Home

  • CII Exams
    • AF Exams
    • CII AF1 Personal Tax and Trust Planning
    • CII AF4 Investment Planning
    • CII AF5 Financial Planning Process
    • CII AF7 Pension Transfers
    • CF Exams
    • CII CF1 UK Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics
    • CII CF6 Mortgage Advice
    • CII CF8 Long Term Care Insurance
    • ER Exams
    • CII ER1 Equity Release
    • FA Exams
    • CII FA1 Life Office Administration
    • CII FA2 Pensions Administration
    • IF Exams
    • CII IF1 Insurance Legal and Regulatory
    • CII IF2 General Insurance Business
    • CII IF3 Insurance Underwriting Process
    • CII IF4 Insurance Claims Handling Process
    • CII IF5 Motor Insurance Products
    • J0 Exams
    • CII J02 Trusts
    • CII J05 Pension Income Options
    • CII J07 Supervision in a Regulated Environment
    • CII J10 Discretionary Investment Management
    • CII J12 Securities Advice and Dealing
    • LP Exams
    • CII LP2 Financial Services Products and Solutions
    • R0 Exams
    • CII R01 Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics
    • CII R02 Investment Principles and Risk
    • CII R03 Personal Taxation
    • CII R04 Pensions and Retirement Planning
    • CII R05 Financial Protection
    • CII R06 Financial Planning Practice
    • CII R07 Advanced Mortgage Advice
  • CII Qualifications
    • CII Qualifications Overview
    • Advanced Diplomas
    • CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
    • Awards
    • CII Award in Financial Administration
    • CII Award in Life and Pensions Foundations
    • CII Award in Long Term Care Insurance
    • CII Award in Regulated Pension Transfer Advice
    • Certificates
    • CII Certificate in Advanced Mortgage Advice
    • CII Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
    • CII Certificate in Equity Release
    • CII Certificate in Financial Services
    • CII Certificate in Insurance
    • CII Certificate in Investment Operations
    • CII Certificate in Mortgage Advice
    • CII Certificate in Paraplanning
    • CII Certificate in Regulated Financial Services Operations
    • CII Certificate in Securities Advice and Dealing
    • Diplomas
    • CII Diploma in Financial Planning
    • CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
  • Main Pages
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Corporate
  • FAQ
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Corporate
  • FAQs
  • About
  • Contact
Cart
Brand Financial Training
  • CII Exams
    • Exam-Col-01
      • AF Exams
      • CII AF1 Personal Tax and Trust Planning
      • CII AF4 Investment Planning
      • CII AF5 Financial Planning Process
      • CII AF7 Pension Transfers
      • CF Exams
      • CII CF1 UK Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics
      • CII CF6 Mortgage Advice
      • CII CF8 Long Term Care Insurance
      • ER Exams
      • CII ER1 Equity Release
      • FA Exams
      • CII FA1 Life Office Administration
      • CII FA2 Pensions Administration
    • Exam-Col-02
      • IF Exams
      • CII IF1 Insurance Legal and Regulatory
      • CII IF2 General Insurance Business
      • CII IF3 Insurance Underwriting Process
      • CII IF4 Insurance Claims Handling Process
      • CII IF5 Motor Insurance Products
      • J0 Exams
      • CII J02 Trusts
      • CII J05 Pension Income Options
      • CII J07 Supervision in a Regulated Environment
      • CII J10 Discretionary Investment Management
      • CII J12 Securities Advice and Dealing
      • LP Exams
      • CII LP2 Financial Services Products and Solutions
    • Exam-Col-03
      • R0 Exams
      • CII R01 Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics
      • CII R02 Investment Principles and Risk
      • CII R03 Personal Taxation
      • CII R04 Pensions and Retirement Planning
      • CII R05 Financial Protection
      • CII R06 Financial Planning Practice
      • CII R07 Advanced Mortgage Advice
      • Study Kit Box
  • CII Qualifications
    • Qual-Col-01
      • CII Qualifications Overview
      • CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
      • CII Award in Financial Administration
      • CII Award in Life and Pensions Foundations
      • CII Award in Long Term Care Insurance
      • CII Award in Regulated Pension Transfer Advice
    • Qual-Col-02
      • CII Certificate in Advanced Mortgage Advice
      • CII Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
      • CII Certificate in Equity Release
      • CII Certificate in Financial Services
      • CII Certificate in Insurance
      • CII Certificate in Investment Operations
      • CII Certificate in Mortgage Advice
      • CII Certificate in Paraplanning
      • CII Certificate in Regulated Financial Services Operations
      • CII Certificate in Securities Advice and Dealing
    • Qual-Col-03
      • CII Diploma in Financial Planning
      • CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
Brand Financial Training > Newsletter > Newsletter for January 2021
  • Previous
  • Next
Newsletter for January 2021
January 12, 2021
Newsletter for January 2021

