Energy bills rising faster than state pensions

18/05/2012

Energy prices could be set to rise

Energy bills are rising at a faster rate than the state pension, according to research released by uSwitch.com. The price of energy is now five times what it was in 2004, with the state pension increasing just 35 per cent.


You must take advantage of your ISA allowance

The benefits of investing in an ISA early

With ISA accounts, you have a limited window in which you can enjoy tax free savings, so it is important that you make maximum use of your ISA allowance. It is important to know what ISAs are, so you may benefit from independent financial advice.

 Take time to plan ahead to maximise your pension

6.25m over 50s ‘set to retire on less than minimum wage’

Around 6.25 million Britons aged 50-plus have no pension plan in place and look set to rely on just the state pension in retirement, according to the latest State of Retirement Report published by LV=.
DIY spending is in decline

DIY spending slumps to 15-year low

Expenditure on DIY projects has plummeted, a new report has shown.

 Ill-health in retirement could cost thousands

Pensioners 'overlooking the cost of ill-health in retirement'

Pensioners are avoiding the cost of ill-health in retirement, according to research from Prudential. The Class of 2012 report shows that just one in five are financially ready for any social care of specialist treatment that they might need.

Giving life insurance under trust

Giving life insurance under trust could mean that costly inheritance tax charges are avoided, there is more control in regards to what happens with the inheritance and your family will receive what is rightfully theirs sooner rather than later.

Leeds Building Society launches fixed rate ISAs

The Leeds Building Society has launched three new ISA options that have penalty free access to up to 25 per cent of the funds. The fixed rate ISAs offer a different amount of return depending on the length of investment.

Investors risk missing out, says InvestSmart

Investors looking to make the most of their retirement funds could be running the risk of losing out on returns by refusing to pay for the advice of a financial advisor. Research has found that just a quarter of small investors seek the advice of financial advisers'.

Headlines
The Spanish giant is extending its ISA range

Santander extends ISA range

Santander is urging savers to make the most of their 2012/13 ISA allowance by saving in to an ISA now, rather than waiting until the end of the tax year.

Are you collecting the right pension?

Over two thirds could be receiving higher pension income

72% of the over 55s unaware that certain medical conditions could entitle them to a higher pension income.
Many investors are not fully aware of risk

Half of investors not aware of risk

Half of people who have an investment product are only vaguely aware of the level of risk they are taking within that investment according to new research by investment firm Skandia.

 Certain medical conditions qualify for enhanced annuity

Over 55s ‘unaware’ of enhanced annuity entitlement

At least seven in 10 people over the age of 55 are unaware that certain medical conditions could entitle them to a higher pension income, according to research by retirement specialists MGM Advantage.
Get the money you need through bridging loans

How bridging loans can help you rescue dilapidated homes

There can be massive potential in dilapidated properties, with all that is needed being the capital to purchase and renovate them. This is a common use for bridging loans and if you are keen to develop a property, they may be worth considering.

 Pension funds can use property assets

Pensions regulator relaxes rules for 300 schemes

The Pensions Regulator has relaxed rules for 300 schemes in the UK, in order to help them cope with the low returns on government bonds as result of quantitative easing.

New one year cash ISA paying 3.25% at the Leeds

New cash ISA can be opened with £1

Leeds Building Society has introduced a one year fixed rate cash ISA paying a return of 3.25 per cent. Savers can access a quarter of their funds without notice or penalty, the mutual said. The account can be opened with £1 upwards.

Interest rates affecting pensions

Interest rates can mean lower annuity returns

Record low interest rates are affecting pensions as the Bank of England continues to with its measures of Quantitative Easing. A report on the Budget, released today, has asked that pensioners receive a breakdown of how their savings are being impacted by the record low base rate.