Monthly Archives: March 2021

“Real return, real return – wherefore art thou real return” – Con’s cri de couer

Posted on March 31, 2021 by henry tapper

Con Keating’s cri de couer demands an answer. Shakespeare scholars will recognize that Juliet was not asking “where Romeo” as much as “why  Romeo”. This article asks where inflation beating returns can be secured and leaves us answering the question … Continue reading →

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For the shielded

Posted on March 31, 2021 by henry tapper

We have enjoyed in London, two stunning spring days that have felt like summer. Meanwhile, those who have been shielding for over a year, can only look on and await partial release from tomorrow. To my friends who have been … Continue reading →

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IS AUSTRALIA’S RETIREMENT SYSTEM AS SUPER AS IT SEEMS?

Posted on March 30, 2021 by henry tapper

Hot on the heels of this morning’s blog , a jingoistic piece on the resurgence of the UK as a pension power, here is a blog by Robin Powell that explains rather better than I , the frailties of Australia’s much … Continue reading →

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It’s not just what you save, it’s the way you invest it – that’s what gets results

Posted on March 30, 2021 by henry tapper

Bananarama  and the Funboy Three do not figure on my Spotify playlists , they supplied us with some annoying earworms and the inspiration for this blog but  ‘Tain’t What You Do (It’s the Way That You Do It) is a … Continue reading →

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How can we vaccinate pensioners against scams?

Posted on March 29, 2021 by henry tapper

Ros Altmann’s proposal needs to be taken seriously. The idea is not hers, it has been part of Just’s policy position  for some time,  but her amplification is important. We might consider a Pension Wise appointment akin to a financial … Continue reading →

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MY SOUL HAS A HAT

Posted on March 28, 2021 by henry tapper

Thanks to Peter Tompkins for introducing me to this remarkable poem.  I counted my years & realized that I have Less time to live by, Than I have lived so far. I feel like a child who won a pack … Continue reading →

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A reluctant case for tinkering with the pension charge cap

Posted on March 28, 2021 by henry tapper

General remarks about “tinkering” with the charge cap A good place to start one’s thinking on charges caps is by asking “what is being capped and why?”. Not all costs and charges are capped by the 2015 cap. Costs that … Continue reading →

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Social risks and opportunities for occupational pension schemes.

Posted on March 28, 2021 by henry tapper

    I write extensively on social purpose and my desire that pension schemes should be a force for societal good. It is right and proper for Government to call for evidence that pension schemes (whether Governed by Trust or … Continue reading →

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Pensions without purpose have gone wrong

Posted on March 27, 2021 by henry tapper

I read two articles this morning on the sustainability of pensions, both are short and are free to read. If you have a few minutes read Richard Butcher’ “The future is… consolidation?” in Pension Expert and then read  “Social factors … Continue reading →

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COVID-19 and ethnic minorities: a triple risk? 

Posted on March 26, 2021 by henry tapper

    COVID-19 Actuaries Response Group – Learn. Share. Educate. Influence. From Matthew Edwards   Summary Many ethnic minorities have suffered disproportionately from COVID-19: the spread of infection has been higher, and survival from COVID-19 has been lower per infection. … Continue reading →

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