Newsletter for January 2021

Posted by The Team at Brand Financial Training on January 12, 2021 in Newsletter
 
 
12 January 2021
 

The beginning of 2021 isn’t quite turning out as expected, but we hope you are keeping safe and well. At the time of writing, the CII has confirmed that exam centres are remaining open, and there is the option of remote invigilation for exams taken at home. Do take a look at the CII website and contact the CII directly if you require any further information or have any questions in that regard.

We know that many of you are juggling exams, home schooling, and work. Here at Brand Financial Training, our resources remain available to order online 24/7 for immediate access (other than the R03 study text, which is delivered by courier). The team here are also juggling everything involved in lockdown, but we are still available, as usual, via phone and email should you need to contact us; however, it might take us slightly longer than normal to respond. We appreciate your understanding.

Let’s keep focused on that light at the end of the COVID tunnel…

Best Wishes,

The Team at Brand Financial Training

 
 
 
Featured Article
 
How to Reduce Inheritance Tax on PETs and CLTs with Taper Relief

Taper relief can be applied to the inheritance tax payable on either a potentially exempt transfer (PET) or a chargeable lifetime transfer (CLT) made three to seven years before death. Here, we discuss PETs and CLTs and provide examples of how tax can be reduced by taper relief – useful reading for those who are studying for any of the CII CF1, R01, R03, R06, AF1, or AF5 exams.

First, let’s quickly remind ourselves of what a PET and a CLT is.

A potentially exempt transfer (PET) is a lifetime transfer that is not liable to IHT at the time the gift is made but is counted in the cumulation for the future. A PET is a gift, not covered by exemptions, by one person to another person, or to a bare trust, or to a trust for a vulnerable or disabled beneficiary. If the person making the gift dies within seven years, the transfer becomes chargeable with taper relief available on any tax payable where death occurs after year 3 (remember, there can only be tax payable if the gift is over the nil rate band). After 7 years, the PET falls outside of the person’s estate.

A chargeable lifetime transfer (CLT) is a gift that is not covered by exemptions and that is not a PET. We normally come across them on lifetime gifts to trusts (other than the two mentioned above). If such gifts are made within the nil rate band, then they are chargeable, although no IHT is payable at the time. They would however be taken into account on the donor’s death and would mean less of the nil rate band available to set against the death estate.

A tax charge of 20% will occur on a CLT if it takes the person’s seven-year cumulation over the nil rate band. If the person making the transfer survives seven years, there will be no further tax to pay. If the donor doesn’t survive seven years, then death rates will apply retrospectively, with relief given for the lifetime tax paid.

Again, if the person survives more than three years after the gift, tax can be reduced by taper relief.

 
Read full article
 
 
 
Revision and Study Tips
 
How to Make and Keep your New Year’s Resolutions for 2021

There’s no denying that seeing in 2021 was a unique experience, with limited opportunities to mark the occasion with others. Equally, there are few certainties about what the 12 months ahead may hold, but we can count on the fact that restrictions in some form will likely continue for a while yet. That unpredictability can make the setting of long-term goals a challenging business. Here’s how you can still make and keep your resolutions in these uncertain times.

We’re certainly in a situation that none of us could have predicted this time last year. So you could be forgiven for not quite feeling the usual optimism and positivity that a fresh year typically brings.

Nonetheless, this time of year still marks a chance for reflection, assessment and yes, even a degree of celebration – if only at seeing the back of some challenging months. (After all, would you want to live through 2020 again?)

In fact, setting goals is arguably even more important at a time like this, to stay productive, focused, and feeling in control. You may even find the activity a welcome distraction at a time when it can be easy to feel anxious.

So, in this odd New Year, here are some thoughts on making New Year’s resolutions for 2021 – so that you’re more likely to keep them and not join the 80% of people who (according to the University of Scranton) fail to keep theirs.

