Member Info for Petierla

Hi Fangcat, the simple solution (even though you are exempt) is to simply go into a S&S Isa and buy 30 year gilts. Safer than any cash ISA, get a better return and effectively the same time to get your cash out. I don't know why more people aren't looking at that as a better option. Maybe they just like whining.

Because you didn't pay for your state pension. You paid the the pensioners at the time you were working. It is current taxpayers that are paying for your state pension. Your private pension is sort of like a personal investment account.

Monte "If people are legally obliged to pay tax, they would be entitled to expect something in return. Whether you call it a benefit or not. Its part of the social contract". You mean like healthcare, education, roads, street lighting, military, public transport, police, fire services, a relatively stable, just and responsible society that sort of thing? That is what you get in return for paying taxes

Why, given the way the nation is struggling to pay pension benefits, is the State Pension not viewed as what it was designed for? A safety net for those who, for whatever reason, do not have sufficient resources to survive in retirement. Why are people with, say, £500k in assets (excluding their own home) claiming what, to them is effectively beer money, from the taxpayer? It is long past due that the State Pension was means tested to ensure that it only goes to those that NEED it. Take the pressure off the public purse and make the system sustainable in a future where a smaller and smaller percentage of the population are net tax payers.

Our Eeyore-ish friend Eckie has predicted doom and gloom again. I have been using his predictions to determine excellent times to go on a shopping spree for a position in LGEN. I am going to trademark and start selling the Eckie Contrarian Indicator

If you have the £20k to throw in and are highly risk averse (such as pensioners) and would normally want a Cash ISA simply put it in S&S and buy gilts. More secure than any cash ISA, equivalent, if not better, return. All your doing is cutting out the Cash ISA middleman.

Woo hoo!! Serica at below £2?!?!? Time to go shopping

Time to go shopping!!