Pension tax charge abolished sooner rather than later

Posted on October 31, 2014 by - News, Retirement

New rules will simplify the existing regime from April 2015

The Chancellor, George Osborne, has brought forward the expected announcement on the tax charge that applies to certain individuals’ pensions on their death. The new rules will simplify the existing regime and come into force from April 2015, abolishing the 55% tax that applies to untouched defined contribution pension pots of people aged 75 or over, and to pensions from which money has already been withdrawn. (more…)

State Pension changes on the horizon

Posted on October 31, 2014 by - News, Retirement

Over half of the UK population are unaware of government plans

Over half of the UK population are unaware of government plans to reform the State Pension and the impact that will have on them, according to recent research[1]. Among the 55 to 64-year-old age group, 32% are unaware of the changes. (more…)

Pension freedom

Posted on October 31, 2014 by - News, Retirement

The most radical reforms this century

In Budget 2014, Chancellor George Osborne promised greater pension freedom from April next year. People will be able to access as much or as little of their defined contribution pension as they want and pass on their hard-earned pensions to their families tax-free. (more…)

Educating investors

Posted on October 31, 2014 by - Investment, News

Six years after the start of the financial crisis, what lessons should we have learnt?

1 Plan for the unexpected
Many believe that markets are much safer today than they were six years ago, thanks in large part to the numerous regulations and safeguards put in place to avoid a repeat of the financial crisis. (more…)

Care fees burden

Posted on October 31, 2014 by - News, Protection

It’s a fact THAT more of us will require specialist care in our later years

Today, the cost of care is a major concern for many people, with the average level of pension savings unlikely to be enough to cover any long-term care requirements in addition to providing a retirement income. (more…)