pensionsandsavings.com

Following the Bank of England’s statement

August 7, 2013 Ros Altmann Comments 0 Comment

7 August 2013 Three more years of misery for savers and pensioners Rates remaining at emergency levels whilst there is no emergency Relying on borrowing and house price inflation to drive growth is how we got into the crisis Anyone approaching retirement and potentially buying an annuity, anyone running a pension scheme and anyone saving for their future will have been disappointed by today’s masterly statement from Mark Carney, potentially promising three more years of emergency, ultra-low, interest rates. The…

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Low rates still damaging firms with pension liabilities

August 7, 2013 Ros Altmann Comments 2 comments

7 August 2013 Here is my latest piece, looking at the recent figures on UK pension deficits. Firms are still struggling with the effects of QE and continued low interest rates, plus above target inflation. I hope that Mr. Carney will not overlook these negative effects of low rates, although I fear it is not an issue he will take seriously. Do give me your thoughts. Comment below. FTSE 100 pension deficits still rising despite strong markets and higher employer…

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250,000 widows and widowers at risk from annuities

August 2, 2013 Ros Altmann Comments 0 Comment

I’m doing quite a bit of work on annuities at the moment and just thought you might be interested in seeing some of my conclusions. The current annuity reform agenda benefits the brokers and providers, not the poorly-informed consumers. I’m particularly worried about future widows left with nothing because their husbands did not realise the implications of annuities. What do you think? Do leave a comment below. 250,000 widows or widowers at risk in annuity market each year Annuity buyers…

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Equitable Life compensation payments

July 25, 2013 Ros Altmann Comments 0 Comment

Damning report highlights failings in Equitable Life compensation system Treasury accused of dragging its heels and administrative failings and imposing arbitrary deadlines But at least the Government deserves some credit for actually paying money out – after so many years of delays The Public Administration Committee has published its report highlighting major failings in the scheme set up to pay compensation to Equitable Life victims. This scandal has been dragging on for so many years that many of the…

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Pensions are not the best way to save for care

July 19, 2013 Ros Altmann Comments 1 comment

Pensions are not the best way to save for care – we all hope to need a pension but only one in four will need care Most wont reach the cap and will pay for all their care – that may be socially necessary but we need to prepare for it Cap won’t cover all the costs and deferred payment plans should be provided for home care too, to avoid expensive equity release As the Government unveils its consultation…

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