Critical Illness Cover is a form of insurance that specifies a number of critical illnesses and surgical operations against which a policyholder can be covered. In the event that this person suffers one of the specified illnesses or has to undergo one of the specific operations whilst covered by the policy, then the policy will pay out a tax free cash lump sum.

Get yourself something dependable to fall back on.

Most of us are aware of the benefits of life assurance but probably less acquainted with critical illness cover and the peace of mind that it brings. Critical illness plans are designed to provide a cash lump sum of money in the event you suffer one of a range of specified critical illnesses or undergo a specified operation. This means that when you are at your most vulnerable you can be focus on your recovery rather than worrying about loss of income or treatment costs.

These are some of the common illnesses that Critical Illness plans cover:

• AIDS/HIV infection by occupation
• Alzheimer's disease before age 65
• Angioplasty
• Aorta graft surgery
• Aplastic anaemia
• Bacterial meningitis
• Benign brain tumour
• Blindness
• Cancer
• Coma
• Coronary artery by-pass surgery
• CJD
• Deafness
• Heart attack
• Heart valve replacement or repair
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Loss of independence existence after age 65
• Loss of limbs
• Loss of speech
• Major organ transplant
• Motor neurone disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Paralysis/paraplegia
• Parkinson's before age 65
• Stroke
• Terminal illness
• Third degree burns
• Total permanent disability
  

Financial Planning is about taking the opportunity to improve both your existing circumstances and your future financial wellbeing. A good pension scheme aimed at guaranteeing an income during your retirement is just one example. Savings schemes or investments designed to meet future financial commitments and insurance to protect against loss of income, health or life are similarly important.

Financial planning sounds scary and looks complicated, which is probably why so many of us are tempted to give it a miss or put it on hold. Too many of our new clients wish they'd spoken to Archer Bramley sooner, especially when they discover just how straightforward their financial planning can be.

Whatever your situation, we've got a solution to fit. Don't stress about jargonese and legalish either, we'll explain all your options in as much or as little detail as you want. Once you've settled on a plan, we can sort it all out for you with none of the hassle or hard work. Feel free to contact Archer Bramley for more information or to arrange a meeting to discuss your Financial Planning requirements.

Income protection policies are an inexpensive way of providing a source of regular income for as long as you are unable to work because of illness or injury. They offer peace of mind, both for you and those depending on you.

It's second nature to insure your car, your property, your valuables and holidays - even pets get their own personal cover. But when it comes to looking after the income you need to pay for the essentials and luxuries of life, we find a curious lack of protection.

Income Protection policies are designed to protect a proportion of your income if you are unable to work because of illness or disability. For a monthly premium, it's possible to ensure that if the worst happens your income will not cease as a result. Speak to Archer Bramley today about Income Protection and the various plans available to suit your particular circumstances.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is the tax due from your estate when you die. It is currently calculated at 40% of any amount in excess of £325k (2010/2011). Inheritance Tax Planning is designed to reduce this payment and ensure that as much of your wealth as possible is passed on to your family or other specified beneficiaries.

Inland Revenue practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes that cannot be foreseen.

'Retirement Options' concerns the financial choices available to you when you reach retirement age. In principle, the process works by using pension benefits to both realise a lump sum and purchase an annuity, which, in turn, provides an income over the duration of your retirement.

Make your pension work as hard as you've done!

Having salted away money during your working life, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labours. But first, you have to decide what to do with your pension benefits. Do you take a tax-free lump sum? How much risk do you want to take? What sort of annuity suits you best? There are lots of providers and lots of different products to choose from - not all will be right for you and your circumstances.

Thankfully, Archer Bramley can do the legwork for you, shopping around is always a good idea whether it's for a car, a holiday or an annuity. It helps to get the best value for money and product for you.

Cash or income?

Your pension plan will almost certainly allow you to take part of your pension fund as a tax-free lump sum. The maximum cash you could receive will depend on Inland Revenue rules. You will need to bear in mind that taking part of your fund will reduce the amount you have available to provide an income.

Now or Later?

You may decide that you don't need any additional cash or income at the point of retirement. In this case you can delay taking your benefits. Most pension plans allow you to delay taking your benefits.

Assistance with the creation of a will which, in the event of death, identifies the beneficiaries of your estate, helping to avoid potential legal difficulties and minimise inheritance tax.