Monthly Archives: January 2026
No one should be surprised that there’s a ferocious battle between Reform and LGPS
This battle has been going on since Reform won control of Local Government around the country and has set about prioritising the needs of council tax payers above the prudence of pension officers. This is how the FT report the … Continue reading
Why wait for CDC? Bright sparks argue it out this morning !
Coffee Morning – CDC – Why wait? Attending CPD included Join here: Tuesday 27th January at 10.30pm (that’s today!) You are cordially invited to attend our next online “Roundtable” – CDC Why Wait? The Government’s press release says that CDC schemes could increase … Continue reading
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Tagged CDC, pension playpen, Retirement CDC, UMES, Whole life, Whole life of CDC
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Dashboards yes! May Richard Smith get his debate , can we get freedom from pots!
I am a fan of Richard Smith and all he is doing to help people get back control of their financial lives using dashboards. Like me he believes that pensions should be laid out as pensions not pots and I … Continue reading
Starmer ignores Property Fund “pension bleating” and overrules Rachel Reeves to cap ground rents
The FT’s story can be read here. This blog, led by Harry Scoffin lamented the washing up of Michael Gove’s bill but praised the Labour party for picking up the baton that had been dropped. This blog, fuelled by research … Continue reading
John Roe , coffee and fund management – I share his views
Value for money? I think we have the same thoughts – John Roe. Sorry to use an Aldi packet – it doesn’t quite make the grade for the best breed of coffee drinkers , but this is what I’m drinking … Continue reading
Tom McPhail gives good advice to those who want a rich retirement
Don’t trust the state if you want a rich retirement Research your options, pay for advice and prepare well for later life Tom McPhail This article first appeared on Thursday January 08 2026, 10.30pm in The Times What do you … Continue reading
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Revival of pension investment as pension buyout deals slow.
The FT kick off the week reporting something that you’ve been reading on this blog and in the pension trade press, the flow of pensions to insurance annuities is slowing as the size of buy-ins and buy-outs slows. Thanks Mary … Continue reading
Pensions, politics and football
The weekend was a battle between the north west and the south east in politics and football and I’m pleased to report no battling in pensions. Well done Bournemouth , well done my actuarial friend from Southbourne who put some … Continue reading
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Tagged Arsenal, Bournemouth, football, Manchester, Pensions, politics
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An amorous podcast with Kim Gubler’s Ronnie and Claire
It is rather fun to have Kim Gubler on Darren and Nico’s podcast this week. Kim Gubler Consultants has sold itself to IGG in a deal which Kim says ensures its independence but gives itself access to IGG’s private equity … Continue reading
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Tagged AgeWage, Dashboard, kim gubler, Pensions, podcast, Richard Smith, VFM
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How much indexation should we have in DC (including CDC)?
One of the questions that buzzes in my little brain is just how much indexation I am getting on my pension. I get a pension from Eagle Star (now Zurich) which pays income that increases by CPI up to 5%. … Continue reading