Retirement

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Association of IFAs (AIFA) have jointly launched a new guide setting out the responsibilities of providers and advisers in offering life and pension products and services.

I am beginning to dread the use of the words 'simplify' and 'simplification' by the government. Often, it leaves me feeling more confused than ever.

The Treasury has today announced it will allow people to continue to opt for an alternatively secured pensions instead of an annuity at retirement, but rule changes now mean the fund cannot be transferred on death.

The pension credit minimum guarantee will rise by £5 a week for a single person and £7.65 a week for a couple, Chancellor Gordon Brown has announced.

Up to 125,000 people who lost their savings when their occupational pension schemes were wound up should have sought indpendent financial advice, lawyers acting for the government will say.

Pensioners' disposable incomes are still being squeezed as household bills rise at a faster rate than pensions, according to research from Norwich Union.

Consumers with high levels of credit card debt or saving for a deposit on a house might want to opt-out of saving into the proposed personal accounts, suggests Minister for Pensions Reform James Purnell.

Ahead of the publication of the DWP's Pensions White Paper, IFAonline brought together six intermediaries to share their thoughts with James Purnell, Minister for Pensions Reform, about current proposals for personal accounts.

It is thought the Department for Work and Pensions will release its White Paper on pensions reform next week, specifically presenting proposals for the introduction of personal accounts.

Skandia say offering alternatively secured pensions, ASPs, can encourage greater pensions savings.