Consumers have unrealistic expectations about when they will retire, how much money they will need in retirement and where that income will come from, according to The Future of Retirement Income, a survey released today by Genworth.
To view Multimedia New Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54350-genworth-survey-consumers-underestimating-retirement-expenses
More than half (53 percent) of family members serving as primary caregivers for loved ones have lost income due to the demands of providing care. The study, Beyond Dollars: A Way Forward, also found that caregivers whose loved ones did not have long term care insurance face additional stresses including covering the cost of daily living, medical and other support-type needs.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54349-genworth-study-planning-reduces-stress-faced-by-caregivers-long-term-care
Americans have a bit of a superiority complex when it comes to grading their financial prowess. Genworth’s latest Psychology of Financial Planning research reveals that more than half (52%) of Americans gave themselves an A or B grade on their saving and investing knowledge, while giving the average American a failing grade of D. What nearly everyone (97%) can agree on, however, is the importance of financial literacy and the fact that they don’t have enough (88%). In fact, 58 percent of respondents blamed lack of financial education as a top reason why pre-retirees don’t have enough money saved for retirement.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54348-genworth-financial-research-series-psychology-of-financial-planning
Robert ‘Reb’ Rose and Ashlee met in high school and knew they were destined to be together. After many years of marriage, three daughters and a bright future ahead of them, the unthinkable happened and Reb didn’t make it home.
This is the story of how Ashlee and her daughters were able to move forward in the aftermath of a tragedy.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59530-northwestern-mutual-client-story-a-world-without-reb
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, India's greatest talent in cricket, sparks a discussion on his retirement in interview session with Aviva India. 'Aviva Sachin Off Guard ' featuring Sachin Tendulkar is a series of interviews which feature Sachin Tendulkar talking about his retirement, family and protection over time.
QROPS - Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes were introduced in 2006 as part of a major overhaul of Britain\'s pension framework, aimed at simplifying pension transfers to another country. New legislation was passed by the UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in order to comply with an EU directive that pensions be free to move across Europe\'s borders. This ruling means that individuals, wishing to retire to countries such as France, Spain and Portugal can effectively take their UK pension funds with them: http://www.axis-finance.com/what-are-qrops.php
Who can apply for a QROPS?
A QROPS is specifically designed to allow anyone, not intending to retire in the UK, to transfer existing and frozen UK pension plans into a more appropriate retirement vehicle.
Individuals who are, or have been members of a UK registered pension fund and are currently living outside of the UK, or intending to leave the UK on a permanent basis, can consider transferring their retirement fund into a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France
Transfers to QROPS
The UK Government allows transfers to QROPS to be made free of UK tax. Their aim is to simplify the affairs of individuals leaving the UK on a permanent basis and to encourage them to continue saving in order to provide an income when they retire. There is no official limit to the amount of funds that may be transferred to a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-France-pension-transfers
QROPS - HMRC Rules
What makes a scheme a QROPS?
In order to transfer your UK pension into a QROPS, it is necessary for the overseas pension scheme to be accepted by HMRC. The criteria outlined by HMRC for an overseas scheme to qualify as a QROPS include:
- The pension scheme must be established outside of the UK
- It must be recognised for tax purposes in the country where it is located
- It must be regulated in the country in which it is established
Age that benefits can be taken from a QROPS
The QROPS regime mirrors that of a regulated pension scheme in the UK. Benefits, including lump sum payments, from the transferred funds may not be distributed earlier than the normal retirement age of 55, if an individual has been a non-UK resident for less than five complete tax years: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France-HMRC-Rules
QROPS Reporting requirements
HMRC should be notified if a payment is made within the first five tax years of a member becoming non-UK tax resident. Any benefits paid before five complete tax years of non-UK residency and not in accordance with UK Pension rules will be deemed an unauthorised payment.
The scheme manager does not have to notify HMRC if the payment is made 10 or more years after the day of the transfer that created the QROPS fund for the \'relevant member\', provided that the person is non UK resident for the duration of this period. This 10 year \'bracket\' for reporting payments took effect as of 6 April 2012.
