Monthly Archives: April 2014

It’s a phoney war- what’s happening on the other side of the Channel?

Posted on April 10, 2014 by henry tapper

I am still surprised how people are organising themselves to do their jobs. You’d have thought that the accountants and book-keepers who provide financial stability, get people paid and manage the tax affairs of Britain’s 1.25m employers would be the … Continue reading →

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Time for an upgrade?

Posted on April 9, 2014 by henry tapper

The fireworks came from the Treasury but amidst the noise and smoke, the DWP’s Command Paper, poses some challenges for many of the 10,000 employers who’ve staged auto-enrolment. By April 2015, we can expect workplace pensions qualifying to be used … Continue reading →

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The Pension Play Pen lunch gives a thumbs up for the new Annuity Framework

Posted on April 8, 2014 by henry tapper

A victim of Osborne’s success We were a victim of George’s success on Monday (7th April) as nearly 40 of us spilled out of the gallery room and occupied most of the Counting House’s second floor! Handing over £500 in cash … Continue reading →

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Research shock- employers do care about the pensions they provide their staff

Posted on April 7, 2014 by henry tapper

“Selecting the right pension scheme for auto enrolment is important and has long term implications for employees. Taking time to review the options that are available in the market is sensible and planning ahead will help to keep stress levels … Continue reading →

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Pension PlayPen Lunch – can we manage financial freedom in later life?

Posted on April 7, 2014 by henry tapper

Don’t forget the Pension Play Pen lunch at 12.30 today at the Counting House, Cornhill , 200 yards West of Bank Station. We meet 12 for 12.30, bring £15 for food and beverages! The topic for today’s discussion will be … Continue reading →

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“More choice – no guidance” – the basic state pension top-up.

Posted on April 6, 2014 by henry tapper

The basic state pension, second state pension and soon to be single state pension are annuities purchased from the State by National Insurance Contributions. With all the noise around the annuities you purchase from insurance companies, we can easily forget … Continue reading →

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At last – good “pension news” for employers

Posted on April 6, 2014 by henry tapper

  It was only a month ago when the ABI produced there now infamous “10 problems with Steve Webb’s Collective DC plan”. Re-reading it explains why Osborn, the FCA and the general public have been merciless on insurers since the budget. … Continue reading →

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“The predictable alternative to drawdown”

Posted on April 5, 2014 by henry tapper

  “Drawdown scares me”. It scares me because I am on my own, it scares me because I get a bumpy ride and most of all it scares me because I know that if I drawdown at a minute of … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, CDC, FCA, Financial Conduct Authority, FSA, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Putting financial bloggers in their place

Posted on April 4, 2014 by henry tapper

    Yesterday was interesting. I was shortlisted for Pensions Personality of the year  –  thanks to all who voted Pension Play Pen was shortlisted for technology solutions provider of the year – please vote here Another media awards event , the ABI … Continue reading →

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PQM – under new management, deserves a second chance

Posted on April 3, 2014 by henry tapper

  News that Adrian Boulding has taken the chair at the Pension Quality Mark and that its new MD is crack Kiwi-saver Justine Tate, roused me to re-engage with a venture I had thought as much use as a chocolate … Continue reading →

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