Monthly Archives: January 2012

“Making Pension Charges Clearer” – good on the NAPF

Posted on January 21, 2012 by henry tapper

The NAPF, as I’ve mentioned a few times on this blog, are a rather better trade body than you’d expect . Revitalised by Joanne Seagers and Dan Torjussen-Proctor they appear a more progressive member centric organisation than in years gone by. Ambitiously, they … Continue reading →

Posted in annuity, auto-enrolment, corporate governance, dc pensions, de-risking, EU Solvency II, pensions, Retirement, social media | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

You can’t please everyone so please yourself

Posted on January 20, 2012 by henry tapper

Some people live for themselves, others live selflessly but most of us find our worth in the value others place in them. If you depend on the value others see in you for your sel-worth, your life will be an emotional … Continue reading →

Posted in happiness, religion, social media | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Racket of the Lambs – 20 things you never wanted to know about Pension Rocks III’s top band

Posted on January 19, 2012 by henry tapper

The Racket of the Lambs is the house band of the Pension Play Pen- Europe‘s fastest growing pension group (unverified). It is led by the Jackal – Simon Kew Its musical director is the Legend (that is Dick Strattan) 4.   Our Drummer is … Continue reading →

Posted in pension playpen, Pension Rocks III, pensions, The Racket of the Lambs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

To get better pensions we need to share risk

Posted on January 17, 2012 by henry tapper

Yesterday, Steve Webb announced he was  to review the level of protection that needed to be provided to private pensions in payment. His  intention is to help the solvency of defined benefit schemes which might need to reserve less for future guarantees. He is … Continue reading →

Posted in annuity, corporate governance, dc pensions, de-risking, EU Solvency II, Fiduciary Management, Management, NEST, pensions, Retirement | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Rose Metcalf- dancing seafarer to the rescue.

Posted on January 16, 2012 by henry tapper

Did anyone hear the full interview on Radio Five Live this morning with Rose Metcalf? The 22-year-old dancer told of her night helping passengers, staff and herself off the stricken Costa Concordia with a poise and understatement that suggests she has rather more … Continue reading →

Posted in costa concordia, Cruise boats, Henry Tapper blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Who made that choice for you?

Posted on January 15, 2012 by henry tapper

Put the question “why are pensions guaranteed?” into google and you will not get an answer. I reckon it’s because no-one asks the question. Why is nobody asking the question? Is someone guaranteeing the value of your house? Is there … Continue reading →

Posted in annuity, auto-enrolment, corporate governance, customer service, EU Solvency II | Tagged , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Can we have a word Mr Webb?

Posted on January 14, 2012 by henry tapper

You mentioned that there should be a default position (on mallowstreet). I have argued that there is a default decumulation position, it is a level single life annuity provided by the insurer that managed your pension accumulation. This is a “pot-luck” position and many are buying appalling annuities as a result. This is at the root of what we, Robin Ellison, Con Keating, Alan Higham , the AMNT and Kevin Wesbroom, (to name but a handful of those calling for change), are trying to address. Continue reading →

Posted in annuity, auto-enrolment, corporate governance, customer service, dc pensions, de-risking, Fiduciary Management, Liberal Democrats, NEST, Nick Clegg, pension playpen, pensions, Personal Accounts, Retirement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Rich Hedgehogs, poor clients

Posted on January 11, 2012 by henry tapper

From the Economist HEDGE-fund managers are the smartest investors around. With keen eyes and sharp brains, they spot and exploit inefficiencies in the markets. Or at least that is what the industry tells its clients. There is no doubt that hedge-fund … Continue reading →

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Popcorn pensions

Posted on January 10, 2012 by henry tapper

I was sitting in Kentucky Fried Chicken with my friend Mr Peter Shellswell last week. We were eating the salad in case you are wondering. Popcorn chicken and gravy is my fave but we’d decided to be good. Continue reading →

Posted in auto-enrolment, corporate governance, customer service, dc pensions, de-risking, EU Solvency II, Fiduciary Management, mallowstreet, pension playpen, Retirement, social media | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Is Auto-Enrolment a busted flush? Pension Play Pen lunch Jan 2012

Posted on January 10, 2012 by henry tapper

The Play Pen sat down for the 26th time at the Counting House on Monday 9th Jan 2012-the first working Monday of the month. It concluded that their was life in auto-enrolment though enthusiasm for the project and for NEST … Continue reading →

Posted in annuity, auto-enrolment, customer service, dc pensions, NEST, pension playpen, Retirement, social media | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments