How should I pay?
A Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament, Sharon Bowles MEP, has been reported as planning a “crackdown” on excessive...
When does a solicitor need an IFA?
There are a number of situations where the complimentary services of the legal professional and the financial planner can work...
8.5% commission to arrange a new pension?!
One of my colleagues took a phone call today from a lady who just before Christmas had been advised by...
How much and where?
How much? I was told this morning of a pension scheme that wishes to charge £2,500 to a lady who...
The price of advice
How much would you be prepared to pay for impartial, independent and professional financial advice? I suspect that there would...
Joined up thinking on SIPP investments
I wrote last week about the FSA alert on the selling of SIPPs by advisers which then acted as conduits...
Martian language on pension changes
On 26th March 2013 the Government are going to allow the GAD rate to be increased to 120%. If you...
What is a ‘normal’ investment return?
From time to time, new clients coming to see us express concern about their investments. They have invested money, perhaps...
SIPPs and high risk investments
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued an alert that makes both important but also disappointing reading. They have noted...
A New World: HMV, Jessops & Retail Financial Services
What can we learn from recent news about the demise of both Jessops and HMV? Both are recognised High Street...