Estate planning
Case study
David (68) and Linda (66), a retired couple, came to DG Financial after becoming increasingly concerned about the impact inheritance tax could have on their estate.
They had built up significant wealth over their lifetime — including their family home, investment portfolios and savings — and wanted to ensure that as much as possible would pass to their children and grandchildren.
David and Linda’s estate had grown to a level where inheritance tax was becoming a real issue.
Like many families, they had not previously undertaken structured estate planning and were surprised to learn that:
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inheritance tax can be charged at 40% on the value of an estate above available allowances
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a large portion of their wealth could be lost to tax without careful planning
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their existing wills did not fully reflect their current financial position
They also faced a common dilemma — how to reduce their potential tax liability without compromising their own financial security during retirement.
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We worked closely with David and Linda to create a tailored inheritance tax strategy that balanced control, flexibility and long-term tax efficiency.
1. Establishing a clear estate position
We calculated the full value of their estate and estimated their potential inheritance tax liability. This gave them a clear understanding of the scale of the issue and allowed us to prioritise the most effective planning opportunities.
2. Making use of gifting allowances
We introduced a structured gifting strategy, helping them:
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utilise their annual gifting allowances
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begin passing wealth to their children during their lifetime
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understand the importance of the “seven-year rule” for larger gifts
Gifting can be a highly effective way to reduce an estate over time while allowing clients to see their family benefit sooner.
3. Trust and investment planning
We recommended solutions that allowed assets to be placed outside of their estate while still maintaining an appropriate level of control.
This included considering investment structures that could qualify for inheritance tax relief after a qualifying period, helping to move capital out of the estate more efficiently — a strategy commonly used in estate planning.
4. Reviewing wills and estate structure
We worked alongside their solicitor to ensure their wills were aligned with their objectives, making full use of available allowances and ensuring assets would pass in the most tax-efficient way.
5. Maintaining financial independence
A key priority throughout was ensuring David and Linda retained sufficient income and capital to support their lifestyle, so any planning did not leave them financially exposed.-
Following implementation of their plan, David and Linda were able to:
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significantly reduce their projected inheritance tax liability
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begin passing wealth to their family in a controlled and tax-efficient way
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retain confidence in their own long-term financial security
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ensure their estate was structured in line with their wishes
Most importantly, they moved from uncertainty and concern to having a clear, proactive plan in place.
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Inheritance tax planning is not just about reducing tax — it is about ensuring your wealth is passed on in the way you intend.
At DG Financial, we help clients:
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understand their potential inheritance tax exposure
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structure their estate efficiently
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balance gifting with personal financial security
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create long-term strategies that adapt as legislation changes
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Financial advisors for estate planning in Newmarket, Suffolk
Estate planning is about more than passing on wealth — it’s about making sure your wishes are clearly defined and your family is supported in the way you intend. At DG Financial, we help you take a structured and forward-thinking approach, bringing clarity to your overall estate and identifying opportunities to plan more effectively. Whether you’re looking to reduce potential tax, support future generations, or simply organise your affairs, we create a strategy tailored to your priorities.
We typically help clients to:
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Understand the full value of their estate and potential tax exposure
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Identify opportunities to pass on wealth during their lifetime
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Ensure wills and structures reflect their current wishes
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Balance long-term planning with ongoing financial security
Where appropriate, we explore options such as gifting, trust planning and tax-efficient investment solutions to help manage how wealth is transferred over time, while retaining the right level of control. Our focus is on creating a plan that evolves with you — giving you clarity today and confidence in the future.
Explore our other services
Financial Planning for Pensions, Retirement & Estates
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Pensions
We help you select the right scheme for you depending on your needs and objectives. You may wish to invest in a particular asset class or simply to maximise tax-free cash and deliver the pension income you want.
Retirement Planning
Retirement can mean many different things for different people. We work with you to create a plan to fund your retirement, that is designed to cater for your desired lifestyle.
Investments
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Estate Planning
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Long-Term Care Planning
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Saving for Children
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For Business Owners
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