Financial News Update we 30/04/2010

I hope you have had a good week?...

Well, it looks as though we are down to two candidates now or is it just the one?... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8652354.stm

Other than that, some interesting pieces, including news on how much is still wasted on Inheritance Tax as well as the fears over social care funding.

Also how badly affected are our pensions?...

Have a great Bank Holiday weekend!...

Estate Planning

Millions wasted in poor Inheritance tax planning http://ow.ly/17c1L2

Long Term Care

Fears Tories would take axe to social care funding http://bit.ly/bEAu70
Talks extended on NHP £1.1bn Debt shake-up http://bit.ly/cxHyAD

Retirement

How the recession bruised our pensions http://ow.ly/179Frc
Pensioners lose out by delaying annuities too long http://ow.ly/17akVF
Home reversion - Equity release explained - Your money - Which? Advice http://ow.ly/17buRh

Investments

FTSE holds firm amid downbeat news http://bit.ly/c4MqJO
FSA investigates RBS and Lloyds over complaints handling http://bit.ly/abZv5T
UK should start saving now for next crisis http://bit.ly/933WCZ

Regards
Kieron

Financial News Update we 23/4/2010

Good Morning,

An early update this week…

So, who won your vote then? The televised debate was a “first” and gave them the opportunity to shine but what did you think of their proposals?

Quite a few articles this week, although I had to sift (if you will pardon the pun!) through all the volcano related items out there… why is there so much scare mongering when these things happen?

Anyway, hope you have a fantastic rest of the week and enjoy the weather at the weekend!

Estate Planning

Daughter sues (Father) trustee for unrealised estate proceeds http://bit.ly/9vn1yf
Flaw in Perpetuities Act may hobble pension trustees http://bit.ly/brrx5G
Tory Manifesto, it’s official – “…will raise the inheritance tax threshold to £1m...” http://bit.ly/dtTHHz

Long Term Care

Brown, Cameron and Clegg debate social care http://bit.ly/bduXXo
Families set to join in care home review http://ow.ly/175hvT
BBC Radio 4 PM: Find a care home on a budget http://ow.ly/176eQL

Retirement

Make the most of Retirement http://bit.ly/bCMC2W
Who cares about Pensions? http://bit.ly/cW7xzL

Investments

Six reasons why markets have defied the doomsayers this year http://bit.ly/cH2dBc
Inflation jumps to 3.4% http://bit.ly/97KTvk
MPC members reveal inflation fears http://bit.ly/ahUz59

Regards
Kieron

Financial News Update we 09/04/2010

Well, I hope you had a good Easter and have recovered from any chocolate overload?... We now have enough chocolate to feed a small army although I am assured by my wife and children that it “won’t last long…”?!!

So, we have a date, or as someone else put it, the “worst kept secret” confirmed for the election on May 6th - Let’s hope the parties can actually produce a worthwhile cause to vote for… well let’s hope eh?!

Estate Planning

Will writing regulation, England and Wales http://bit.ly/dlN1XM
James Hall: Take care with charitable wills http://bit.ly/d75hSg
Parents: Hold on to your purse strings http://bit.ly/a0N5XL
Mitigation, mitigation, mitigation http://bit.ly/d8Tmfw

Long Term Care

It now costs more to keep your granny in an "average" care home for a year than it does to educate a child at Eton http://bit.ly/dr4d1r
General Election 2010: where the political parties stand on long-term care http://bit.ly/acPGtl

Retirement

Can equity release help older home-owners improve their quality of life? http://bit.ly/ccB12N
Pensions and personal tax http://bit.ly/cAnE68
General Election 2010: remove politics from pensions, urges Friends Provident http://bit.ly/9X0XXt

Investments

The Isa rip-offs that are costing us all a fortune http://bit.ly/ah4aqR
Millions prepare to count the cost of new tax regime http://bit.ly/9hJ00v
HMRC warns kick-out plans may break ISA rules http://bit.ly/9VbNDA

Have a good weekend!

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

Financial News Update we 26/3/2010

So how was it for you? Perhaps you feel, as many do, it was the calm before the storm as, no doubt, there will be another as soon as we find out who is ruining, sorry running the country?!

Although there were no great surprises, as most of the announcements had already been made, there were some good, as well as some not so good, news from Wednesdays budget.

Income Tax

The fact that the Personal Allowance & Higher Rate Tax Threshold was frozen may mean that more people will fall into higher rate tax (40 per cent) purely because of normal increments in pay.

Although previously announced it is worth reminding of the new 50% top rate on income over £150,000 (dividends rate is 42.5%) as this will obviously mean the need for advice is increased too.

Some of the more pertinent announcements and the planning opportunities for those affected could include:

Estate Planning

• IHT Nil Rate Band - frozen at £325,000 and this will apply for the next 4 years which may mean if/when assets recover more people will be caught by IHT. Planning for the impact of IHT will remain an important aspect of advice for many people.
• Entrepreneurs Relief – doubled to £2m enabling a greater saving against CGT for those business owners who sell.
• CGT rate 18% - this was somewhat of a surprise given the increase in income tax rates so perhaps those affected by the higher rates should certainly consider investing for capital growth as opposed to income even if only to use their CGT annual exemption of £10,100.
• Tax Rebates paid by the beneficiaries of settlor interested trusts may have to be paid into the trust i.e. if the beneficiary is the settlor and pays a lower rate of tax than the trustees. However, this additional payment to the trust is not subject to Inheritance Tax.

Retirement

• Tax relief on investments, i.e. pensions. Even where the new anti-forestalling rules apply making sure contributions of up to £20,000 (£30,000 in some cases) are paid in 2009/10 and 2010/2011 are used to qualify for full higher rate tax relief. Anyone with relevant income below £130,000 should perhaps consider how to maximise pension contributions as this limit could be reduced in the future?
• Reducing Income through Pension contributions (Salary Sacrifice) as the Personal Allowance will be restricted by £1 for every £2 of taxable income over £100,000 – effectively a 60% rate of tax for those with income between £100,001 and £112,950
• Lifetime Allowance freezing may be of particular significance to those whose pre A-Day protected tax free cash benefit could be gradually whittling away.
• As noted above those with relevant earnings above £150,000 will find restriction in the tax relief on pension contributions. The definition of relevant income includes employer pension contributions where income excluding this is £130,000 or more.

Investments

• Maximise the use of reliefs, exemptions and lower bands of income tax with transfers to spouses/civil partners.
• ISA’s may prove even more valuable as tax rates increase and with the ISA limit increase to £10,200 per annum (for all investors from 6 April 2010), the ability to shelter more can only be a good thing?
• Offshore Bonds Investments (which offer gross roll-up and control over the time of tax payment) may also be attractive for some.

Other points to note

• National Insurance - increase by 1% for the self employed, employees and employers from April 2011.
• Stamp Duty Land Tax - increase for properties over £1,000,000 to 5% from April 2011 and a nil rate band for first time buyers up to £250,000 for the next few years.
• Possible moves to bring AIM shares in line with the advantages of an ISA investment

If you spotted any others please do let me know?

Oh well, now we just have the election hype to contend with!!

Have a good weekend…

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

Financial News Update we 19/3/2010

Hope you have had a good week?

Before we look at this week’s articles, this one caught my eye, after all, how many times do you hear “no we are a very close family”?!...

Woman ordered to quit 92-year-old mother's home http://bit.ly/9QWker

Estate Planning

Law Commission proposes new Bill to sort out tainted trusts http://bit.ly/bqFWXU
Tax dispute over pension death benefit left to trust http://bit.ly/be7fp9
Non-dom status: do you qualify? http://bit.ly/dbCfNT

Long Term Care

Care providers slam CQC for handling of registration process http://bit.ly/cJQmdE
MPs: Let public decide on fully tax-funded social care http://bit.ly/9jj0aM
What a wonderful job! http://bit.ly/bepQoe

Retirement

Initial charge for new pension set at 2% http://bit.ly/93peYT
Five questions about: Pension rule changes http://bit.ly/9RTeEG

Investments

We explode the 10 most common myths about Isas http://bit.ly/9zGi09
Tax benefits draw investors to start-ups http://bit.ly/afvQRr
How can you reduce the Treasury's take? http://bit.ly/daewNc

Have a good weekend

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

Financial News Update we 12/03/2010

Hi, hope you have had a good week?

As we speculate over what will happen on March 24th and whether that also means an election in early May (http://bit.ly/amRTiD) it reminds us that we can only plan for what we know now and “expect” or would like to happen in the future… but like most things all good planning should have some contingency options too!

The “double dip” concern continues (http://bit.ly/aMLjvx) but I, for one, think we have all experienced a much needed “cleansing” of the market over the last few years. The previous growth and, dare I say it, exuberant expenditure we all enjoyed was simply not sustainable – what do you think?

Estate Planning

Doing nothing is a risky inheritance tax strategy http://bit.ly/bNsIZv
Probate: inheritance tax, mistakes, Hastings-Bass and disinherited children http://bit.ly/cpmpmf
Update: personal tax and trusts http://bit.ly/cykrRc

Long Term Care

The NHS: the cradle-to-grave service faces its toughest test yet http://bit.ly/aZzX0R
'Parties must commit to social care solutions' http://bit.ly/bQwtsf
Millions face 10% death tax: Labour plan to fund elderly care http://bit.ly/anfbI8

Retirement

Employees face more pension cuts http://bit.ly/dquYlM
Enhanced pension annuity sales rise http://bit.ly/dlYLNr
Can equity release solve pensions crisis? http://bit.ly/a5A0cs
Pension Protection Fund takes on another seven failed schemes http://bit.ly/956nJb

Investments

Isa insight: Japan funds http://bit.ly/d1PTgP
‘The simple, tax-efficient way to save money…’ http://bit.ly/aCkxmj
Tax Planning Special: CGT http://bit.ly/d0I7k9

Appreciate I have mentioned this a few times already but don’t forget the new tax year brings not only, an increase in the minimum age from which we can access savings within a private pension pot (from 50 to 55) but also a decrease in the amount of time allowed to back date a claim for (higher rate) tax relief on Pensions, which will reduce to 4 years from April 6th.

So if you know of anyone who is either, aged 50 – 55 and thinking of retiring in the next few years, or is a higher rate tax payer and has NOT claimed higher rate tax relief via a tax return for their pension contributions over the last few years, it could well be worth mentioning!...

On the plus side and as per one of the articles below, we will also see an increase in the amount that can be saved within an Individual Savings Account (ISA) from £7,200 to £10,200 per annum for those under 50.

A Guide to ISA’s as well as the lastest newsletter is available via the website (http://wealthifa.wordpress.com/guides/).

Alternatively, view/download online at http://bit.ly/bnnX9E

Think thats all for this week, have a great weekend!

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

Financial News Update we 05/03/2010

Firstly, as per my update last week, don’t forget the new tax year brings not only, an increase in the minimum age from which we can access savings within a private pension pot (from 50 to 55) but also a decrease in the amount of time allowed to back date a claim for (higher rate) tax relief on Pensions, which will reduce to 4 years from April 6th.

So if you know of anyone who is either, aged 50 – 55 and thinking of retiring in the next few years, or is a higher rate tax payer and has NOT claimed higher rate tax relief via a tax return for their pension contributions over the last few years, it could well be worth mentioning!...

On the plus side and as per one of the articles below, we will also see an increase in the amount that can be saved within an Individual Savings Account (ISA) from £7,200 to £10,200 per annum for those under 50.

A Guide to ISA’s will be available via the website shortly (http://wealthifa.wordpress.com/guides/) and also a limited print run of the March/April newsletters are available.

Alternatively, if you/your clients prefer a pdf version of the newsletter please let me know or view/download online at http://bit.ly/bnnX9E

In the News this week…

Recent articles suggest more doom and gloom ahead although, for every negative (http://bit.ly/alvAL6) there is usually a positive too! (http://bit.ly/di2sHl)

Oh well, let’s just hope it’s a good weekend at least?!...

Estate Planning

Inheritance tax would be 'all but abolished' http://bit.ly/9Xl4b5
Michael Ashcroft: Representation without taxation http://bit.ly/9eKCbQ

Long Term Care

Reach a settlement http://bit.ly/aelNYr
Lord Lipsey predicts free care bill will lose out as opposition grows http://bit.ly/8YXIF7

Retirement

Beware hidden costs on Sipps http://bit.ly/9cM2zc
Pensions tax changes for high earners criticised http://bit.ly/b3hJsh
Over 65s own property worth £765.18bn http://bit.ly/bTCsvB
Parents' retirement plans 'could be hit by family handouts' http://bit.ly/cPTqTQ

Investments

Rules for individual savings accounts http://bit.ly/bYfbqy
Structured, but not so safe or simple http://bit.ly/a2b9AH
A beginners guide to the National Employment Savings Trust (Nest) http://bit.ly/dbZduA

Think thats all for this week, have a great weekend!

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

Financial News Update we 26/02/2010

The Spanish are not happy this week, following proposals to increase the state retirement age from 65 to 67 (http://bit.ly/cNvaGc)... But I wonder, how long will it be before we see something similar?

Talking of changes, and before we look at the articles from the last seven days or so, I thought I would remind you of some significant ones coming up on home soil.

The new tax year brings not only, an increase in the minimum age from which we can access savings within a private pension pot (from 50 to 55) but also in the amount of time allowed to back date a claim for (higher rate) tax relief on Pensions, which will reduce to 4 years from April 6th.

So if you know of anyone who is either, aged 50 – 55 and thinking of retiring in the next few years, or is a higher rate tax payer and has NOT claimed higher rate tax relief via a tax return for their pension contributions over the last few years, it could well be worth mentioning!...

On the plus side, we will also see an increase in the amount that can be saved within an Individual Savings Account (ISA) from £7,200 to £10,200 per annum for those under 50.

Estate Planning

Parents see IHT benefits of equity release http://bit.ly/bjS803
STEP Event: Tax, Trusts & Estates Conference (London) http://bit.ly/baya6U

Long Term Care

Political standoff over long-term care http://bit.ly/c2VAed
Finding a solution to the problems of old age http://bit.ly/b3wFuW
LGA's Lord Best set to delay Personal Care at Home Bill http://bit.ly/bYgvfE

Retirement

Employees offered pension alternatives http://bit.ly/9e7Cnv
Pensions are now obsolete – here's what we need to do about it http://bit.ly/c8cavo
Pensions tax relief time limit to be cut http://bit.ly/9qXj8e
Today’s thirty somethings ‘must work to 70 to pay for their old age’ http://bit.ly/bsyiBa

Investments

Two kick-starts for a revival of investment trusts http://bit.ly/dtHvkh
Isa savers miss out on tax breaks http://bit.ly/alJFZF
Why should savers use a savings bond? http://bit.ly/9OF9b4

Have a good weekend!

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

Financial News Update we 19/02/2010

Well, what a stir HMRC has caused recently, firstly they made their views clear on the legal profession and their role in giving tax advice (http://bit.ly/b2qEUq) and now it would seem they are targeting the financial profession with suggestions they will pursue anyone giving advice - resulting in a reduction in tax revenue - but is that not the point of the advice in the first place?!...

Oh well, at least they have agreed to extend the consultation for now (http://bit.ly/d6HWfT) , otherwise no more ISA advice for a start!...

Otherwise, it’s been pretty quiet this week but a few articles worth mentioning…

Estate Planning

A death tax is the fairest one. Yet now no voter will buy it http://bit.ly/bqKsy1

Long Term Care

Mandy attacks Cameron's death tax 'wrecking ball' http://bit.ly/cRZLxO

Retirement

More flexibility in third way pensions http://bit.ly/cZo7fP
Overseas pensions may look good, but beware the sting http://bit.ly/bX0NYZ
Retirement planning savings 'not keeping pace with inflation' http://bit.ly/9ILk0W

Investments

ISA savers may experience 'difficulties' in 2010 http://bit.ly/9NqMUi
Isa Insight: bond funds http://bit.ly/bK8f1b
Which funds are the best bet for the better off? http://bit.ly/aaKdIT
Where the experts would invest now http://bit.ly/bKBzAD

Lastly, just in case next time “it’s you!”, here are a few ideas from The Guardian on how to spend... sorry, I mean manage, your lottery millions! http://bit.ly/cI2RAv

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

Financial News Update we 12/02/2010

A quieter week this week although it’s not long now before the minimum age to retire in the UK increases from 50 to 55… makes you wonder doesn’t it , with the recently announced proposals on retirement rules in Greece, could there be more change ahead?.... Short BBC Video gives more detail http://bit.ly/9A2AuR

Estate Planning

Tory inheritance tax plans show lack of fairness http://bit.ly/bhCFWL

Long Term Care

How will you pay for your long-term care? http://bit.ly/aoQlsQ
Gordon Brown pledges one-to-one cancer care in England http://bit.ly/c0Qwcg
Government 'death tax' to pay for long-term care http://bit.ly/bntSEo
So much for a cross party concensus then? http://bit.ly/cZhDc9

Retirement

Low interest rate 'hitting some people in retirement' http://bit.ly/dnu3tp
Tories propose pension flexibility http://bit.ly/b9S2wJ
Top 5 Most Important Pension Annuity Facts http://bit.ly/97kC6W
Pensions hit by lower investment returns http://bit.ly/bPnuzT

Investments

The Enterprise Investment Scheme explained http://bit.ly/cxL1Z5
Times: Five top tax tips for middle Britain http://bit.ly/cG5cQt
Guardian: End of tax year is a time to perk up http://bit.ly/9Hqadr

Have a good weekend!

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

Financial News Update we 05/02/2010

Hope you have had a good week this week?

Retirement and Pensions are very topical at present although we cannot ignore the vote scouring pieces being released on a daily (or is it hourly?!) basis but I am sure it will all calm down after the election?....

Rates and QE are expected to be kept on hold until after the election but are we on target for inflation? http://bit.ly/9JvNfw

Estate Planning

Why this man chose farms over funds http://bit.ly/bCAdDD
How to get 65% tax relief when Pension Planning http://bit.ly/c3UTnF
Why does taxing the rich make ordinary voters angry? http://bit.ly/dnLFCR
STEP Meeting - Which offshore jurisdiction? http://bit.ly/8YWx3C
Anti-avoidance rules can be enforced retrospectively, says High Court http://bit.ly/dgimUr

Long Term Care

Norovirus hits Eastbourne http://bit.ly/b5IY5J
Not all Care Homes are the same… http://bit.ly/cm8ypP
Governments Long Term Care sums under fire http://bit.ly/dwESRj

Retirement

Investors warned over ‘lifestyle’ funds http://bit.ly/a0mtvq
British Airways counts the cost of final salary pensions http://bit.ly/diIel5
Calls for higher standards on Equity Release advice http://bit.ly/bffqIp
In favour of scrapping annuities at 75? http://bit.ly/cHMjll

Investments

Investment trusts planning early divis to avoid tax hike http://bit.ly/aLCbQp
Isa uptake has been 'huge' in 2010 http://bit.ly/b6i6E6
UK Equities driving ISA uptake http://bit.ly/cua2TS

Lastly, an interesting viewpoint on the older generation in this Times article entitled “We risk raising a new generation of Holdens”, what do you think? http://bit.ly/9f6kB9

Have a good weekend!

