FACT SEVEN:

Off the record some tax advisers have told me they think many clients focus too much on bringing potential tax bills down. Some give away so many of their assets that they end up worrying about money while they are still alive. ‘In circumstances like that saving tax doesn’t seem worth the effort,’ says one London-based adviser who wants to remain anonymous.



‘One client knew that his family couldn’t have cared less how much they inherited from him but he still spend a huge amount of time and effort ring-fencing his assets from the tax authorities. I couldn’t help feel he would have been a lot happier if he had just gone out and enjoyed life instead. Funnily enough if he had indeed spent a fortune on round the world cruises or other extravagances his tax bill would probably have fallen anyway.’