Pensions Management - the magazine for pension & investment industry professionals
Comment » Soapbox

Ken Wrench

Breaking free from annuities

A traditional annuity may be a good choice for those whose top priority is to generate a guaranteed income until death with minimal hassle. But what about the growing numbers who don’t fit into that pigeonhole?
These people tend to have two main criticisms. They only get the iron-clad income guarantee by agreeing to give up all control over the investments and income, and once in, they cannot escape, even if better opportunities come up later on.

Getting your priorities right

Employers have the on-the-ground experience to create pensions policy, and should be an active part of the decision-making process, rather than it being left as political football

Richard Allen

Coming home to roost
As Warren Buffet has repeatedly emphasised, trying to time the markets is a mug’s game, and short-term disasters should be of little concern to the long-term investor

Equalisation could go off-kilter
Following Angela Eagle’s statement about the need to look again at the equalisation of GMPs, questions are being asked over the cost and practicalities of tinkering with the system

The answer isn’t always easy

The RU64 rule was designed to ensure that advisers clearly document any decision to recommend a non-stakeholder plan, but this should not dissuade them from offering alternatives

Spinning a yarn or two

While the industry and DWP endeavour to get people interested in pensions, legislation since A-day has created too many obstacles for the savings process to be simple

Richard Allen

Adultery, camping and DC

While pensions are still in the headlines, individuals and providers must work together to focus the UK workforce on saving now to retire in comfort in years to come

Is longevity risk overstated?

Longer life expectancies mean mortality risk is having an increasing impact on pension funding. But how great is the effect, and can the changes be measured accurately?

Going back to basics

Trustees faced with making difficult portfolio decisions will need help and guidance if they choose to follow actuarial advice and invest more heavily in bonds

Carbon cloud has green lining

It appears some institutions have axed their environmental initiatives to cut costs, but responsible investing should be seen as more than just an optional extra

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