What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Posted by Smithtaylorassociates on Friday 8th of August 2025

What is a lasting power of attorney (LPA) and do I need one?

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. The people you appoint to manage your affairs are called the attorneys. An LPA is a completely separate legal document to your will although many people put them in place at the same time as getting their will written, as part of planning for their future.

What does a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) cover?

There are two types ...


Supporting Your Family’s Financial Future

Posted by Smithtaylorassociates on Friday 1st of August 2025

Securing your family's financial future is a vital aspect of long-term planning. To help you navigate the complexities of inheritance and estate planning, we've prepared a guide outlining key considerations. From understanding your future financial needs to exploring options like trusts and charitable giving, this guide will help you take the necessary steps to protect and provide for your loved ones.

Making a start

The financial world can seem complex, particularly when it comes to areas like inheritance and estate planning. That’s where ...


The value of advice – planning with purpose

Posted by Smithtaylorassociates on Friday 25th of July 2025

The value of advice – planning with purpose

In an ever-changing world, navigating your financial options can be challenging. Whether you’re thinking about ways to save, planning for retirement, considering how best to use your tax allowances, or thinking about how your estate might be passed on, it’s often hard to know where to begin. That’s where advice can make a real difference – helping you plan with clarity and purpose.

Making sense of pensions

Pensions remain one of the most effective ways to save for later life, yet, with evolving ...


Do you keep meaning to sort out your will?

Posted by Smithtaylorassociates on Friday 18th of July 2025

Do you keep meaning to sort out your will? We can help you. 

Life is busy, we get it. But is anything more important than being in control of your future? Recent research suggests that only 53% of UK adults have made a will, which means that you’re far from alone if you haven’t yet got around to completing what, for some, appears to be a daunting task.

It’s always worth bearing in mind that if you die without a will, the law decides who inherits everything you own (your assets) according to certain criteria called ‘intestacy rules’. So yo...


How private medical insurance can help you cope with cancer

Posted by Smithtaylorassociates on Monday 7th of July 2025

Cancer impacts so many of us 

Cancer is a disease that leaves very few of us untouched. Statistics from Cancer Research UK suggest that as many as one in two people born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of the disease over the course of their lifetime.  

That’s the kind of statistic that makes you think. Little wonder that one of the most common questions clients ask is whether private medical insurance covers the disease. With soaring waiting times and the NHS stretched like never before, it’s one that has assumed ever greater ...


Think Insurance Companies Don't Pay Out? Think Again!

Posted by Smithtaylorassociates on Friday 27th of June 2025

Buying a home and taking on a mortgage is often the biggest financial commitment a person will make in their lives. With this in mind, protection polices offer great financial security, not just to protect you, but to protect your family, your income and even the loan itself should the worst happen.

However, a barrier stopping some from taking out financial protection is the view that insurance companies do not pay out or that they will find any excuse not to honour the claim. But is this actually true?

In reality, this is an unfortunate c...


Living in interesting times: how advice can help

Posted by Smithtaylorassociates on Friday 20th of June 2025

We’re living in unpredictable times; from rising living costs and market fluctuations to fast-moving changes in jobs, tech, and even family structures. For many people, the old financial playbook no longer applies.

In these moments, advice isn’t about chasing the lowest cost — it’s about making the right choices for you. Ones that reflect your values, your needs, and the realities you’re living with right now.

Whether you’re dealing with a sudden loss of income, stepping into a caring role, or struggling to keep up with digital changes, ad...


Should I consider private medical insurance?

Posted by Smithtaylorassociates on Sunday 11th of May 2025

Life can be full of surprises. You can’t be prepared for everything. You may have some insurance to support you financially if the unexpected happens, but have you considered how private medical insurance might offer you and your family the peace of mind you need if your health takes a turn for the worst?

A growing trend
According to data published by The Telegraph, patients are opting for private healthcare in record numbers as the NHS is blighted by long wait times and strike action. According to government statistics almost 7.64 million p...


Saving for your child’s university education

Posted by Smithtaylorassociates on Tuesday 6th of May 2025

Saving for your child’s university education requires careful planning and budgeting. By starting early, considering investment opportunities, encouraging your child to save, looking for scholarships and bursaries, and planning, you can make saving for university a manageable goal and give your child the best possible start in life.

What is the average cost of university?

The annual cost of an undergraduate degree is £9,250 for most students in the UK. However, in England this figure is due to increase to £9,535 as of September 2025.

As w...


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