Radical changes announced to the public sector Labour peer Lord Hutton has recommended to ministers that public sector workers should no longer have final salary pensions. Instead they should have schemes linked to average earnings, while paying more and working longer. From 2015, most of the six million state employees will be expected to retire… Continue reading Pension reforms
Category: Financial News
Estate planning
Tax saving incentives for substantial charitable legacies If you have an estate currently worth more than £325,000, you should plan early and act decisively if you are to avoid burdening your heirs with a future Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability. During Budget 2011 measures were announced to encourage charitable giving that will be of interest to both… Continue reading Estate planning
How focused is your portfolio?
Investing for growth, income or both Do you want to grow your capital, increase your income or both? Your answer will determine the type of investments you select and, in addition, you need to be aware of the concept of ‘total return’. This is the measurement of performance – the actual rate of return of an investment or a pool of… Continue reading How focused is your portfolio?
Gender-based insurance rates
EU rules against sex discrimination The European Court of Justice has ruled that gender-based insurance rates are unlawful in a move that could lead to a shake-up in the annuity market. This major ruling takes effect from 21 December 2012 and will fundamentally reshape the retirement landscape, leading to the likely equalisation of annuity rates for men and women.… Continue reading Gender-based insurance rates
Is it time to spring-clean your portfolio?
Picking the right combination of assets will depend on your risk profile All investments, including cash deposits, carry a degree of risk but some are more risky than others. Once you have established a solid foundation of savings for the short term, you may look to investments to provide more growth potential over a longer… Continue reading Is it time to spring-clean your portfolio?
Get your pension planning back on track
Are you financially prepared for retirement? If you are a 50-something, are you financially prepared for retirement? It is estimated that one third of people in this age group have no retirement savings at all. However, the plans you make in the final approach to retirement can have the most significant impact on the size… Continue reading Get your pension planning back on track
Take a more flexible approach to retirement
How the new rule changes could affect your future planning As life expectancy rates in the UK continue to rise, the coalition Government estimates that nearly one in five people will live to see their 100th birthday. Radical legislation will attempt to ensure pension savings are sufficient for these retirees, which in turn will help… Continue reading Take a more flexible approach to retirement
Tracing a pension scheme
How to find lost or forgotten money If you think you may have an old pension but are not sure of the details, the Pension Tracing Service may be able to help. They will try and match the information you give them to one of the schemes on their database and inform you of the results. If they have made a… Continue reading Tracing a pension scheme
A matter of trust
Passing on your wealth to future generations A trust arrangement can ensure that your wealth is properly managed and distributed after your death, so that it provides for the people who depend on you and is enjoyed by your heirs in the way you intend. There still remain significant planning opportunities, even though changes announced… Continue reading A matter of trust
Keeping your wealth in the family
Inheritance Tax planning matters In order to protect family and loved ones, it is essential to have provisions in place after you’re gone. The easiest way to prevent unnecessary tax payments such as Inheritance Tax (IHT) is to organise your tax affairs by obtaining professional advice and having a valid Will in place to ensure that your legacy… Continue reading Keeping your wealth in the family
