Buy-to-Let Property – panacea for pension freedoms?

When new pension freedoms are introduced next month in April 2015, many clients are considering the merits of withdrawing cash from pensions to buy residential property to let, as an alternative to the traditional option of buying a pension annuity.

Greece’s Bailout Negotiations

Over the past few months, uncertainty over the future of the Eurozone has mounted following fears of a Greek exit (‘Grexit’).

Market Commentary – January 2015

The major Economic story in January was the announcement of 1 trillion euros of stimulus by the ECB in an attempt to boost economic growth.

Proposals to allow pensioners to cash in annuities

Pensioners would be able to surrender annuities for a cash lump sum under proposals announced by Steve Webb, Pensions Minister, affecting potentially up to 5 million pensioners in the UK and around £11bn annual pension income.

Pension carry forward rule

The maximum amount you can contribute to a pension and benefit from tax relief is limited by the annual allowance of £40,000 (2014/15) or your earnings if lower.