You may find these facts interesting:

• The over 50's make up 41% of all adults in the UK.
• The over 50's have 85% of all private wealth in the UK.
• 90% of the investment decisions made by the over 50's have been influenced by tax effective opportunities' eg private pension schemes, ISA's, Tessa accounts and investing in their home.

Why make a Will?

• A will is a relatively simple process and allows you to put your affairs in order.
• By planning ahead you can ensure that your assets pass to your family or others who you wish to benefit.
• You can use your will to decide how your money will best help your family or others. You can appoint appropriate executors and make tax free gifts to charities.
• A will gives proper direction to your family regarding your funeral and burial wishes at a time when they are least able to make those decisions.
• A will prevents your family from being left confused and uncared for by not giving clear instructions regarding the distribution of your estate. Failure to make a will can cause family resentments and conflict.
• A will prevents the wrong people from benefiting from your estate.
• A will can provide direction regarding guardianship if you have a young family or a second family.
• Most importantly by ensuring that the correct tax provisions are made within your will, you can avoid very substantial sums being unnecessarily paid to the Inland Revenue in Inheritance Tax.

Despite Gordon Brown's recent announcements, Inheritance Tax is the Government's fastest growing income stream