Lawsons Wealth FAQs

As an expatriate, you’re uniquely positioned to give your children an international education. But have you considered that you may need to pay international student rates for universities – and that international education fees are rising sharply too?

Having your money in a dedicated savings or investment plan – including capital, regular and combined plans – will give it the opportunity to work for you. After all, time in the market far outweighs timing the market.

Inheritance tax law is complex. Even if you’ve left the UK, owning a house there could mean you’re still liable. And did you know that HMRC can access up to 7 years of your finances?

We can help you:

• Take a holistic approach to plan effectively and efficiently
• Optimise the amount you pass to your loved ones
• Ensure they receive it quickly and efficiently

When it comes to inheritance tax, it’s always best to seek independent advice. Talk to our team to find out more about how we’ll help you pass your wealth to those you love seamlessly.

Yes! We recommend that all clients have a will and that it’s reviewed regularly. As an expat or international professional, you may need a will for every jurisdiction in which you hold assets.

We can also help with trusts, which are a brilliant way of passing your assets to a beneficiary (a loved one or a charity, for example).

Life expectancy is rising. As are retirement ages. Planning your retirement thoroughly is essential – especially if you’re a international professional.

In reality, most people need at least 25 years’ savings. You IFA will help you plan, manage and review all your investments and look at pension reviews and transfers – giving you the confidence that you’ll meet your retirement goals.

If you’re planning a move back to the UK after a long time overseas, considerations to take into account include:

• Your new tax status
• Offshore investments
• Closing bank accounts
• Selling property
• Health and life insurance

Your IFA will help you plan for this huge move efficiently and effectively – helping you settle seamlessly into your new life.

Yes! We’re known for our extensive range of portfolios that include ESG (environmental, social and governance) considerations. These funds target businesses that prioritise:

• Conservation of the natural world – carbon emissions and deforestation, for example
• Consideration of people and relationships – including human rights and customer satisfaction
• Standards for running a company – such as board composition and shareholder rights

We also offer Shariah-compliant investments – a range of funds that comply with Islamic law.

Whether you’re interested in regular savings, lump sums, offshore investments or portfolio bonds, your IFA will recommend sustainable and ethical funds that match your objectives and approach to risk.

Of course. Your IFA has access to a huge range of funds and will recommend options to achieve your goals. Unlike bank savings where your wealth may be depleted through inflation, lump sum investments ensure your cash is working for you.

International professionals like you have an incredible opportunity to save – maximising returns and tax efficiency while earning higher salaries. But to do so effectively, the right advice is crucial. Your IFA will devise a targeted savings plan that matches your evolving goals.

An important element of any investment strategy, portfolio bonds wrap up your savings, investments and deposits in a convenient, tax efficient way – giving you a multitude of benefits. For international professionals with assets in multiple jurisdictions, portfolio bonds could be the solution you have been looking for. Your IFA will discuss all your options with you.

One way to take advantage of your status as a international professional is with an offshore investment. It can boost tax efficiency, protect the security of your investment – and your money can move with you. Your IFA will talk you through your options.

Tracking down your pensions takes time and energy. But your IFA would be delighted to do it for you – then assess how they’re performing and consider whether a transfer would be a good option for you.

Fees and charges vary depending on the product. Your IFA will clearly explain all charges to you as part of his or her advice and these will be clearly outlined in your recommendation report.

Insurance policies have a cooling off period, during which you can cancel.

Your IFA will review your portfolio regularly and meet you at least once a year to discuss fund performance and your evolving circumstances and goals. However, if you have any concerns that you’d like to talk over, don’t hesitate to contact your adviser.

Contact your IFA who will be able to obtain that information for you quickly. Please remember though that there is usually a penalty to pay if you want to surrender a policy before it has reached maturity. Your IFA will be able to explore all your options with you.

Everyone is unique. And while the value of your investment may go down as well as up, we will make sure that your funds are invested in line with your risk profile. A key element of our getting-to-know-you process involves establishing your approach to risk. Once we have done that, we will be able to give you a risk rating which will translate into an investment profile that is either cautious, balanced or adventurous.

Don’t worry though, as your IFA will explore your options with you in detail.