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Why are our pensions in crisis?

Huge deficits mean around 600 pension funds are certain to collapse in the next decade, according to the Pensions Institute at Cass Business School. It says another 400 are also at risk. These funds have combined deficits of around £45 billion, a figure which could potentially overwhelm the PPF rescue fund.

Britain’s blue chips are dishing out billions more in dividends to shareholders despite a crisis in their pension funds. One investment group analysis shows that 54 companies in the FTSE 100 index have handed out £48billion to investors in the last two years despite having a £52 billion pension black hole.

Another commentator said that insufficient contributions to pension funds could leave companies with hefty liabilities which could drag on future performance and, ultimately, lead to staff receiving lower pensions if the business runs in to difficulties and enters administration.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

A state of uncertain uncertainty

A very good friend of mine told me the story that just when you think everything is working well for you, that man with the spade pops out from his hiding place and smacks you right in the face. Now, I’m not talking about what happens in Glasgow when you’re walkifinancial marketsng home from the pub on a Saturday night (and I’m Glaswegian so I’m allowed to joke about things like that); I’m talking about 2016 and what faces each and every one of us this year – uncertainty.  In fact, it could almost be classed as uncertain uncertainty. The key issue for British expats is obviously the UK referendum on 23rd June when the vote will be taken as to whether or not the UK will stay in the European Union.  

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SPOTLIGHT ON… Rosemary Sheppard, International Financial Adviser

Rosemary SheppardThis week we put the Spotlight On…Rosemary Sheppard who is a Blacktower International Financial Adviser in France, based in the Dordogne.

Rosemary’s career in the financial services sector began in 2008 when she signed up for what she initially imagined would be a “regular 9 to 5 job” at a bank. However, in the wake of that year’s global banking crisis, Rosemary re-evaluated her professional priorities and realised that the best way she could help clients in the difficult financial climate of the time would be to climb the career ladder to a position of influence. She was further excited by working under a new set of regulations that would offer clients an unprecedented level of extra protections.

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