Annuities

Cash-for-annuities could cost pensioners twice

Controversial proposals to allow existing pensioners to sell their annuities for cash - and insurers to compete for the contracts - are to be discussed by ministers this week ahead of the 18 March Budget, according to reports.

Consumer champion Which? was one of just two organisations told about the pension reforms before last year's Budget, the organisation's executive director has said.

Advisers should shy away from clients eager to cash in their pension pots and bear in mind annuities are "still key to the advice process" for pots worth £30,000 to £100,000, said 2plan chief executive Chris Smallwood.

Nine safe bets (and a few unsafe) from pensions 'freedom'

Retirement Planner has launched of a series of breakfast briefings aimed at advisers operating in the retirement planning space.

The freedom to sell your annuity (read: The freedom to get screwed)

Think demand for annuities has dried up? Truth is demand in 2014 has smashed all standing records...

As the industry gears up for the introduction of retirement freedoms in April what will people choose? Stephen Lowe goes through recent research into what retirees are looking for.

Fundamental problems with the shopping around system for annuities must be addressed before pension freedoms being in April, experts have said.