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New research shows UK pensions have hit an "all-time low", as only 46 per cent of people are saving enough for their retirement.According to the Scottish Widows Pensions Report 2012, this figure is down five percentage points on last year and is a fall of eight percentage points...
More than 60 per cent of people who have resorted to taking out payday loans have done so in order to be able to afford essentials such as food, as well as to pay for household bills.This is according to new research from Which? that revealed for many of these individuals, the large...
With new research revealing 28 per cent of over-50s have no retirement savings, it seems equity release schemes could become increasingly popular.LV='s State of Retirement Report found 1.2 million retired individuals currently rely on just...
The trade body for equity release has launched a Fraud Working Group to consider the impact of deception on the industry and how to protect customers.All members of Safe Home Income Plans (Ship) will come together under the initiative to...
A national charity has raised concerns over comments from British Gas owner Centrica about a potential increase to energy costs.Chief executive of Citizens Advice Gillian Guy commented that increasing fuel bills further will leave many people struggling to cope.
The expert noted...
People should turn to home reversion plans if they need funds that allow them to remain in their properties as they age.This is according to the International Longevity Centre's (ILC's)...
New research has revealed 20 per cent of people fail to read bills as they are too confusing.Electricity invoices were deemed the most baffling according to 36 per cent of individuals, while the Gocompare.com study found gas bills came a close second with 33 per cent of the...
A new report suggests poverty levels in the UK are set to increase by 2020, as changes to the labour market widen inequalities.The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's Poverty and Inequality in 2020: Implications of Changes in the Structure of Employment document found growth of high and...
Individuals have been advised that writing a will is "essential" if a person has assets, as there is no guarantee loved ones will inherit the whole of their estate.Nadiya Virani-Bland, head of private client at Brethertons Solicitors, explained how without a legal document, the...
New research has revealed 41 per cent of Brits aged between 45 and 85 would be forced to sell or rent out their property in order to fund long-term care.A study by Partnership found the majority of respondents expected the state to pay for their residential care, while using pension...
Homeowners could turn to equity release schemes in a bid to balance the books after it was revealed that household bills have risen by double the rate in inflation in the last ten years.According to research by Santander, 29 per cent of Britons think their standard of living has come down...
As life expectancy rates for people in the UK continue to rise, the number of individuals who will require long-term care is set to increase significantly.This is according to LV='s new The Future of Long Term Care report, which shows that by 2025, 1.1 million Brits will have to make...
New research has revealed 40 per cent of people planning to retire this year would be happy to work past the age of 65.Prudential's Class of 2012 study found the main motivation for 68 per cent of retirees who want to remain employed is a desire to stay physically healthy and mentally...
Homeowners who are concerned about refurbishing their home in case they want to sell their property in the near future have been advised that personal touches can help attract buyers.Editor at Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine Jason Orme explained how neutral renovations are not always...
An increasing number of people are opting to renovate their property rather than relocate, due to the high cost of moving.This is according to editor of Build It and Home Improvement magazine Anna-Marie DeSouza, who claimed the stagnant housing market has made the trend more...
Millions of people in the UK are facing a shock when they realise they cannot afford to retire, experts have warned.According to the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF), many workers in their 50s are likely to get a "rude wake-up call" when the reality of their...
Almost half of today's over 50s may have to continue working for 11 years or more after they reach State Pension Age (SPA).This is according to research published by the Pensions Policy Institute (PPI), which found 45 per cent of workers will need to remain in employment if they wish...
Up to half of older people will be forced to remain in employment for several years after their state pension age (SPA) if they wish to maintain their standard of living.This is according to a new report from the Pension Policy Institute, which revealed 50 per cent of those aged above 50...
An increase in the number of people turning to equity release schemes displays a rise in confidence in the market.This is according to new research from the trade body for equity release...
Nearly half of all homeowners claim their winter energy bills are higher than last year, according to new research from Consumer Focus.Despite the UK experiencing one of the mildest winters in a decade, four in ten respondents said they have been forced to pay out more than in 2011/12...
Couples who are planning to use an equity release scheme to help them fund travel trips once they retire may want to try exotic river cruising.Cruise expert Jane Archer explained how there are a number of waterways fans of adventure should...
An increasing number of parents may turn to equity release to fund their retirement as research has revealed many are forgoing substantial sums of money in order to support their adult children.A study by Standard Life found the average parent...
Individuals planning to retire this year have revealed saving money is their top priority for the next eight months.Prudential's Class of 2012 study found six out of ten of these people intend to focus on putting money aside so they have enough to live comfortably on when they finish...
When intending to have an extension built, it is important to check if planning permission is required.This was the advice given by director at the National Home Improvement Council Andrew Leech, which may help those considering using an equity...
Couples looking to cut their household's bills have been advised that insulation and low-energy lighting is the best way to make instant savings.Founder of Be Energy Smart Charles Dowson explained how a lot of money is "wasted" by people who fail to change their bulbs or...
