Monthly Archives: October 2017

“A decision to take a transfer cannot be reversed and should not be rushed”

Posted on October 31, 2017 by

This blog is mainly written for deferred members of the British Steel Pension Scheme, but many other people may find it interesting. There’s no doubt that what is going on in Tata-land, will go on with other employers who feel … Continue reading →

Posted in accountants, advice gap, Bankers, Change, drawdown, Facebook, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

3000 blog posts up!

Posted on October 30, 2017 by

  At some point over the weekend I published my 3000th blog post. Time for celebration- no? Time for 500 words of reflection – yes! I think publishing stuff that might interest others is now an activity of daily living … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, journalism, pensions | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Workplace savers play pensions roulette- TUC

Posted on October 30, 2017 by

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. It brings together more than 5.6 million working people who make up their 50 member unions.  I want unions to grow and thrive, and for them to stand up … Continue reading →

Posted in pensions | 2 Comments

Frank Field letter to the FT on pension freedoms

Posted on October 29, 2017 by

Folly of granting total pension freedom is now becoming all too clear This is Frank Field’s letter to the FT , published October 28th. In the context of the Work and Pension Select Committee’s  current examination of pension freedoms, it needs … Continue reading →

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Why have pensions lost their social purpose?

Posted on October 29, 2017 by

As a delegate to the conservative party conference, I was invited to submit a discussion topic. I asked that we discussed how we can put Britain’s £2tr pounds of pension wealth to good economic use, whether this money could hold … Continue reading →

Posted in investment, pensions | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

So what makes you so special?

Posted on October 28, 2017 by

It’s a tough question in any walk of life. There is always someone who will answer that question because they are, but most of us will find ourselves out when answering it. We’re not – and if we were all … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, BSPS, pensions | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Is CDC the viable alternative to DB?” Con Keating is on the case

Posted on October 27, 2017 by

  Con is on the Labour party’s pension policy group. I’m a Tory party member. We agree on this, we need innovation. In this article , Con explains how the principles behind CDC could enable some employers to carry on … Continue reading →

Posted in CDC, pensions | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

DWP now leads the way on cost disclosure

Posted on October 27, 2017 by

  What’s this about? In a first-rate document, the DWP have set out radical proposals to allow ordinary people to see and compare the costs  their trustees are paying for the investment of their pension money. These proposals go well beyond … Continue reading →

Posted in accountants, advice gap, drawdown, DWP, IGC, pensions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The”great Pension cash-in” needs a check out.

Posted on October 26, 2017 by

Jo Cumbo’s article on the “Great Pensions Cash-in” has been given promoted to the FT’s “Big Read” – so it should be. It’s a fine piece of work and it has a brilliant opening which I will quote because many … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, BSPS, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The legitimate concerns of BSPS members

Posted on October 25, 2017 by

‘ From the little time I have spent talking online with BSPS members, I have been impressed with the matter of fact way they are dealing with the choices presented to them. Here is a case study of the complexity faced … Continue reading →

Posted in annuity, Bankers, BSPS, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments