Can I afford to buy fairtrade produce?

These are tough times for all of us trying to balance our budgets. We all have to find ways of cutting corners so we can continue to feed our families. For some of us that means buying less food, for … Continue reading →

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AgeUkBlog/~3/U25LduOEXEU/

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Annuity : Withholding Tax Calculator

Helen asks? Can I claim my contributions to my 401k in the W-4 Withholding Calculator? Can I claim my contributions to my 401k in the W-4 Withholding Calculator if my contributions are deducted from my paycheck prior to paying taxes? … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.annuitycalculatoruk.info/annuity-withholding-tax-calculator/

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DC pension investments: whose risk?

Much has been – and will continue to be – written about poor investment performance in money purchase (defined contribution/DC) pension schemes. In this context I am referring to poor performance relative to a benchmark rather than crashes in financial markets at large for which only politicians can fairly be blamed. So who bears the [...]

Source: http://www.pensionstalk.co.uk/investment/dc-pension-investments-whose-risk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dc-pension-investments-whose-risk

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The place cash has in an Investment portfolio

?Cash is king?. Isn?t that what ?they? say? Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/xialjm/ login face book a dating site for dating sites on dating sites facebook application for facebook

Source: http://www.pensiontransferuk.info/the-place-cash-has-in-an-investment-portfolio-20/

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Help us to help you

Last week BMA members received a survey from us in the post.� You can also complete it online should you prefer. The deadline is midnight on Monday 16 January, so get a move on! The survey asks you two big questions: 1. What is your attitude to the latest proposals for changes to the NHS [...]

Source: http://blogs.bma.org.uk/pensions/2012/01/12/help-us-to-help-you/

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British Gas boss leaves and makes ambition public

Phil Bentley has effectively been told: try your luck elsewhere if you really want to be a chief executive

Running British Gas is not everybody's idea of fun, even on a �635,000 salary, so perhaps Phil Bentley's wish to work elsewhere is understandable. But the manner of his departure is odd. Most executives harbouring an ambition to be a chief executive would call a few headhunters on the quiet and see what happens.

Bentley, though, has resigned, albeit in a comfortable manner ? he will cease being managing director of British Gas at the end of June but can stay on until the end of this year helping, in the standard jargon, to ensure "a smooth transition".

That suggests there has been no storming row. Bentley, 54, has simply been told that current Centrica chief executive, Sam Laidlaw, is going nowhere; or that he wouldn't be a shoo-in even if there was a vacancy. In other words, try your luck elsewhere if you really want to be a chief executive.

Bentley can afford to take his chances, of course, since his accumulated pension and share entitlements at Centrica amount to about �10m. But is announcing your ambition to the world the best way to land a big chief executive's job? We'll know soon enough: if Bentley is still managing that smooth transition at Christmas, he may have over-played his hand.

• Centrica
• Utilities

Nils Pratley

guardian.co.uk © 2013 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2013/feb/27/british-gas-phil-bentley-ambition

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Andrew Mitchell?s pitch to be European Commissioner

As Andrew Mitchell begins to emerge from the shadows of the “plebgate” row, talk has turned to whether he could be brought back into the cabinet, or perhaps be given another plum government job.

The latest talk is that the former chief whip is one of two candidates (alongside Peter Lilley) under consideration to become the UK’s next EU commissioner when Cathy Ashton steps down next year.

Mitchell has not said anything in public about whether he would want to take the job. But his comment piece in this morning’s FT gives us some idea about what kind of agenda he would pursue if he was selected.

Continue reading �

Source: http://blogs.ft.com/westminster/2013/02/andrew-mitchells-pitch-to-be-european-commissioner/

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The master-plan: how will the Pensions Regulator respond to market innovation?

Generally speaking, scale in defined contribution (DC) workplace [...] Source: http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2013/02/the-master-plan-how-will-the-pensions-regulator-respond-to-market-innovation/ stamp duty fees stamp duty paid when is stamp duty payable stamp duty payable stamp duty cost

Source: http://www.newstakeholderpensions.info/the-master-plan-how-will-the-pensions-regulator-respond-to-market-innovation/

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Oscar Pistorius to appear in court charged with murder ? live updates

South African athlete to appear in court after girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp found shot dead Shiv Malik Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/14/oscar-pistorius-murder-charge-live personal pension

Source: http://www.annuityratesuk.info/oscar-pistorius-to-appear-in-court-charged-with-murder-live-updates/

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Company cars - fuel rates

 

HMRC has announced new fuel rates for company cars from 1 June 2011. 

For one month from the date of change, employers may use either the previous or new current rates, as they choose. The new rates are:

Engine Size                           Petrol                         LPG

1400cc or less                        15p                           11p

1401cc to 2000cc                   18p                           13p

Over 2000cc                            26p                            18p

Engine Size                           Diesel

1600cc                                      12p

1601cc to 2000cc                   15p

Over 2000cc                             18p

Petrol hybrid cars are treated as petrol cars for this purpose.

HMRC has stated that the rates will now be reviewed four times a year. Any changes will take effect at the beginning of each calendar quarter – on 1 March, 1 June, 1 September and 1 December and will be published on the HMRC website shortly before the date of change.

Cathy Corns is a tax adviser and a partner at Mercer & Hole. The views given in this blog are personal to the author, if you would like to discuss the contents of this post with Cathy you can call her on 01908 605552.

Source: http://feeds.lexblog.com/~r/MercerHole/TaxPlusBlog/~3/UNBOujXPNJA/

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Fiduciary Duty is More Than Numbers

As a published author, I am constantly assessing what has appeal to readers. I try to write about topics that are relevant and timely and welcome feedback. Click here to send an email with your suggestions. As a financial expert, I continuously seek to stay on top of what is being adjudicated. As a risk manager, I regularly evaluate what might have been done differently when things go seriously awry.

What I have noticed is that enumeration seems to offer comfort. Lists of this or that are common to many best-selling books and widely read articles. A trip to the Inc. Magazine website today illustrates the point. Consider this excerpted list of lists:

• 12 Great Motivational Quotes for 2013;
• 6 Habits of Remarkably Likable People;
• 9 Daily Habits That Will Make You Happier;
• 6 Things Really Productive People Do;
• 5 Things That Really Smart People Do;
• 6 Ways to Enhance Your Credibility; and
• Top 5 Business Books of 2012.

The popularity of laying out "to do" items extends to the retirement industry as well. For example, Attorney Mark E. Bokert provides insights in his article entitled "Top 10 ERISA Fiduciary Duty Exposures - And What to Do About Them" (Human Resources - Winter Edition, Thomson Publishing Group, 2007). His list of vulnerabilities - and prescriptive steps to try to avoid liability - includes the following:

• Identify who is a fiduciary and making sure that they are properly trained;
• Create a proper process by which investments are selected and monitored;
• Monitor company stock in a 401(k) plan and consider whether to appoint an independent fiduciary;
• Assess the reasonableness of "like" mutual funds versus existing plan choices;
• Ensure that communications with plan participants are adequate;
• Undertake a thorough assessment of vendors and review their performance thereafter;
• Assess whether 401(k) deferrals and loan repayments are being made in a timely fashion;
• Identify the extent to which service providers enjoy a float and whether they are entitled;
• Understand what is allowed in terms of providing investment advice to participants and abide by the rules accordingly; and
• Critically evaluate whether auto enrollment makes sense and the nature of any default investment selection.

One could easily break out each of the aforementioned items into sub-tasks and create appropriate benchmarks to ascertain whether fiduciaries are doing a good job. Indeed, ERISA attorneys are the first to invoke the mantra of "procedural process" as a cornerstone of this U.S. federal pension law. Importantly however, relying only on numbers is not sufficient. Increasingly legal professionals and regulators are asking that process be demonstrated and discussed. Expect more of the same in 2013. Analyses and expert reports may be deemed incomplete if they do not include a deep dive of the fiduciary decision-making process that took place (or not as the case may be).

Source: http://feeds.lexblog.com/~r/PensionRiskMatters/~3/24QzwZ2e4_Q/

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GPs! Have you completed your estimate of pensionable pay form?

Please note the importance of the form that every GP practice and every alternative provider of medical services (APMS) practice/centre (that is an employing authority) is legally required to complete and send to their commissioning PCT/LHB prior to the start of the 2011/12 pension year (01, April 2011)

read more

Source: http://nhslocal.nhs.uk/blogs/jeremy-syree/2011/02/gps-have-you-completed-your-estimate-pensionable-pay-form

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2 policies better than 1?

You and your Partner have just arranged a new mortgage and/or reviewed your existing protection arrangements. So, time to arrange/replace your Life (& Critical Illness) insurance in joint names? Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/cwka78/ Pension Forecast

Source: http://www.the-pension-service.info/2-policies-better-than-1-28/

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Where?s your winter retreat?

With summer coming to a close, where are you going to be jetsetting off to this winter to get away from what is already being named a “brutal” winter??? With snow forecast as early as next month (October) I can see why many of the destinations causing a buzz at the moment are those with [...]

Source: http://www.freshinvest.co.uk/blog/overseas-property-investment/where%e2%80%99s-winter-retreat/

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Exports: Where is Britain in the Global Race?

Exports are perhaps the simplest way to measure [...]

Source: http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2013/02/where-is-britain-in-the-global-race-exports/

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Dare we use the C word?

Source: http://blogs.birminghampost.net/business/2013/02/dare-we-use-the-c-word.html

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I?m a Spammer!

I?m privileged to see lse.co.uk?s inner sanctum, so thought I?d help you catch up on a few recent developments and improvements. Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/jxc3bq/ pension calculator

Source: http://www.annuityratesuk.info/im-a-spammer-4/

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Did Labour always take the horsemeat scandal seriously?

Mary Creagh has rightly been getting plaudits for putting the boot into the government over its handling of the horsemeat scandal. The fiesty shadow environment secretary has proved herself one of the most effective operators on the opposition front bench. … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.newstakeholderpensions.info/did-labour-always-take-the-horsemeat-scandal-seriously/

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JLR: sales up, profits down.

Source: http://blogs.birminghampost.net/business/2013/02/jlr-sales-up-profits-down.html

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2 policies better than 1?

You and your Partner have just arranged a new mortgage and/or reviewed your existing protection arrangements. So, time to arrange/replace your Life (& Critical Illness) insurance in joint names? Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/cwka78/ benaughty be naught internet date online dating website facebok … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.nhspension.info/2-policies-better-than-1-20/

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Volatility is the word

If you are a serious investor, you may have heard of the following 4 terms that measure volatility/risk:

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/h3j320/

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Annuity : Nj Auto Insurance

William asks? Can you pay monthy with NJ CURE auto insurance? They have fantastic prices for NJ auto insurance, DOUBLE LESS than Geico, esurance etc. for more coverage. My only concern is, will I be able to pay them in … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.annuitycalculatoruk.info/annuity-nj-auto-insurance/

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Multiparton interactions at the Large Hadron Collider | Jon Butterworth | Life & Physics

Away from the high-profile Higgs hunting, a new paper sheds some light on the complex inner life of the proton, and how it affects results from CERN’s LHC For most of the past two years, before it stopped last week … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.pensionforecast.info/multiparton-interactions-at-the-large-hadron-collider-jon-butterworth-life-physics/

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Pensions Workshops: Bookings now being taken

As promised at our recent London event, I am running some (free to attend) workshops.� Below are full details of the Pensions Workshops, including details of how to book a place. These workshops are very popular, so early booking is … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2013/02/pensions-workshops-bookings-now-being-taken-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pensions-workshops-bookings-now-being-taken-2

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U.S. Department of Labor Audits and ERISA Litigation

According to "Attorney, Official Discuss DOL Investigations, Give Recommendations on Avoiding Litigation," by Andrea L. Ben-Yosef (Pension & Benefits Daily, BNA Bloomberg, October 15, 2012), trouble may come in pairs. The same complaints from plan participants, leads from government authorities and/or news about a company's financial distress that trigger U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL") scrutiny could invite plaintiffs' counsel to file a contemporaneous lawsuit.

 

Speakers Mabel Capolongo, Director of Enforcement with the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration ("EBSA") and Attorney R. Bradford Huss with Trucker Huss suggested that persons being examined for possible breach should familiarize themselves with the EBSA enforcement manual and notify their ERISA liability insurance carrier right away. Cited potential areas of investigation include:

• Fiduciary breach;
• Co-fiduciary liability;
• Plan expenses;
• Plan operations;
• Plan investing;
• Prohibited transactions;
• Company securities in a plan, including Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") issues;
• Real estate holdings;
• Bonding;
• Reporting; and
• Disclosure.

For regulatory information, click to access the EBSA Enforcement Manual.

In a related online interview for the Professional Liability Underwriting Society ("PLUS"), Chartis Executive Vice President Rhonda Prussack cites financial distress (including the filing for bankruptcy protection) as a significant concern for ERISA fiduciary liability. She adds that a troubled plan sponsor may see the value of company-issued securities plummet which in turn could trigger an ERISA "stock drop" case if such securities are part of the mix for a 401(k) or profit-sharing plan. A company seeking to save cash may switch from a defined benefit plan to a cash balance plan which in turn could pave the way for a lawsuit over allegations relating to the change in design. A company in trouble could shut down factories, instigate large-scale layoffs and/or cut back benefits, all of which lead to unhappy individuals who are more likely to sue. Ms. Prussack emphasizes that happy workers are less likely to sue. She further adds that plan participant actions are likely to take the form of putative class actions.

The bottom line is that there is a long list of potential risk exposures for ERISA fiduciaries and a continued need to mitigate liability.

Source: http://feeds.lexblog.com/~r/PensionRiskMatters/~3/QTZsgRUpwXM/

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Pensions are rubbish!

I visited a couple of Company Directors last week. It was my second visit; to present my Pensions recommendations to them. Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/2kflj2/ a dating site for dating sites on dating sites facebook application for facebook facebook application

Source: http://www.pension-calculator.info/pensions-are-rubbish-17/

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Government?s long-term care plans will lead to serious problems

Care is hugely expensive. However, we cannot resolve that problem by passing more of the burden onto the taxpayer – we will, however, create several more problems. Have we not learned from the increasing state finance and regulation of child … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.drawdown.info/governments-long-term-care-plans-will-lead-to-serious-problems/

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Lets Keep It Civil

Avid readers of Professional Pensions may have seen an ariticle in the 6th September edition regarding the case of Waddy v Foster Wheeler (yes, THAT Foster Wheeler – just can’t seem to keep out of the pension press can it??). I was asked to comment on the case just as I was rising from a [...]

Source: http://www.pensionlawyerblog.com/pensionlets-keep-it-civil

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FA Cup and Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend?s action | Guardian writers

Michael Laudrup’s team selection, Samir Nasri’s future at Manchester City and Roberto Mart�nez’s mind games 1) Mart�nez enjoying mind games Roberto Mart�nez has never seemed the type of manager to bother with mind games but over the last 24 hours … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.pensionsuk.info/fa-cup-and-premier-league-10-talking-points-from-the-weekends-action-guardian-writers/

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It?s not all doom and gloom

Source: http://blogs.birminghampost.net/business/2013/02/its-not-all-doom-and-gloom.html company pension Source: http://www.can-i-retire.info/its-not-all-doom-and-gloom/ stamp duty for house purchase stamp duty on purchase of house stamp duty on commercial property stamp duty commercial property commercial property stamp duty

Source: http://www.uk-retirement.info/its-not-all-doom-and-gloom-2/

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Has the Bank of England abandoned inflation targeting?

An interesting comment was made recently by Andrew Lilico at a meeting of the IEA’s Shadow Monetary Policy Committee. He suggested that the Bank of England has given up inflation targeting. This is interesting, of course, given Mervyn King’s speech yesterday arguing that deviating from inflation targeting would be very dangerous. Andrew Lilico’s point was that, instead of targeting inflation, the Bank of England is targeting its inflation forecast. In other words, it has moved to an ‘inflation forecast targeting’ regime whereby it always ensures that monetary policy is set so that its models predict the right level of inflation two years out – and is impervious to any reasoning about the inadequacy of the models.

Read the full blog post here

Source: http://www.iea.org.uk/blog/has-the-bank-of-england-abandoned-inflation-targeting

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Completion draws nearer in Barbados!

As completion of our beautiful apartment in Barbados gets closer and closer, I thought I would share some of the latest news on this fantastic Barbados Property Investment with any prospective purchasers. As you know, if you are reading this, we are a property investment company based in the UK and from our many years [...]

Source: http://www.freshinvest.co.uk/blog/overseas-property-investment/completion-draws-nearer-barbados/

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Picture desk live: the best news pictures of the day

Our photo coverage of the day's events in the UK and around the world

Joanna Ruck

Ranjit Dhaliwal

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2013/feb/21/picture-desk-live-the-best-news-pictures-of-the-day

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New Adviser food for thought

My company has just taken on its first new Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)...hurrah!

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/acxe84/

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Work Based Pension Schemes Likely To Be Affected by New Regulations

Work based pension schemes are likely to be affected by new regulations coming in effect from 2012 according to UK’s No.1 SSAS provider Pension Practitioner. Com.
Pension experts and SSAS administrators have predicted that employers are likely to be affected by the new regulations coming in effect from 2012 to provide certain members of your workforce [...]

Source: http://www.pensionpractitioner.com/blog/work-based-pension-schemes-affected-by-new-regulations/89/

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A better offer is needed

The survey results are back and the message from BMA members to the government is clear. Their pensions proposals are unfair and unacceptable and it’s time for them to get back to the negotiating table and make a better offer. Disappointingly, their initial response has not been to acknowledge the unprecedented strength of feeling but [...]

Source: http://blogs.bma.org.uk/pensions/2012/01/20/a-better-offer-is-needed/

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Reinvigorating pensions communications: and a happy birthday to you too

Back in May I posted some cynical comments on this blog about NEST’s Golden Rules for talking to workers about pensions (and, in particular, about the frankly bizarre comparison drawn between those rules and a group of ageing rockers ? … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.pension-release-uk.info/reinvigorating-pensions-communications-and-a-happy-birthday-to-you-too-8/

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Poor execution ? a pigsty ? not a playpen

A researcher I was speaking to yesterday asked whether I considered the bad practices associated with the poor execution of trades by fund managers�as criminal fraud. His argument was that indirect benefits such as the receiving of rugby tickets from … Continue reading →

Source: http://henrytapper.com/2013/02/12/poor-execution-a-pigsty-not-a-playpen/

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Lord make AE simple ? but not yet!

The title refers to Augustine’s prayer “lord make me chaste, but not yet”. It came to mind as I read concern from “industry spokespeople” over the DWP’s announcement to simplify the Auto-Enrolment regulations in time for the staging of the … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.annuitycomparison.info/lord-make-ae-simple-but-not-yet/

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Investment diversification is the key

Volatility...not Grease...has been the word over the last few days in relation to the Stockmarket.

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/7pedxf/

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A non-story, story

Quite amused at a news-wire from Workplace Savings and Benefits that I have just read.� Apparently the Work and Pensions Committee have called for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to launch an immediate review of the NEST restrictions … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.pensionlumpsum.info/a-non-story-story/

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Multiparton interactions at the Large Hadron Collider | Jon Butterworth | Life & Physics

Away from the high-profile Higgs hunting, a new paper sheds some light on the complex inner life of the proton, and how it affects results from CERN’s LHC For most of the past two years, before it stopped last week … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.drawdown.info/multiparton-interactions-at-the-large-hadron-collider-jon-butterworth-life-physics/

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Employed or not employed ? HMRC clampdown on underpaid PAYE

I understand that HMRC is looking into payments made by NHS foundation trusts to medical consultants and dentists where PAYE has not been deducted. The important issue to understand here is employment status of each consultant as this is a matter of fact which will determine the tax treatment of payments made.

Genuine self-employed individuals can receive payments without the deduction of PAYE and are expected to account for these amounts on their personal tax returns. They then need to pay any tax due within the usual timescales to avoid interest.

read more

Source: http://nhslocal.nhs.uk/blogs/jeremy-syree/2011/09/employed-or-not-employed-%E2%80%93-hmrc-clampdown-underpaid-paye

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Do you review?

At 6.45 a.m. today I enjoyed my weekly business networking fix...good venue, good weather, good company, and a good breakfast!

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/jjcpg3/

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Life insurance?not just for mortgages

You obtain a mortgage, and then you obtain life insurance. Right? Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/4ode9v/ find people in face book benaughty facebook face facebook login face book a dating site

Source: http://www.pensiontransferuk.info/life-insurance-not-just-for-mortgages-21/

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A non-story, story

Quite amused at a news-wire from Workplace Savings and Benefits that I have just read.� Apparently the Work and Pensions Committee have called for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to launch an immediate review of the NEST restrictions … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2013/02/a-non-story-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-non-story-story

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Access Your Cash

Accessing this form of finance in this way is taking advantage of the benefits prior to you retiring. With this you can get access to the maximum tax free cash and/or maximum income.� Alternatively, you can release a cash lump sum and then reinvest the balance until the point at which you decide to retire. [...]

Source: http://www.pensionrelease.org/early-pension-release/

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Reinvigorating pensions communications: and a happy birthday to you too

Back in May I posted some cynical comments on this blog about NEST’s Golden Rules for talking to workers about pensions (and, in particular, about the frankly bizarre comparison drawn between those rules and a group of ageing rockers ? … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.annuitycomparison.info/reinvigorating-pensions-communications-and-a-happy-birthday-to-you-too-3/

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Webb?s pension reform: one more step in the nationalisation of welfare

The proposed pension reform has some merits. It introduces some simplicity into a fiendishly complex system described in The Way Out of the Pensions Quagmire. However, it is being introduced dishonestly. The minister is arguing that it is better for women … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.retirementcalculatoruk.info/webbs-pension-reform-one-more-step-in-the-nationalisation-of-welfare/

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Annuity : Credit Card Logos

Maria asks? how do i request permission to use NFL ream logos on my credit card? In order to customize my credit card background with a Steelers logo I need to get permission to use the logo, how do i … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.annuitycalculatoruk.info/annuity-credit-card-logos/

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Completion draws nearer in Barbados!

As completion of our beautiful apartment in Barbados gets closer and closer, I thought I would share some of the latest news on this fantastic Barbados Property Investment with any prospective purchasers. As you know, if you are reading this, … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.the-pension-service.info/completion-draws-nearer-in-barbados-22/

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Sign the e-petition now

Sorry for the lack of blogs over the last couple of weeks but we have been busier than Harry Redknapp?s legal team. Fortunately, like Harry?s football team, we have a lot of very skilful and hard-working individuals. Since BMA members overwhelmingly rejected the pensions proposals, we?ve been doing all we can to urge the government [...]

Source: http://blogs.bma.org.uk/pensions/2012/02/14/sign-the-e-petition-now/

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Action Stations

I was recently invited to an event run by The National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) in�London.� The event included a complimentary copy of�a report that NEST have produced on the subject of (no surprise here) Auto-Enrolment (AE).� And whilst much … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2013/02/action-stations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=action-stations

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How S.S.A.S. can help extract cash from your property with tax relief

A Pension Practitioner.Com S.S.A.S. can help you cut tax and extract cash from your property without a remortgage whilst getting tax relief.
After regulated advice you transfer your old pension into your SSAS, account. Your scheme then purchases equity in the property (Subject to independent valuation.). This releases cash to you. A further [...]

Source: http://www.pensionpractitioner.com/blog/how-ssas-can-help-extract-cash-from-property-with-tax-relief/71/

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Bothered about your pension wealth?

In the past few days I’ve had�some�fruity exchanges with Tom McPhail of Hargreaves Lansdowne about when people should start getting interested in managing their pension pot. Tom’s�view is “as soon as savings begin, mine “when you can be bothered”. Hargreaves … Continue reading →

Source: http://henrytapper.com/2013/02/11/bothered-about-your-pension-wealth/

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Pensions personality ? the oxymoron is back!

After a year off, Prof Pens have relaunched their pension personality award and the long list is out. I’m a great fan of this award because it gives people a chance to have a little fun , big up their … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.illhealthretirement.info/pensions-personality-the-oxymoron-is-back/

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Government?s long-term care plans will lead to serious problems

Care is hugely expensive. However, we cannot resolve that problem by passing more of the burden onto the taxpayer – we will, however, create several more problems. Have we not learned from the increasing state finance and regulation of child … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.pensiontransferuk.info/governments-long-term-care-plans-will-lead-to-serious-problems/

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Longevity swaps for pension schemes: playing the long game

I’m often asked what I see as the key trends in the pensions industry over the next few years.� Predicting the future usually ends in tears (I should know, I took out a fixed rate mortgage at 5.5% in 2008!) but one development that I think is here to stay is longevity swaps.� There’s of [...]

Source: http://www.pensionstalk.co.uk/investment/longevity-swaps-for-pension-schemes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=longevity-swaps-for-pension-schemes

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I?m a Spammer!

I?m privileged to see lse.co.uk?s inner sanctum, so thought I?d help you catch up on a few recent developments and improvements.

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/jxc3bq/

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Hitting you where it hurts

You?ve probably been keeping up with the details of all the many nasty changes that the government is planning for your pension but until this month you may not have actually felt them. I?m guessing that if you have now received your April payslip then those nasty changes have started to become all too real. [...]

Source: http://blogs.bma.org.uk/pensions/2012/05/10/hitting-you-where-it-hurts/

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Avis, Zipcar and Car Sharing?

Source: http://blogs.birminghampost.net/business/2013/01/avis-zipcar-and-car-sharing.html stamp duty land land stamp duty stamp duty for land stamp duty for property stamp duty threshold Source: http://www.retirementcalculatoruk.info/avis-zipcar-and-car-sharing/ when do i pay stamp duty stamp duty thresholds what are the stamp duty thresholds stamp duty on real … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.can-i-retire.info/avis-zipcar-and-car-sharing-2/

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Fettered or Unfettered?

The results of a new study published today showed that 'Fettered' investment funds out-performed 'Unfettered' funds over 3 & 5 year timeframes.

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/h7cerf/

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Where?s your winter retreat?

With summer coming to a close, where are you going to be jetsetting off to this winter to get away from what is already being named a “brutal” winter??? With snow forecast as early as next month (October) I can … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.nhspension.info/wheres-your-winter-retreat-19/

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Johnson v Keating ; a pensions heavyweight title fight

There are two documents sitting on my desktop this morning. The first is a paper by Con Keating. Con believes that the best way of providing pensions is collectively through large organisations who are able to offer and keep future … Continue reading →

Source: http://henrytapper.com/2013/02/04/johnson-v-keating-a-pensions-heavyweight-title-fight/

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The place cash has in an Investment portfolio

?Cash is king?. Isn?t that what ?they? say?

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/xialjm/

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How many types of human being? ? Mid Staffs and public choice

James Buchanan pointed out that the problem with much policy-related economics is that it assumes one type of human person in the market place (the imperfectible human being generally pursuing his own self-interest) and a different type of human person … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.pensionforecast.info/how-many-types-of-human-being-mid-staffs-and-public-choice/

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White Knight saves Black Cab?

Source: http://blogs.birminghampost.net/business/2013/02/white-knight-saves-black-cab.html pension release annuity inheritance tax pension calculator nhs pension

Source: http://www.pensionlumpsum.info/white-knight-saves-black-cab/

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Taking a benefits system from bad to worse ? the coalition?s child benefit policy

The government is stumbling about in no-man’s land in its attempts to reform the benefits system. Our current system ensures that a family of two adults and three children loses 75 pence in taxes and reduced benefits for every extra … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.pensionscalculator.info/taking-a-benefits-system-from-bad-to-worse-the-coalitions-child-benefit-policy-2/

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Investment diversification is the key

Volatility...not Grease...has been the word over the last few days in relation to the Stockmarket.

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/7pedxf/

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Volatility is the word

If you are a serious investor, you may have heard of the following 4 terms that measure volatility/risk: Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/h3j320/ pension

Source: http://www.pension-calculator.info/volatility-is-the-word-16/

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Planning reform must be a key ingredient in an anti-poverty package

The attempts to use Housing Benefit and social housing as substitutes for a functioning housing market have been taken far enough. We now have to make sure that housing becomes affordable under market conditions, and that requires supply-side reform, not benefits.

Read the full blog post here

Source: http://www.iea.org.uk/blog/planning-reform-must-be-a-key-ingredient-in-an-anti-poverty-package

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7 Reasons to Switch Your SSAS Provider Today

SSAS or Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) is a type of pension scheme for businesses and entrepreneurs. Although SSAS is credible and has been present in the market for some time, it is still largely unknown among many small to medium … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.can-i-retire.info/7-reasons-to-switch-your-ssas-provider-today-10/

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CFO Magazine Article About Pension De-Risking

In case you missed the launch of "Applied to Pensions, Risk is a Four-Letter Word" by Dr. Susan Mangiero and ERISA attorney Nancy Ross (CFO Magazine, November 8, 2012), experts conclude that Chief Financial Officers need to do their homework before entering into a particular deal. "Beyond the obvious number-crunching needed to vet what's often a large dollar transaction, the decision to de-risk should minimally include:

• A thorough evaluation of the financial, operational, and legal strength of the annuity provider as required by the U.S. Department of Labor Interpretative Bulletin 95-1.
• Independent pricing of any hard-to-value assets that will be contributed as part of a de-risking deal.
• Economic assessment of opportunity costs in a low interest rate environment and whether it is better to delay a transaction or close immediately.
• Review of vendor and counterparty contracts that may need to be unwound in the event of a full transfer of pension assets and liabilities to a third party.
• Review of direct and indirect fee amounts to be paid by a plan sponsor as the result of a de-risking transaction.
• Assessment of litigation risk associated with plan participants asserting that they've been unfairly treated as the result of a pension de-risking arrangement.
• Creation of a strategic communications action plan to ensure that plan participants, shareholders, and other relevant constituencies are provided with adequate information."

In a related commentary, ERISA Stephen Rosenberg describes the chaos in the defined benefit plan market that continues to give plan sponsors pause about staying with the status quo. Click to read "On Getting Out of the Pension Business."

Source: http://feeds.lexblog.com/~r/PensionRiskMatters/~3/zCXjeOc-xcE/

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Government announces care costs cap

This blog was contributed by�Caroline Abrahams, Director of External Affairs, Age UK� Last year?s White Paper and draft Bill make these encouraging times for social care, for decades a Cinderella service. What has been so obviously lacking though is the … Continue reading →

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AgeUkBlog/~3/etM5Ukjpg7Q/

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The FSA mellowing?

I have written before on the subject of the Financial Services Authority?s ?Treating Customers Fairly? (TCF) initiative.

Source: http://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/resident-ifa-blog/89o3ij/

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A single-tier State Pension

Last week saw the publication of the long awaited White Paper on State Pension reform. This sets out plans for a single-tier State Pension of around �144 a week for people reaching State Pension age in the future (probably from … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.pension-calculator.info/a-single-tier-state-pension/

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Barclays must reveal how much it has made from playing the tax system | Nils Pratley

Shareholders deserve to know how much Antony Jenkins' ethical overhaul will cost ? and the government needs to know what HMRC is up against

Antony Jenkins has won deserved plaudits by disbanding Barclays' structured capital markets business (SCM) and vowing that the bank will not engage in transactions where the primary purpose is generate a tax saving.

His next task is to reveal how much Barclays has made over the years from playing the tax system, both on its own behalf and to advance clients' interests.

There are two reasons why such disclosure is required. The first is plodding: Barclays shareholders deserve to know how much profit will disappear as a result of Jenkins' ethical overhaul. The new chief executive has argued ? properly ? that a bank that hopes to survive for another 320 years can't afford to play fast and loose. But he hasn't spelled out the short-term cost of taking the long-term view. Tuesday's strategy update is the moment to put a figure on it.

The other reason is that outsiders ? including government ? also deserve to know the scale of past tax avoidance schemes, if only to know what HMRC is up against since not all financial institutions will be taking Barclays' vow of abstinence. Are we talking tens of millions of pounds of profit, or many hundreds, at the height? Members of the banking standards commission have alleged tax avoidance on an "industrial scale". If Barclays' new board disagrees, it should give numbers it regards as accurate.

• Barclays
• Banking
• Tax avoidance
• Corporate governance

Nils Pratley

guardian.co.uk © 2013 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2013/feb/11/barclays-tax-antony-jenkins

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