Tag Archives: John Ralfe
Is calling a CDC pension a “wage in retirement” dishonest?
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
Pension Deficits (and Surpluses) – where do you stand on #FABI ?
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 CDC, DB, Deficit, defined benefit, FABI, John Ralfe, Paul Lewis, pensions, Surplus
3 Comments
Something “DC” that John Ralfe and I agree on!
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 401k, annuity, Colin Freeman, deferred, deferred annuity, John Ralfe, pension
3 Comments
When enough isn’t enough – thoughts on #NoCapitulation
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
The nastiest, hardest problem in finance
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 BSPS, CETV, decisions, Gavin Henson, John Ralfe, pensions
4 Comments
A brave and timely response to UUK’s proposals
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 defined benefit, Hilary Salt, John Ralfe, pensions, UCU, USS, UUK
7 Comments
Oh #WASPI, there ain’t no pleasing you!
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
Are bonds “suitable” assets to meet the promises of a pension plan?
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 Accrual, Bonds, equities, IRR, John Ralfe, LDI, pensions
Leave a comment
Undermining confidence in USS; to no good purpose.
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
“We dislike pensions but we don’t distrust them”- thoughts from comrade Gregg!
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 CDC, Gregg McClymont, John Ralfe, money marketing, pensions, Scheme Pensions
5 Comments