I've Secured a Pay Rise: What Should I Do?

An increase in income presents an excellent opportunity to enhance your financial well-being. To make the most of your additional earnings, consider the following steps.

Understand the Tax Implications

A higher salary may push you into a new tax bracket, affecting your take-home pay. In the UK, income tax thresholds have been frozen until 2028, meaning more individuals are moving into higher tax bands as wages rise. The personal allowance remains at £12,570, with the higher-rate threshold fixed at £50,270.

Additionally, be aware of specific income thresholds that can impact your finances:

• £60,000 Threshold: Earning above this amount may reduce your entitlement to child benefits. For every £2 earned over £60,000, you lose 1% of your child benefit, with the benefit completely withdrawn at £80,000.
• £100,000 Threshold: Surpassing this level results in the gradual loss of your personal allowance, effectively increasing your marginal tax rate to 60% between £100,000 and £125,000.

Boost Your Pension Contributions

Increasing your pension contributions is a tax-efficient way to use your pay rise. Contributions to your pension scheme are deducted from your gross salary, reducing your taxable income. This strategy can help you stay below critical tax thresholds and enhance your retirement savings.

For example, if your pay rise pushes your income above £100,000, increasing your pension contributions can help you retain your personal allowance and avoid the higher marginal tax rate.

Review Your Savings and Investments

With additional income, it's prudent to reassess your savings and investment strategies:

• Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least three to six months of living expenses.
• ISAs: Consider maximizing your Individual Savings Account (ISA) contributions to benefit from tax-free interest and returns. The annual ISA allowance remains a valuable tool for tax-efficient saving. You can learn more about how to maximize your ISA allowance.
• Investing: If you're new to investing, it's never too late to start. Diversifying your investments can provide greater financial growth and security in the long term. Consulting a financial adviser can help you navigate your investment journey effectively. For insights on investment options for higher-rate taxpayers, check out tax-efficient investment strategies.

Manage Debt Wisely

Use your increased income to pay down high-interest debts, such as credit card balances or personal loans. Reducing debt not only saves you money on interest payments but also improves your financial stability.

Plan for Future Expenses

Anticipate upcoming expenses and plan accordingly. Whether it's saving for a home, funding education, or preparing for retirement, allocating your pay rise towards these goals can provide long-term benefits. Consider exploring options for saving for your children's future as part of your financial strategy.

Stay Informed About Tax Changes

Tax regulations can change, impacting your financial planning. Staying informed about such changes ensures you can adjust your financial strategies accordingly.

Seek Professional Advice

Consider consulting a financial adviser to develop a comprehensive plan tailored to your circumstances. Professional guidance can help you navigate tax implications, investment options, and long-term financial planning effectively.

A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned

Securing a pay rise is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your financial position. By understanding tax implications, boosting pension contributions, reviewing savings and investments, managing debt, planning for future expenses, staying informed about tax changes, and seeking professional advice, you can make the most of your increased income and achieve your financial goals.

Explore more about UK tax changes and additional investment options to bolster your financial health.