If you own UK pension fund assets totalling over GBP 1.25 million, you currently have two months in which to protect your assets from the UK’s Lifetime Allowance (LTA). The LTA is the upper limit on any tax relief you can receive on your pension fund. Currently set at GBP 1.5 million, from the 6th […]
Retirement
Worldwide retirement news and information, strategies, commentary and advice, including editorials on annuities and new products. Learn about the legislation changes affecting your future, and the planning strategies needed to secure a more comfortable retirement.
Rethinking the 4% retirement rule in America
January 28, 2014
Many experts in America believe the oft-cited “4% withdrawal rule” for retirement still holds up. The basic premise is that if pensioners withdraw 4.5% of their savings each year, their inflation-adjusted nest egg should remain for 30 years – the average time span used in retirement planning. Yet now, some experts are beginning to doubt […]
How the self-employed can save for retirement
January 21, 2014
According to the UK’s Office of National Statistics, there were approximately 4.25 million self-employed workers in October 2013. Whilst independence is one of the biggest advantages of being self-employed, it also causes problems, and not least with regards to saving for a pension. The state pension With a current worth of GBP 110.15 each week, […]
Illinois’ pension reform faces fresh problems
January 14, 2014
Late last year, Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed a bill overhauling the current process for how pensioners receive their funds. Before enacting this law, retirees would receive a yearly 3% increase to their stipends in line with inflation and the increased cost of living. These will be reduced come the 1st of June. However, many […]
Renting a home during retirement. A growing trend – or a growing problem?
January 7, 2014
Traditionally, paying off the mortgage before beginning retirement has been the aim of many individuals, in order to ease the draining burden of paying off a mortgage during the ‘golden years.’ Yet new analysis of ONS census data shows that one in every four of retired households across England and Wales currently pays rent for […]
How QROPS help British expats avoid the lifetime allowance limit
December 11, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne’s recent decision to reduce the Lifetime Allowance from GBP 1.5 million to GBP 1.25 million came as little surprise to the UK public. The second reduction in as many years means doctors, teachers, private sector managers and many other professionals across the UK who have either already built up a pension pot […]
Prince of Wales voices concern over Britain’s pension system
November 11, 2013
Prince Charles has expressed doubt England’s pensions are built to cope with the country’s ageing population, and warned fund managers to move beyond the short-term thinking which typifies the sector. Speaking at the National Association of Pension Funds conference held in Manchester, he said he was apprehensive for the UK’s young, who risk facing a […]
Planning for a better retirement in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s
October 3, 2013
Last month, research from Prudential reported over a quarter of British retirees are likely to downsize their house to fund their retirement. In order to avoid such drastic measures, you should start planning for your retirement as early as possible. Even if you can only afford to save a small amount, the earlier you start […]
Pension Annuities at a Record Low
September 29, 2013
Earlier this month the Association of British Insurers revealed the annuities of all associated pension schemes. They claimed to have done so in order to create more transparency in the market and prevent potential pensioners from making a bad decision that will cost them a comfortable retirement. The annuities of all the schemes were at […]
QROPS Disadvantages
September 28, 2013
Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) allow those no longer living in the UK to transfer their pension into an overseas fund – and enjoy significant benefits. These include taking far greater control of investments, and having the ability to pass on up to 100% of the fund to loved ones upon death (i.e. without […]
