Tag Archives: John Ralfe

Is calling a CDC pension a “wage in retirement” dishonest?

Posted on June 20, 2018 by henry tapper

I got home from a fine evening with David Byrne at the Apollo, to a surprising assault from John Ralfe. It’s not surprising to be verbally assaulted by John on Twitter, but it was surprising that John, who had been … Continue reading →

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Pension Deficits (and Surpluses) – where do you stand on #FABI ?

Posted on June 17, 2018 by henry tapper

Rather than kick off with  the FAB index this month, I thought to promote the response it’s publication this morning has received. On the one hand there is Paul Lewis, who (for me) stands  for common sense and the ordinary person. … Continue reading →

Posted in First Actuarial, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Something “DC” that John Ralfe and I agree on!

Posted on March 19, 2018 by henry tapper

I sometimes think John and I will never agree, I am forever looking at the world half full and he “half empty”, where I see opportunity, he sees danger, where he sees certainty, I see parsimony. But when John posted … Continue reading →

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

When enough isn’t enough – thoughts on #NoCapitulation

Posted on March 14, 2018 by henry tapper

Is the USS really in crisis? I was disappointed to read that the University strike isn’t over. But it isn’t and Jo Cumbo hits the nail  on the head. “Majority of members wish to reject the proposal as insufficient.” What … Continue reading →

Posted in pensions, USS | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The nastiest, hardest problem in finance

Posted on November 19, 2017 by henry tapper

  For all the emotion surrounding transfer values, it’s worth taking a step back and ask the simple question “should I stay or should I go”. In July, John Ralfe wrote what (for me) is still the best summary of the situation … Continue reading →

Posted in BSPS, pensions | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

A brave and timely response to UUK’s proposals

Posted on November 18, 2017 by henry tapper

  I was wondering how to react to news that the UUK (the employers of university staff) is proposing to axe future Defined Benefit accrual into the USS. Anger or sorrow seemed the two main candidates as I flew back last night. I was … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, pensions, Trades Union Congress | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Oh #WASPI, there ain’t no pleasing you!

Posted on September 25, 2017 by henry tapper

Chas and Dave know a few things about women You seemed to think that everything I ever did was wrong I should have known it all along Oh darlin’, there ain’t no pleasing you I expect there’s a few labour … Continue reading →

Posted in #WASPI, pensions | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Are bonds “suitable” assets to meet the promises of a pension plan?

Posted on September 11, 2017 by henry tapper

    Pension funds are struggling to find suitable assets in which to invest, says Pat Race of KPMG in an article in FTfm. The headline of the article is that “North American Pension Funds grow assets faster than their … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, pensions, Popcorn Pensions | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Undermining confidence in USS; to no good purpose.

Posted on September 5, 2017 by henry tapper

  I read John Ralfe’s comments in this report in Times Higher Education and thought of Sir Toby Belch’s comment to Malvolio. Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and ale? Sir Toby Belch … Continue reading →

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“We dislike pensions but we don’t distrust them”- thoughts from comrade Gregg!

Posted on August 23, 2017 by henry tapper

One of the pleasures of living in the City of London is the early evening beer with City slickers. City slicker Gregg McClymont and I had a pint or two in the Fine Line last night and caught up after … Continue reading →

Posted in actuaries, pensions | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments