Who Will Get My Money When I Die?

‘Who Will Get My Money When I Die? is to my mind, with the benefit of thirty-five years’ professional experience as a tax lawyer and the last ten years’ pastoral experience as a Church of England priest, a book that adds significantly to the existing literature on the subject. The style throughout is informal, engaging and not technical. The text is not so much expounding the letter of the law (though due reference is made where needed) as being based on Stuart Ritchie’s extensive experience in advising a wide range of clients, and there are lots of helpful real-life examples. It is certainly the case that far too many people in the UK (some 60% of the adult population) die intestate – that is, without a Will – and people need urgently to read and act upon this book, even if the mitigation of Inheritance Tax might not be such a concern to them (although there’s much valuable material there too). The book also covers the essential process of choosing executors and how to decide what to put in a Will. I cannot recommend this excellent book highly enough.’ — Matthew Hutton, retired solicitor, tax specialist, farmer and Anglican priest ‘This wonderful book could be a case history of my family’s journey with Stuart over the past thirty years. I was running a medium-sized company when Stuart was recommended as someone who could advise me on business and family tax planning. He has guided me through all the areas covered in this book, as I made the journey through the sale of my business interests, all aspects of our Estate planning, including trusts, Inheritance Tax and Wills, and the optimal financial provision for my wife and two children. The result, to paraphrase a sentiment in his book, is that I can look forward to my later years secure in the knowledge that everything has been done to ensure I can have a “good death” from a financial point of view. In addition to his very high level of technical expertise, Stuart is patient, very empathetic, a good listener and a real pleasure to spend time with. What more could you ask for? This book is an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to properly organise their affairs.’ — Peter Allez, former Managing Director, Camden Graphics ‘This is a comprehensive, user-friendly book, which provides much needed clarity to the questions an individual might ask when putting their affairs in order. Stuart Ritchie seeks to inform and educate, helping to ensure that the reader understands the issues they face, and is comfortable with how they can effectively direct their assets and enable their legacy to continue. Stuart uses his great experience to give the reader background on the practicalities, what needs to be thought about and discussed, and whether the decisions made are likely to achieve the desired outcomes. I highly recommend the book to laymen and professional practitioners alike.’ — Russell Bussey, IMC, Owner and Director, Bussey Consulting ‘Who Will Get My Money When I Die? was not a book I expected to hold my attention for long. However, the engaging style in which Stuart writes, illustrating the complex subject of Inheritance Tax with some excellent real-life examples, made me stop and consider how well have I planned for the impact of Inheritance Tax on my Estate and how it will affect my children. If you have any doubts or concerns about Inheritance Tax and its possible impact on you, this is an invaluable read.’ — Robert Forster, Management Consultant and former General Manager, Nikon Corporation ‘In Who Will Get My Money When I Die?, Stuart provides clear and concise guidance on the ins and outs of Inheritance Tax and related issues. The book is written in plain English and avoids jargon, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. Stuart begins by explaining the basics of when and how to start preparing Wills and probate, before delving into more complex topics, such as life assurance, and a list of special circumstances that we should be aware of. Stuart also provides helpful pointers on a variety of other subjects related to inheritance, such as how to talk to your family about your wishes, how to choose an executor and how to deal with the emotional aspects of inheritance. Stuart does a good job of explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, making the book informative and helpful. Overall, Who Will Get My Money When I Die? is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to make sure their assets are distributed according to their wishes.’ — Gordon Gilchrist, Marketing Director, 2020 Innovation Group