Set short-term goals.

Given the lack of certainties, it may be best not to look too far ahead when you’re setting your goals. Aim for weekly or monthly targets, rather than thinking about planning out the whole 12 months. Try and get into the habit of focusing on short blocks of time.

 
Read full article
 
 
 

New AF7 Resources

We’re offering brand new resources to support you as you revise for the AF7 Pension Transfers exam. We already offer 3 full sets of mock papers; now we’re pleased to offer two additional resources: Revision Notes and Core Knowledge.

Revision Notes – A streamlined version of the learning outcomes and exam syllabus designed for use when you are further along with your studies. They will be a more focused take on the CII’s exam syllabus and learning outcomes with self-test questions.

Core Knowledge – Key to your core revision of the syllabus, this resource will cover the ‘staple’ questions which make up the majority of the AF7 exam as well as a focus on understanding key calculations from across the syllabus*. You’ll find questions, answers, detailed explanations, and cross-references to the relevant CII study text.

Do take a look here for more info. And don’t forget to check out our best value study kits for an additional 10% off the price of buying these resources individually.

*Whilst you are unlikely to be asked to perform calculations in the exam, you do need to understand the calculation methods.

Insurance Exam Resources Updated for 2021

All resources for IF1, IF2, IF3, IF4, and IF5 have been updated in accordance with the new syllabus examinable from 1 January 2021.

 
 
 
Mock Papers
 

 

Available for AF1, AF2, AF4, AF7, CF1, CF6, CF8, ER1, FA1-2, IF1-5, J02, J03, J05, J07, J10, J12, LP2, R01-5, and R07

...“I passed my exams 1st time after buying the 3 mock exam packs. They are very relevant and gave me that extra confidence in taking the exam. Thank you Brand 🙂 The service is excellent as well I might add.’...

Lianne Jackson, Investment Sales Adviser, Chelmsford

Passing your CII exam isn’t only about having the necessary knowledge and understanding, it’s about being able to apply that knowledge in an exam setting exactly as needed and in a timely manner. It is essential that you practise multiple exam papers to ensure that you know exactly how to apply your knowledge. Too many people fail due to a lack of exam practice, even if their knowledge is good.

Our mock exam question papers ensure you get the practice you need to achieve exam success. Couple them with other resources in our study kits and you’ll be well prepared for your exam.

  • All answers include cross references to the relevant CII study text
  • All questions and answers are kept up-to-date to reflect changes to the exam syllabus and tax year
  • Written for essential exam practice, but are not duplicates of the CII’s mock papers
  • Download them instantly in PDF format and print as required
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Why not try before you buy? Download one of our free tasters:

AF1

CF1

ER1

FA1

IF1

J02

R01

 
 
 
Did You Miss These Posts on Our Blog?
 

Articles and Help for All Your Exams

You’ll find that there’s something for everyone when you check out our blog:

  • specific topics and how-to articles;
  • reviews of recent CII exam papers;
  • our Friday Five – a weekly quiz to give you a fun break from reading the study text;
  • study techniques that help you to retain your revision and keep your brain working for you, when you need it

Here are the blog posts you might have missed since our last newsletter:

Friday Five – 8 January - Click here.

Our Post-Exam Review of the October 2020 CII AF5 Exam - Click here.

The CII AF4 October 2020 Exam in Review - Click here.

The CII AF2 October 2020 Exam in Review - Click here.

The CII AF1 October 2020 Exam in Review - Click here.

Friday Five – 18 December - Click here.

Looking at Pension Input Periods and Defined Benefit Schemes - Click here.

Friday Five – 11 December - Click here.

There’s such a variety of information on offer to help you as you tackle your CII exams, that you won’t want to miss a single post. We’ve made it easy for you; just click the button below and enter your email details. Be ‘in the know’ with CII-exam-related tips and info – straight to your inbox!

 
 
 
Quote of the Month
 

..." Successful people are simply those with successful habits. "...

 
Brian Tracy
 
 
 
Friday 5 Focus on...
 

"5 Questions in 5 Minutes Every Friday"

Each week, we ask questions relating to one of these topics: Investments, Taxation, Pensions, Protection, or Regulation. The challenge is for you to answer them in 5 minutes.

