Tax on the Beach · Journal 063

Blame it on milk and alcohol…

Martin Beadle · 26 August 2025 · 319 words

Parents work their arses off, do whatever it takes to build their business, wait until they’re getting on a bit, then aim to pass it on to their kids

Except, deep down, often they don’t really believe their kids can run it as well as them, and they want to keep control while they’re alive..

Take a look at it through a different lens

Back in 1970, Stanford psychologist Walter Mischel conducted the ‘marshmallow experiment’, around delayed gratification in children

Kids were given a choice, they could eat one marshmallow immediately or, wait 15 minutes, and receive a second marshmallow, as a reward

They resisted temptation in different ways like covering their eyes, talking to themselves, and finding distractions

The aim of the experiment was to better understand the psychological mechanisms behind self-control, and whether delaying gratification could predict future success

Turns out children who waited longer went on to achieve better life outcomes including academic performance, stronger social skills, and healthier lifestyles

Years later the experiment was repeated and researchers found economic background had a significant role in children’s ability to delay gratification. Maybe children from disadvantaged backgrounds believed that delayed rewards are not always guaranteed

Applied to inter-generational family legacy planning, the concerns likely include nobody can trust Government, the tax authority does not always act with integrity, and we can’t plan with certainty

The solution? A highly bespoke, tax-technical, dynamic family legacy plan where the last step informs the next. Our team of Chartered Tax Advisers are all over how best to adapt your plan, no matter what changes happen..

Done properly, you retain control, AND your assets pass to your kids

Arrange your FREE power-hour discussion here. You’re free to accept, or refuse, and there’s no obligation whatsoever

All tax advice is provided, in writing, by a Chartered Tax Adviser

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Important. Tax on the Beach is the personal column of Martin Beadle, Founder. It is general commentary, not advice, and reflects the rules as at the date of first publication shown above – figures and legislation may have changed since. Reth!nk.tax is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and does not provide regulated financial, investment or pension advice. All tax advice is provided, in writing, by Chartered Tax Advisers.

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Important. Tax on the Beach is the personal column of Martin Beadle, Founder. It is general commentary, not advice, and reflects the rules as at the date of first publication shown above - figures and legislation change. All tax advice is provided in writing by a Chartered Tax Adviser who is a current member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

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