By Steve Conley – Academy of Life Planning When new research tells us that “older Londoners can’t afford to retire,” it’s worth pausing to ask: is that really the full story? According to data analysed by Bower Home Finance, seven of the UK’s top ten areas where people over 65 remain in work are in … Continue reading 🧭 Affordability or Opportunity? Rethinking Why Older Workers Keep Working
Tag: retirement
🏛️ Aktivrente: A German Blueprint for Active Ageing — and Why the UK Should Follow
Germany’s “Aktivrente”: A Blueprint for Active Ageing the UK Can’t Afford to Ignore Germany’s 2026 Aktivrente will let pensioners earn €2,000/month tax-free. Steve Conley argues the UK should adopt a similar Active Pension Allowance to extend working lives, boost growth, and reduce fiscal strain. Germany has recognised a quiet revolution already underway: older people can, … Continue reading 🏛️ Aktivrente: A German Blueprint for Active Ageing — and Why the UK Should Follow
🐷 Hands Off Our Pensions: Why Mandating Investment Isn’t Reform—It’s Raid
By Steve Conley | 9 July 2025 This week, Parliament debated the new Pension Schemes Bill—a bill that, if passed, would allow government ministers to direct how private pension funds are invested. It's being sold as a benign “backstop,” but to many in the profession, it looks less like reform and more like requisition. Bank … Continue reading 🐷 Hands Off Our Pensions: Why Mandating Investment Isn’t Reform—It’s Raid
The Great Pension Heist: Are Our Retirement Savings Being Looted?
By Steve ConleyFounder, Academy of Life Planning "They say it's putting money in people’s pockets — but like the artful pickpocket, they’re actually taking it out." Today’s unveiling of the UK government’s Pension Schemes Bill has been lauded in headlines as a “game-changer,” a “blockbuster,” even a “revolution” for savers. But scratch beneath the surface … Continue reading The Great Pension Heist: Are Our Retirement Savings Being Looted?
Annuities Are Back—And They Might Just Break the Advice Industry
Big changes are coming to retirement planning—and fast. If you’ve been paying ongoing fees to a financial adviser to manage your pension pot, you might want to take a closer look. Why? Because soaring annuity rates and the Chancellor’s raid on inherited pensions could combine to blow a hole in the traditional "assets under management" … Continue reading Annuities Are Back—And They Might Just Break the Advice Industry
The Death Knell for Asset-Based Adviser Charges: Why Fixed Fees Are the Future
The financial advice industry stands at a critical juncture. The UK government’s decision to bring inherited pensions within the scope of Inheritance Tax (IHT) is not just a tax change; it marks the demise of asset-based adviser charges. With this shift, advisers must adapt—or risk obsolescence. The only sustainable way forward? Fixed-fee advice that prioritises … Continue reading The Death Knell for Asset-Based Adviser Charges: Why Fixed Fees Are the Future
Unlocking Economic Potential Despite Health Impediments
We live in a world where traditional employment structures assume that if health challenges prevent someone from working in a conventional way, their economic contribution must cease, leaving them dependent on state benefits. But in the age of information and remote work, this outdated view no longer holds true. It’s surprising what can be achieved, … Continue reading Unlocking Economic Potential Despite Health Impediments
Why Retirement Planners Must Consider Human Capital Alongside Financial Capital
Retirement is no longer the full stop it once was. Increasingly, retirees are returning to work—not just for financial reasons, but also for social fulfilment and purpose. New research from Standard Life reveals that one in seven retirees has ‘unretired’ or is considering doing so. This trend highlights the crucial role that financial planners must … Continue reading Why Retirement Planners Must Consider Human Capital Alongside Financial Capital
The Hidden Tax Raid on Pensions: What You Need to Know
Recent changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules on unused pension funds have created a quiet storm, but the impact could be catastrophic for many pensioners. From 2027, unused defined contribution (DC) pension funds inherited after the age of 75 will no longer be exempt from IHT. This has profound implications for retirees and their families, … Continue reading The Hidden Tax Raid on Pensions: What You Need to Know
The Pros and Cons of Taking Money from Your Pension Pot
Taking money from your pension pot at the age of 55 might seem like a tempting prospect. After all, it’s your hard-earned savings, and the freedom to access it early can feel empowering. But before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the potential benefits and risks involved. Let’s explore the pros and cons to … Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Taking Money from Your Pension Pot
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