Where do I find the Friday Five?

We post each week’s Friday Five to our blog first thing every Friday. You can either visit our blog every Friday at https://brandft.co.uk/blog/ or you can simply go there now, and click on the subscribe button in the top right-hand corner of the blog and sign up to receive notifications of our Friday Five posts.

Note that we don’t email the Friday Five out to everybody every Friday, so we recommend you sign up to our blog at https://brandft.co.uk/blog/ so that you receive an email notification when it is posted. It will only take you a minute to sign up.

A bit of Friday Fun, but with the added benefit of testing your exam knowledge!

 
Try it out
 
 
 
Updates to CII Study Texts
 

Here’s a reminder that the CII update their study texts throughout the examinable year to either incorporate new legislations, correct errors or clarify information. Many candidates aren’t aware of this, which can result in candidates studying out-of-date information.

To find out if you have the most up-to-date information, visit the CII website, navigate to your chosen exam and click on ‘learning solutions update’ in the ‘Unit updates’ section in the sidebar.

Note that we keep our resources up-to-date with any updates from the CII.

 
 
 
© Brand Financial Training
   
 
 
W : brandft.co.uk | E : | T : 0345 680 1682
Calls are charged at the same rate as standard landline numbers. This rate will depend on your telephone provider and may be included in your tariff.
 
 
Tags:Brand Financial Training's monthly newsletter, January 2021 newsletter

Related posts

  • Newsletter for June 2025
    Newsletter for June 2025
  • Newsletter for May 2025
    Newsletter for May 2025
  • Newsletter for April 2025
    Newsletter for April 2025
  • Newsletter for March 2025
    Newsletter for March 2025

Subscribe

Get new blog posts delivered straight to your inbox!

By ticking this box you are giving your consent for us to email you when a new post is published on our blog. We may also email you with additional information and offers that we believe may be of interest to you. We take your privacy very seriously and we will never share your personal information. You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time. For information about how we handle your data, please read our privacy notice.

Please tick the box to give your consent for us to email you when a new post is published on our blog. We may also email you with additional information and offers that we believe may be of interest to you. We take your privacy very seriously and we will never share your personal information. You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time. For information about how we handle your data, please read our privacy notice at https://brandft.co.uk/privacy-policy/

Search

To search our blog just enter a keyword and click search.

Latest Posts

  • Friday Five Focus on Investments – 5 Questions in 5 Minutes – 20 Jun 2025
    By The Team at Brand Financial Training
    June 20, 2025
  • Our Post-Exam Review of the April 2025 CII R06 Exam
    By The Team at Brand Financial Training
    June 17, 2025
  • Friday Five Focus on Regulation – 5 Questions in 5 Minutes – 13 Jun 2025
    By The Team at Brand Financial Training
    June 13, 2025
  • Newsletter for June 2025
    By The Team at Brand Financial Training
    June 10, 2025

Follow us

Categories

Archives


All content © Brand Financial Training Ltd, 2008-2024. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Brand Financial Training Ltd https://brandft.co.uk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Contacts

Email :
Tel : +44 (0)345 680 1682
You can leave a voicemail for us but for the quickest response, please email our customer service team at the above email address, who will respond within 24 hours.

Calls are charged at the same rate as standard landline numbers. This rate will depend on your telephone provider and may be included in your tariff.

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our informative monthly newsletter tailored for you.

Learn more

We write for...

Logo: Money Marketing Logo: Professional Paraplanner Professional Paraplanner Awards 2021
Learn more

We support...

In Aid of Trussell Trust In Aid of Refuge Together we will end homelessness
UNICEF UK Ukraine Appeal, Save the Children Gaza Appeal
Find out more about how we work to make a social impact.
Learn more

Home
About
Blog
Contact
Social Impact

Money back guarantee
Corporate
Help and FAQs
Learning Resource Updates

Email :
Tel : +44 (0)345 680 1682 (Voicemail only)

Calls are charged at the same rate as standard landline numbers. This rate will depend on your telephone provider and may be included in your tariff.

LinkedInLinkedInTwitter/XTwitter/X YouTubeYouTubeYouTubeYouTube

©2025 Brand Financial Training Ltd · Reg No: 7153959 · VAT No: 979 2499 45

Policies | Terms of use | Terms of sale | Privacy policy | Cookie policy