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

Financial News Update we 29/01/2010

Although the last 12 months rise in the FTSE has tailed off somewhat, and there has been a bit of a dip in January, it would seem judging by some of the articles this week that general optimism seems to be returning which makes sense as we are (officially at least) out of a recession – which all sounds like quite a good thing really doesn’t it?!... http://bit.ly/cQcrd9

Estate Planning

Inheritance Tax: prepare for the worst case scenario http://bit.ly/9EwQXR
Couples and the tax system http://bit.ly/8YEvNc
HMRC launches medical tax amnesty http://bit.ly/bIDRio
HMRC in retrospective raid on offshore schemes after Court victoryhttp://bit.ly/b7EroE
Scottish solicitors warned not to award themselves legacies or administration rights http://bit.ly/atNmVK
On-line filing deadline this Sunday http://bit.ly/cw1kiu

Long Term Care

Rules switch causes one funded resident more anguish http://bit.ly/c7irok
Can father get help with care home rent? http://bit.ly/cuCzUC
New Equity release plan offers care hope for those on low income http://bit.ly/cT6DaP

Retirement

Annuity rates rebound from record lows http://bit.ly/clr8rL
Beware 'sale and rent back' eviction threat http://bit.ly/axzlbm
Millions face a year's freeze on pensions http://bit.ly/aW1OjT
Shares beat property in profits race http://bit.ly/df4KcF
Altmann attacks pension claim http://bit.ly/amZW03
Scrap fixed retirement age, says equality body http://bit.ly/dbekU6
One in five to rely on state in retirement http://bit.ly/adBpgY
Pensioner poverty 'drops by a third' http://bit.ly/aG8iOu

Investments

How to avoid the 50 per cent rate http://bit.ly/cmK045
Capital gains still efficient for high earners http://bit.ly/d0boyc
Record inflation surge adds to savers' woes http://bit.ly/cjD8vj
How to overcome the spike in inflation http://bit.ly/9Uz9gU
Smoothly does it with absolute return funds http://bit.ly/ckwhgo
National Savings to launch new savings account http://bit.ly/bJra5a

Lastly, some good points made in this article on ‘How to get the best from a financial adviser’ http://bit.ly/cgyvNF

Have a good weekend

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

WealthIFA Financial News Update

Obviously the news has been dominated this week by events in Haiti and, with the sight of that little boy found the other night lifting his arms in triumph at the on looking rescuers, I am left to hope there will be others who display equal amounts of endurance and strength?... http://bit.ly/8UMjPM

It certainly puts things into perspective…

In other news…

Estate Planning

Families Without Wills Run Risk Of An Inheritance Battle http://bit.ly/8JkNQe
Farmland proves safe haven in tough times http://bit.ly/5siETs
Worried about inheritance tax? Why not build “some” houses?!.. http://bit.ly/8NVdrw
Campaigners challenge unfair rules on inheritance tax http://bit.ly/7uNMYE
IHT mitigation offering is diversified with the inclusion of commercial farming http://bit.ly/4A8FZE
Making love blossom with the taxman’s help http://bit.ly/4ZRGRr
Trust reform "could boost charitable donations by GBP74 billion" http://bit.ly/6mwc1C
Scotland prepares to regulate will-writers http://bit.ly/6S4sTt

Long Term Care

The price of care for elderly relatives http://bit.ly/6ddlPv
Vitamin D supplementation 'can reduce falls in care homes' http://bit.ly/5tXxkV
Alzheimer’s - An Overview http://bit.ly/8WChXG

Retirement

Aviva freezes with profits bonus levels http://bit.ly/7l4lQV
Retirement age debate http://bit.ly/7EFYOM
A hole in the pension safety net http://bit.ly/7FZZuj
Consumers unaware of pensions age change http://bit.ly/5d9rs9
The age-old problem of mandatory retirement http://bit.ly/736Rr5
FSA fines Standard Life £2.45m http://bit.ly/6G5eXE
Many Small Businesses Think the Retirement Age Should be Scrapped http://bit.ly/4WTjJd
Tax sending UK pensions abroad http://bit.ly/81FCA7
Inflexible pensions will be replaced by platforms, say tax experts http://bit.ly/7qO9Xh

Investments

The funding 'secret' with big tax breaks http://bit.ly/5A5vXq
Are banks stealing my Isa cash? http://bit.ly/5oPqNf
So, which savings accounts beat inflation? http://bit.ly/5gnF09
Reits prepare for next property cycle http://bit.ly/8cNIzx

Have a good weekend...

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com

WealthIFA Financial News Update

Well, as the snow finally subsides around Tunbridge Wells, perhaps now we can all begin the year in earnest?!...

So, if it is true that the over 50s are the majority of voters (http://bit.ly/6FWDHP), it is not difficult to understand why retirement is such a hot topic however, it would seem a common way forward is harder to find than you might expect?...

Having said that I am wondering what they will discuss once the election furore is over?... http://bit.ly/5rHtCH

Estate Planning

Opinion: Tax is needed to reduce our debt http://bit.ly/4sUtEV
Conservative IHT threshold increase will benefit just 12000 homeowners: http://bit.ly/4T4WqW
Proper Distribution http://bit.ly/5tLVGR
Bankruptcy and Estates http://bit.ly/91Mb31
Power of attorney should be made at same time as will, says government http://bit.ly/7u9urQ

Long Term Care

Jobs of the Future: The human aspect will still be needed (Number 8) http://tinyurl.com/ycp46k2
Helping the elderly stay in their homes: http://bit.ly/82kv7B
Plea for more cash for care homes: http://bit.ly/5bJhaK

Retirement

More firms shunning high cost pensions http://bit.ly/8wNnhf
Personal pension scheme named: http://bit.ly/6ynGv0
Case Study: Finding suitable SIPP investments http://bit.ly/7HF6ZR
Top tips to profit in an election year http://bit.ly/5Ojm8x
Promote good pensions now, URGENT action is required http://bit.ly/55nWmo
Has the stock market really put the profit back into 'with-profits'? http://bit.ly/7WMZ6P
Let's improve future pensions, not demonise existing ones http://bit.ly/78NnI5
Companies still struggling to plug pension deficits http://bit.ly/8D2tRx
Abolishing retirement age may stop people saving, say pension experts http://bit.ly/91iBeN
Standard Life “Retirement review welcome” http://bit.ly/5Xl5EK
Harriet Harman “…Retirement age rules 'arbitrary'…” http://bit.ly/5aXOn8
Backing for Harman retirement age review from another industry expert http://bit.ly/6FWDHP
Conservatives won't bail out Pension Protection Fund http://bit.ly/7PG6af
Pensions shake-up to be simplified http://bit.ly/6yK5ws
Jump in OAPs using homes to clear debt http://bit.ly/7eQBBa
But the government says, forced retirement age will not be abolished http://bit.ly/78cCwL

Investments

Funds that give you tax breaks for going green http://bit.ly/6F7RDE
Investment trusts offer alternative to their more popular cousins http://bit.ly/8lIUZJ
NS&I savings bond payments delayed http://bit.ly/7vuvsJ
Banks pocketing savers' Isa tax bonus http://bit.ly/7l4MoM
Useful year end tax planning tips to consider before April 2010 http://bit.ly/4UyQNT

And lastly, it looks as though it could be a long retirement for some of us as it emerges that one in five has the age-defying 'centenarian gene'.. http://bit.ly/6PcAEU

On that cheerful note, have a good week!

Regards
Kieron

http://www.wealthifa.com