“Minister signals review of Universal Credit top-up”

Mar 16, 2021 | Politics

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An independent (financial adviser’s) view

I used to only listen to the Desert Island Discs of stars I’d heard of, but the less well known can be just as enlightening. Louise Casey became government ‘czar’ for the homeless, victims and trouble families, but started as a DHSS receptionist in the ‘80s. When computer repeatedly said ’no’ to desperate people, the staff would sneak them food vouchers when managers’ doors were closed. I thankfully haven’t been in one of those hateful places since 1970’s student days. Hopefully, things have improved. Hopefully.

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“Record year for annuity sales driven by advisers”

“Record year for annuity sales driven by advisers”

I was asked this week whether annuities are now ‘a good investment’. They’ve been recommended very rarely in recent years, since ‘pension freedoms’ allowed pretty much unlimited drawdown on pension funds and anything left to be passed on to beneficiaries free of Inheritance Tax.