Category Archives: Big Government

A calm hand needed for this pension face off

Posted on July 19, 2020 by

Mark Twain reported that reports of his death were exaggerated. A journalist had in fact mistaken his state of health for his brother’s (who was in a much worse way). The same could be said for the Open Defined Benefit … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, Big Government, pensions | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

One love or schism?

Posted on June 29, 2020 by

“Batley and Spen is a gathering of typically independent, no-nonsense and proud Yorkshire towns and villages. Our communities have been deeply enhanced by immigration. While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around … Continue reading →

Posted in Big Government, pensions | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

Posted on May 29, 2020 by

I am very pleased that Con Keating and Iain Clacher’s recent article has got so much attention , both in terms of readers and in terms of social media comment. Though I am one of those who thinks the Pension … Continue reading →

Posted in actuaries, Big Government, coronavirus, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The end of furlough and what it means for pensions.

Posted on May 7, 2020 by

A question was asked of the DWP on April 24th filed under  “Pensions: Advisory Services”  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on when the FCA … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, age wage, Big Government, FCA, pensions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Squeaky-bum-time for start-ups

Posted on May 3, 2020 by

Plenty of promises! Running a start-up at this moment is spooky. The Government promises support. but each new product seems to apply to someone like you – but not you! We haven’t furloughed anyone because what we do – help … Continue reading →

Posted in age wage, Big Government, pensions, Value for Money | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

“Nine years ago today, the Budget nearly killed me” – Guy Opperman

Posted on April 27, 2020 by

    This blog is about and by Guy Opperman – our  pensions minister; it’s re-published with his permission. It was first published April 26th here Today’s date is etched on my memory, and it will be forever. On Tuesday … Continue reading →

Posted in age wage, Big Government, pensions | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Let’s not slide back into the swamp!

Posted on February 25, 2020 by

After what they must consider a “decent period”, the insurers and the bankers have reappeared from the slimy depths like Grendel out to wreak revenge on consumers protected too long by Europe. The insurance and pensions industry is calling for … Continue reading →

Posted in Bankers, Big Government, Brexit, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Three little pots went to market

Posted on January 20, 2020 by

The point of this blog is to show 1. One way of avoiding the damaging impact of the MPAA on future saving 2. The depth of knowledge needed to make good at retirement decisions (especially where there is no adviser … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, age wage, Big Government, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

We almost got a pensions dashboard….

Posted on October 30, 2019 by

It now seems unlikely that parliament will complete reading the Pensions Bill. The Bill introduces compulsion on employers to provide data to a pensions dashboard and it gives CDC the green light, at first for the Royal Mail and later … Continue reading →

Posted in annuity, Big Government, pensions | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Re-deploying our pension winners!

Posted on December 8, 2018 by

Webb for Regulator? This rumour has sparked a twitter storm among those who think Steve Webb is conflicted in potentially exercising the powers of the Pensions Regulator on policies he initiated as pensions minister. Exclusive: Sir Steve Webb, the former … Continue reading →

Posted in Big Government, Blogging, pensions | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments