5 Smart Financial Moves to Make Before the 2025 Autumn Budget
As the Autumn Budget approaches, speculation about potential tax changes and reforms can create uncertainty. Rather than making rushed financial decisions, now is the perfect time to take proactive, no-regret steps to strengthen your position — whatever the Chancellor announces.
If you’re feeling unsure about your next move, consider speaking to a financial adviser to discuss your personal situation. Whether you want to explore pension planning, investment protection, or tailored advice services, professional guidance can help you feel more confident.
Book a meeting with an adviser today to discuss your financial goals before the Budget.
1. Review Your Capital Gains Tax Position
With ongoing talk of potential changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT), it could be sensible to review your investments. Transferring assets from general investment accounts into tax-efficient wrappers like ISAs or pensions can help shield your returns from future tax bills.
Even if your gains exceed the £3,000 CGT allowance, consolidating assets into a pension or ISA can reduce long-term liabilities. A certified financial adviser can help you assess whether these moves suit your individual circumstances, including the impact of fees and annual allowances.
2. Maximise Your ISA Allowance
A Stocks and Shares ISA remains one of the best ways to grow your investments free from UK income and capital gains tax. With an annual allowance of £20,000, using this tax shelter before any potential rule changes can offer valuable protection.
If you’re just starting out, an ISA can be a great first step in your investment journey. For those seeking capital safety within five years, a Cash ISA may be a better fit. An independent financial adviser can help you decide which option aligns with your financial goals and risk appetite.
Book a meeting with an adviser to review your ISA and investment options.
3. Boost Your Pension Contributions
Freezes to income tax thresholds could continue to erode take-home pay, making pension contributions a powerful way to offset higher tax liabilities. Contributions benefit from tax relief at your highest marginal rate — a significant incentive for higher earners.
For example, a £60,000 contribution might effectively cost just £36,000 for a higher-rate taxpayer. However, with potential discussions around introducing a flat-rate system for tax relief, it may be wise to act now.
A financial advisor can help you make the most of today’s pension rules, ensuring your retirement planning remains tax-efficient and robust.
4. Use Gifting Strategies for Inheritance Tax Planning
If helping family financially is part of your long-term plan, gifting within your annual £3,000 allowance can help reduce your future inheritance tax (IHT) exposure. Couples can combine their exemptions, effectively doubling the amount that can be gifted each year.
Junior ISAs also allow tax-efficient gifting to children under 18, ensuring funds are locked away until adulthood. Discussing your approach with a certified financial adviser can help you balance generosity with long-term financial stability.
5. Get Professional Financial Advice
With ongoing speculation about caps or reforms to inheritance tax reliefs, it’s essential not to act out of fear. Instead, take a measured approach with help from an independent adviser who can provide clarity and structure to your planning.
A trusted financial adviser can help you:
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Optimise tax-efficient allowances
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Review pension and investment strategies
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Protect assets for future generations
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Understand and manage advisory fees transparently
If you’re unsure about your options, this is a key moment to seek advice tailored to your circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the Autumn Budget doesn’t need to be stressful. By focusing on timeless financial planning principles — using your tax allowances, reviewing your pension, and consulting with a financial advisor — you can position yourself to thrive, whatever changes come your way.
Taking proactive steps now can deliver lasting peace of mind and ensure you’re in the top financial shape for the year ahead.
Founded in 2017, Fintuity has fast become one of the only digital Independent Financial Advisers (IFA) in the United Kingdom. Fintuity offers a wide range of financial advisory services including pensions, protection, investments and mortgage advice. The key difference is that as an exclusively digital service, we can offer significant savings and a service that is direct to you and on demand.
