Carlton Brokers

Financial Services

Personal Invesment and Finacial Planning​​

In addition to providing insurance solutions tailored to your unique requirements, we are also able to assist with your personal financial planning and give advice on the best investment opportunities available to you. Our offering includes:

Personal Financial Planning

• Estate and Tax planning
• Retirement planning
• Wills and Trusts

Investments

• Offshore Investments
• Tax-Free Savings
• Retirement Annuities

Short-Term Insurance

• Exotic Vehicle
• Personal Lines
• Commercial Lines

Estate Planning

Definition

Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of a person's assets and liabilities after their death. It involves creating a comprehensive plan that addresses the distribution of assets, protection of wealth, and fulfillment of personal wishes. Estate planning typically includes the creation of legal documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The primary goals of estate planning are to minimize estate taxes, avoid probate, protect assets from creditors, provide for dependents, and establish a clear framework for the distribution of assets according to the individual's wishes. Additionally, estate planning may involve strategies for charitable giving, business succession planning, and long-term care considerations.

Carlton Brokers Service Includes:

When conducting a liquidity analysis as part of estate planning, assets and liabilities are compared to determine if there is a potential shortfall or surplus. Assets include any property, investments, bank accounts, retirement funds, and other valuable possessions owned by the individual. Liabilities consist of debts, mortgages, loans, and any outstanding financial obligations. To identify a shortfall or surplus, the total value of the assets is subtracted from the total value of the liabilities. If the liabilities exceed the assets, it indicates a shortfall in the estate, meaning there may not be enough resources to cover all the debts and obligations. Conversely, if the assets exceed the liabilities, it indicates a surplus, which means there may be additional wealth that can be distributed to beneficiaries or used for other purposes. To cover a potential shortfall in the estate, individuals may consider utilising insurance policies. Life insurance is commonly used in estate planning to provide a financial safety net for beneficiaries. Upon the individual's death, the insurance payout can help cover outstanding debts, taxes, estate duty and other expenses, ensuring that the estate's obligations are fulfilled. Insurance policies can also be utilised to mitigate Capital Gains Tax implications. Capital Gains Tax is typically imposed on the profit realised from the sale or transfer of certain assets, such as stocks, real estate, or valuable personal property. For example, a policy's proceeds could be used to pay the taxes resulting from the sale or transfer of assets, thus preserving the value of the estate and minimising the tax burden on beneficiaries. It's important to note that the specific implications of using insurance policies for estate planning and capital gains tax can vary depending on the jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalised guidance based on your situation and applicable laws.

Investments

Offshore Investments

Invest in foreign currency in a long-term investment account that gives you the option to spread your investment risk across different geographies and sectors.

Key benefit
Your investment is in foreign currency and you get access to industries and companies that may not be available locally.

Key restriction
You will need to obtain tax clearance from SARS for amounts greater than R1 million in any year.

Investment growth
This depends on the underlying unit trust(s) that you choose.

Tax-Free Savings​

Long-term investment account suitable for your longer-term investment goals, given that all returns are tax-free.

Key benefit
Returns are tax-free, benefiting those who are already paying income or capital gains tax.

Key restriction
You can invest a maximum of R36 000 per tax year and R500 000 over your lifetime, with a penalty of 40% for any amount you invest above the maximum.

Investment growth
This depends on the underlying unit trust(s) that you choose.

Retirement Annuity

Invest for your retirement in a tax-efficient way while reducing your taxable income.

Key benefit
Returns are tax-free and contributions reduce your taxable income.

Key restriction
You can only access your money after the age of 55, when you can take a maximum of one-third as a cash lump sum.

Investment growth
This depends on the underlying unit trust(s) that you choose.