Estate Planning: Wills, Inheritance Tax, Pensions & Financial Planning | 1020 Podcast

In this episode of the 1020 Networking Podcast, Paul Hill sits down with Jenny Walker from Cognitive Law and George Rashbrook from Sterling and Law to discuss estate planning, wills, inheritance tax, pensions and financial planning. The conversation looks at what happens when people don't properly plan their estates, why a will is only part of the picture, and how legal and financial professionals can work together to help people make better decisions. They discuss: • Why estate planning matters • Lasting powers of attorney and loss of capacity • Why a properly prepared will is important • Inheritance tax and changing legislation • The planned changes affecting pensions from April 2027 • How professional advice can uncover overlooked allowances and reliefs • The difference between information online and personalised advice • Trusts, life insurance and other inheritance tax strategies • Why tax shouldn't be the only consideration • How to start reviewing your own estate planning The key message is simple: estate planning is about making sure the right things go to the right people at the right time. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Introduction and meet Jenny and George 1:01 – Why estate planning matters 1:19 – Lasting powers of attorney explained 1:35 – Why having a proper will matters 1:44 – Inheritance tax planning and protecting your estate 2:43 – What should happen to your wealth during and after your lifetime? 3:22 – Why inheritance tax thresholds matter 4:04 – Planned pension changes from April 2027 4:25 – Why estate planning is also about education 4:39 – How professional advice uncovered a £140,000 inheritance tax saving 5:16 – Why administering estates gives a different perspective 6:00 – Can you rely on information from the internet? 6:25 – Information vs professional advice 7:07 – The planned changes to pensions and inheritance tax 7:31 – How pensions could affect inheritance tax 8:41 – How many more people could be affected? 9:18 – What the changes could mean for probate and estate planning 10:08 – Practical steps you can take now 10:40 – Why you need to understand what you actually own 11:37 – Why professional advice matters 11:44 – Don't let the tax tail wag the dog 12:26 – What should your wealth achieve during your lifetime? 12:49 – Different approaches to inheritance tax planning 13:14 – Life insurance and inheritance tax 13:29 – Investments and inheritance tax treatment 13:52 – Trust planning and giving assets away 14:26 – Creating a plan that works for you and your beneficiaries 14:38 – The importance of legal and financial advice 14:52 – Final thoughts and recommendations 🔗 GUEST LINKS Jenny Walker – Cognitive Law Legal advice covering wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts, estate planning and related matters. George Rashbrook – Sterling and Law Independent financial advice covering pensions, investments, tax planning, inheritance tax and wider financial planning. 🤝 ABOUT 1020 NETWORKING 1020 is a curated networking group designed for business owners who value trust, results and long-term relationships. It is not about handing out business cards. It is about putting the right people in the room, sharing real expertise and building networks that help businesses grow in a sustainable, accountable way. 📩 Want to connect or be featured on the podcast? Email: Ian@1020networking.com