Ros Altmann has come in for a lot of stick from the “WASPI” women campaigning for a transitional approach to the changes in the state pension age (SPA) for women, and stated on more than one occasion that nothing more could be done. But now the Pensions Minister is saying that she not only wants […]

Consultations on the so-called “second hand annuities market” are about to start, and Pensions Minister Ros Altmann is already sound out a warning on the potential dangers The changes are due to come into effect next April. Speaking on Radio 4’s Moneybox, Ros Altmann acknowledged that while those who missed out on pensions freedom may […]

Some recent research published by Prudential has revealed just how important the State Pension remains for many of us – making the current debate around future provision even more relevant. By Tony Watts OBE How much does the State Pension matter to you? Perhaps you’re one of those who represent the “average retiree” in the […]

Equity release has not always enjoyed the most positive of images. But with so many of us now relying on our property to fund our retirement, and new products coming onto the market, is it time to reconsider its virtues? By Richard Collinson. Some recent research from LV indicates that one third of those approaching […]

A new report by Age UK has highlighted something many of us have been warning about for some time now: the new single tier flat rate pension is nothing of the sort. Yes it’s new, and – absolutely – it’s a pension, but the rest of it is open to question. Indeed, anyone making any […]

When George Osborne tried to assert that his Budget was one for “the next generation”, he was obviously playing to the gallery that are becoming increasingly concerned alarmed at the plight of today’s younger people. Of course, strip away the bluster and there wasn’t that much in the Budget for anyone striving to pay their […]

For many years now, BTLs or ‘’buy to lets’’ have been an increasingly popular retirement planning vehicle, with many individuals preferring the ‘’safe as houses’’ route to the vagaries of the stock markets that are an integral part of pension savings. And while the Government’s new pension freedoms have transformed the flexibility and tax effectiveness […]

Thinking about carrying on working an extra few years? Or even returning to work? Tony Watts OBE reports on new think tank recommendations that might help those whose finances mean that retirement is not quite on the cards yet… It’s an obvious enough equation: if the Government can encourage/enable more people to hold off their […]

Lifetime ISA detrimental to workplace pensions ●       Impact of launch needs to be assessed ●       LISA at odds with automatic enrolment ●       Savers to lose over £45,000 at least   LONDON, 21 March 2016 – The new Lifetime ISA (LISA) could have a detrimental effect on retirement saving in the UK and more research needs […]

Richard’s Classic Cars Blog:  Fly or Drive?   As you will know by now, I am an avid fan of classic cars and take a deep interest in the way values have been rocketing over the past few years, making me somewhat sceptical as to whether these prices are sustainable. There are of course plenty […]