CASE STUDY
When John turned 65, he thought his biggest life decisions were behind him.
After decades in the pharmaceutical industry, he was semi-retired, financially comfortable, and quietly proud of the careful choices that had got him there.
Then he looked at his son, Tom.
“He’s 32, works in the creative industry, and it’s been a rollercoaster for him,” John says. “He was stuck renting a room in a shared house in London, and it was making him very low. At that age, you just want your own space. It’s heartbreaking how many people his age can’t get on the property ladder.”
He’s right. *According to the Office for National Statistics, the average private rent in the UK hit £1,339 a month in May 2025, up 7% in a year. In London, the figure was even higher at £2,253, making it the most expensive region to rent in the country. For many, saving for a deposit feels impossible.
“I was actually worried for my son’s mental health. I realised the most meaningful thing I could do was to gift him a £100,000 deposit to help him buy his own place. It felt like a big decision, but waiting until I’m gone helps no one. What’s the good in that? As the saying goes, there’s no point being the richest person in the cemetery.”
Still, it wasn’t a decision made lightly.
John had worked with his Pinnacle Wealth Management adviser for many years. That relationship gave him confidence, and clarity.
“Having trusted advice made all the difference. My wife and I reviewed our Pinnacle Life Plan with our adviser, and it was clear that it had no impact at all on our retirement. We’re so used to squirrelling money away that we forget. Money is there to be used, to make a difference.”
For his son, that difference was life-changing.
“When he got the keys to the flat, it was emotional,” John recalls. “You could see the relief on Tom’s face. It wasn’t just about owning somewhere, it was about pride and security. It was like watching him finally relax.”
Some people worry about spoiling their children with financial help, but John doesn’t see it that way.
“He’s happier, more settled, and when you’re happy, you attract the right people and opportunities. His career is now building, and the work is coming a little thicker and faster.”
There was another benefit too: getting ahead of the new inheritance tax rules.
With inheritance tax changes coming into force in April 2027, John has released some money from his estate and passed it on. As long as he lives another seven years, it’s tax-efficient too.
“You spend your whole life saving for the future. But at some point, you realise that this is the future. Helping my son now, when it really matters, is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.
*Office of National Statistics, Private rent and house prices, May 2025
Although this case study relates to a real-life example, where we have helped our clients by providing solutions to their financial problems, the names and figures have been changed for confidentiality purposes.
SJP Approved: 04/03/2026
