Monthly Archives: August 2013

DC trustees; beware your pensioners.

Posted on August 31, 2013 by

I can’t speculate on why this straightforward guidance isn’t included in the DC Code. It seems to have fallen between the crack between tPR and the FCA surrounding the provision of retail advice by occupational trustees. Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, annuity, pensions, Retail Distribution Review, Retirement | Leave a comment

Let’s rid us of financial carnage at retirement

Posted on August 30, 2013 by

I’m really interested in why pension schemes don’t provide more support. Any views out there on what the biggest barriers to providing more support than basic communication and a signpost to MAS or TPAS or Unbiased? Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, annuity, auto-enrolment, customer service, dc pensions, de-risking, defined aspiration, pensions, Popcorn Pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Imaginary terror exposed

Posted on August 30, 2013 by

The decision by the House of Commons not to agree (even in principle) to Britain’s military intervention in Syria was surprising and uplifting. There will be three immediate consequences. 1. We will not open yet another front on the war … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Consolation, Syria, welfare | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Charging with confidence ; the proper price for the job

Posted on August 29, 2013 by

Much has been made of the opacity of costs and charges in financial services. Less has been made about the reluctance of customers to pay up front for the services they commission. This article explores the dip in confidence in … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, annuity, auto-enrolment, pension playpen, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stressed by auto-enrolment? Delighted to help

Posted on August 27, 2013 by

Miss Connie Troll The Workhouse Slough Of Despond UK Dear Con, Thanks for your kind enquiry. I fully appreciate your frustration at having to deal with yet more duties. I agree with you with you will find it hard to … Continue reading →

Posted in pensions | Leave a comment

You want a workplace pension for your staff? – delighted to help!

Posted on August 27, 2013 by

Mrs HR Dee Smallco Ltd. Sunny Uplands GB Dear Mrs Dee, Thanks for your enquiry. I can see you are sold on the idea of offering a workplace pension for your staff. You know you have to anyway, but I … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, auto-enrolment, Liability Driven Investment, mallowstreet, Management, NEST, pension playpen, pensions, workplace pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Turning the amber light green”; – creating a buzz around #auto-enrolment.

Posted on August 26, 2013 by

We should not minimise the impact of the employer duties, they are onerous and will be disruptive. But we must put them in the context of the greater good. Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, auto-enrolment, Payroll, pension playpen, pensions, workplace pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The #ashes of test cricket?

Posted on August 24, 2013 by

Indeed, at close to £100 a pop, test match cricket may soon be beyond the means of anyone but said consultants, the rest of us being forced to pay subs to Sky to watch the stuff. Continue reading →

Posted in cricket, de-risking, Suarez | Leave a comment

Three cheers for the fearless ABI

Posted on August 24, 2013 by

The current disaster that is happening week after week under our noses is avoidable (with alternative products), can be mitigated (with available advice) and is preventable (with proper regulation).
Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, annuity, auto-enrolment, pensions, smelly, steve webb | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Do employers have a duty of care to their staff when they retire?

Posted on August 23, 2013 by

If you take the Daily Express, you will have been reading a series of front page headlines about “rip-off pensions”. Here’s this Thursday’s edition http://www.express.co.uk/news/retirement/423869/Millions-hit-by-scandal-of-pensions-rip-off . The argument is based on some recently released figures “A 65-year-old with average pension … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, annuity, auto-enrolment, brand, club pension, customer service, dc pensions, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments