tip: If you invest your full ISA allowance at the start of the tax year instead of drip-feeding, you could see significantly better returns over time thanks to compound growth.
Want to make your savings work harder? Let’s find the best tax-efficient investment strategy for you.
Check Your Pension Beneficiaries
Your pension doesn’t automatically go to your loved ones when you pass away—it depends on who you’ve nominated.
✔️ Check your pension nomination forms—it takes minutes but can make a huge difference.
✔️ If you have life cover, consider putting it in a trust to help keep it outside your estate for Inheritance Tax planning.Not sure where to start? I can help you check and update your pension beneficiaries to make sure your loved ones are looked after.
Do You Have the Right Financial Protection in Place?
Nobody likes to think about the ‘what ifs,’ but financial protection is the foundation of any good financial plan.
Self-employed or running a business?
Income protection – If you couldn’t work, how would you pay your bills?
Critical illness cover – A lump sum payout if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness.
Business protection – Key person cover, shareholder protection, and relevant life insurance to protect your business and your family.
Got a mortgage?
Life cover can help pay off your mortgage so your family isn’t left struggling.
Don’t leave your finances vulnerable.
If you want to review your protection, I can help you find the right cover without overpaying. Let’s chat.
Final Thoughts: Start the Tax Year Right
The start of a new tax year is the perfect time to take action. Whether it’s sorting your pensions, investing tax-efficiently, or making sure your family is financially secure, small steps now can make a huge difference later.
💙 A big thank you to all my clients for your trust and support—being recognised as a Top Rated Financial Adviser wouldn’t have been possible without you!
Need help with your financial planning? Whether you’re in Cheshire, Alsager, or anywhere in the UK, I’m here to make your finances simple, stress-free, and tailored to you.
Book a free consultation today: www.thrivetogetherfp.co.uk/contact
⚠️ This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Tax rules depend on individual circumstances and are subject to change. Always seek personalised advice before making financial decisions.