QROPS List
When transferring your UK pension to a scheme overseas, it is important to check that the scheme meets the conditions to be a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS). Not all transfers to overseas or offshore schemes are QROPS transfers; it is therefore essential to verify that the scheme receiving your UK benefits is on the QROPS list published by HMRC, otherwise a transfer will be treated as a transfer to a non-qualifying overseas scheme and substantial penalties may be applied by HMRC at the time of transfer: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-list-living-in-France
How do I know if it is a legitimate QROPS scheme?
QROPS approved plans that agree to have their details published are listed on the HMRC website. A UK Pension administrator will confirm a QROPS listing before agreeing to a transfer. If not listed, the administrator will contact HMRC
Despite signs of economic recovery, a new survey says Americans’ confidence in their ability to afford a comfortable retirement remains at historic lows as workers appear to be grasping the realities of what they need to save.
The 2013 annual Retirement Confidence Survey, released today by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) in Washington, and co-sponsored by the Principal Financial Group®, finds overall confidence levels are essentially unchanged since the record lows set in 2011. Only 13 percent are very confident they will have enough money for a comfortable retirement. A full 28 percent1— the highest number recorded during the 23 years of the survey—are not at all confident.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60106-principal-financial-group-ebri-retirement-savings-confidence-survey
A new Genworth survey finds that Americans whose parents set good financial examples are more likely to be among the 62 percent of Americans who have a financial plan and feel confident in their financial future.
The first results of the Psychology of Financial Planning Survey, released today by Genworth, are part of a series of research findings that will be issued throughout 2013. The purpose of the survey was to gain insights into the psyche of Americans about what prompts or restricts them from planning for their financial futures.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54347-genworth-lesson-learned-parents-good-example-key-to-financial-preparedness
John Hancock Financial Network today introduced the Retirement Ready iPad app, an interactive tool designed to help financial professionals engage prospects and clients in an educational retirement income conversation. The app, which is customizable to display the representative’s name and firm, includes information on the basic concepts of retirement income in distinct chapters, videos, exercises and interactive worksheets.
“Retirement income planning is a huge need for a significant portion of the population, and this tool is perfect for assisting a financial professional to have a personal, engaging, and useful discussion about retirement income with clients,” said Bruce Harrington, vice president, Sales and Business Development, John Hancock Financial Network.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/johnhancockfinancialnetwork/49221/
During the third quarter, we were again able to capture the benefits of AEGON’s strategic priorities, resulting in solid earnings growth, improved profitability of sales, lower expenses and a continued strong capital position. Our franchise remains healthy, as evidenced by the particularly high level of At-Retirement and pension sales. At the same time, we are making essential investments to reshape our businesses in both our established and developing markets to respond effectively to the changing conditions and new realities. Although there are signs of gradually improving market conditions, there remains considerable uncertainty in the general economic environment. Consequently, we believe it is prudent and necessary to maintain a sufficient financial buffer while at the same time adhering to our strict risk and pricing discipline. The steps we are taking across our organization to get closer to our end customers, combined with the strength of our current position, give us full confidence in the prospects for our business going forward.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58637-aegon-quarter-3-results
To help combat an increasing trend in festive isolation, charity Abbeyfield today launches a nationwide campaign, Companionship At Christmas, to create an alternative to spending the celebratory period alone. The charity is offering free overnight stays and delicious Christmas lunches over the festive season (24th December – 4th January) in over 100 Abbeyfield sheltered houses and care homes. The Charity will take enquiries from now until December via their website or via their dedicated telephone number 0845 052 3553 up until the 18th December.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58633-abbeyfield-launches-companionship-at-christmas-campaign
This week is National Save for Retirement Week, a time for employees to reflect on their personal retirement goals and determine if they are on target to reach them. ADP® Retirement Services provides the resources, materials and online tools employees need to prepare for their financial future. In the spirit of this week, ADP Retirement Services is offering tips to save for retirement and make planning for the future as simple as possible.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58561-adp-retirement-savings-tips-during-national-save-for-retirement-week