Yahoo – 'Loose Change' – Annuity dangers
Ros was interviewed for the Yahoo website’s ‘Loose Change’ slot and explains some of the issues surrounding annuities
Single life annuities put your spouse at risk
Pensioncalculator.org explains Ros’ concerns about people buying single life annuities and then leaving widows or widowers with nothing, especially if they die relatively young. This is particularly a problem for current retirees as women in their 50s and 60s have been very disadvantaged by the pensions system and are less likely to have their own provision.
The Sun – Annuities a huge gamble
The Sun featured Ros’ warnings about annuities being a big gamble.
Daily Mail front page – Annuities the biggest gamble of your life
Ros’ warnings about annuities being the biggest gamble many people will ever take were featured as the front page Splash in the Daily Mail.
Nobody knows if annuities are good value, but companies make huge profits
Ros highlighted the problems facing annuity customers who cannot find out whether their annuity is good value or not, because firms refuse to publish the necessary information. Meanwhile, they can take in £100m free money from people’s pension pots each year for doing nothing.
Annuities are a big gamble – income may be safe, your capital isn't
Ros explains that annuities should not be considered as ‘safe’ long-term investments, because the capital is at risk. Nobody issues risk warnings to investors and she calls on regulators and trustees to do more to ensure customers are protected better.
Annuity buyers need more protection and risk warnings
Stock Market Wire featured Ros’ views on the risks of annuity buying in an article on their website.
Auto-enrolment opt outs low, will rise in future though
Ros welcomes the DWP figures showing low opt out rates for auto enrolment so far, but discusses why these rates are likely to rise as smaller firms join the project in future.
Autoenrolment – so far so good
Ros wrote an article for CityAM discussing latest figures showing opt out rates from auto enrolment to be very low so far.
Pension deficits rising despite strong asset growth and employer billions
Ros comments on latest figures showing that FTSE100 scheme pension deficits rose over the past year, despite a 10% increase in assets and employers pouring around £20bn into their schemes. QE and low rates continue to damage pensions.