A bonanza for borrowers but savers lose out as rates stay low
Ros shows how much money mortgage borrowers have gained as a result of low interest rates and how much savers have lost out
Annuities are not fit for purpose for many
Ros explains why she spoke out against selling annuities to customers without any suitability checks and explains why annuities are no longer fit for purpose.
Pensions crisis worst for women
Description: Latest surveys confirm that women are particularly confused about pensions and they need help. Government also needs to inform them of all the changes happening to their pensions so they can make a proper plan.
Pension charge cap delay is sensible
Steve Webb’s announcement that a cap on pension fund charges will not be rushed through for April 2014 is welcome and sensible says Ros
Pick-A – Another look
Description: Ros issues further thoughts on the Pick-A Directory, complimenting its functionality but suggesting that it would be helpful to have a separate listing for truly independent advisers, so people can see who is offering guidance, rather than regulated advice
Why is Pick-A directory biased against advice?
Description: Ros comments on the initial wording of the newly launched Directory called ‘Pick-A Retirement Income’ which is supposed to help people find an adviser or broker to help them choose the best retirement income for themselves and highlights her concerns about wording that seems unfairly biased against independent advice.
Tax them, don't axe them – pensioner benefit reforms should not be done on the hoof
Ros comments on the political pressure to abolish or means test pensioner benefits and explains why a considered approach is important rather than knee-jerk reactions
2014 – a Boom Year – electoral and economic cycle brilliantly aligned
Ros predicts an economic boom in 2014 with 5% growth, rising real earnings and falling unemployment which aligns the economic and electoral cycle brilliantly. She wonders whether this is by accident or design.
IFS study is a wake up call for saving and working longer
Ros comments on the IFS study which suggests people born in the 1960s and 2006s are worse off than previous generations at that age. She points out that the IFS says these cohorts did have higher earnings in their early adult years but chose to spend rather than save their money. This means they may need to work longer to make up for longer lives and lower saving.
Raising state pension age is not penalty on the young but an opportunity for a better later life
Ros comments on the news that the Government wants to accelerate the rise in state pension ages for younger generations. She explains that this is inevitable as life expectancy rises and that this is not a penalty on the young but an opportunity to embrace a whole new phase of life that previous generations could not have enjoyed, with part time work following a full time career.