Other 'big questions' you want answered

MSE_Martin · 15 September 2006 at 2:45PM

Recently I've started writing a new type of article, that answer some of the bigger 'money questions'.

I thought it was worth asking for suggestions of what you'd like to see, - less 'product' more 'answering some of the bigger questions'. What other big questions do you want tackled? I'm defining this in quite a woolly way - but it's really looking for 'what to do?' type articles rather than 'what's the best product to use?'.

Suggestions please - just click reply

Existing 'big question' articles include

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Nile · 15 September 2006 at 3:09PM

Hello Martin

Perhaps an article covering questions on Pensions?

Is there a formula/calculation available that will work out what your pension will be worth when you retire, compared with the cost of living?

At what age should you start contributing to a company pension/private pension scheme..........and what is the minimum percentage of your salary you should invest?

Kind Regards

Nile

NicolaC · 15 September 2006 at 3:12PM

Hi Martin,
I was just about to say the same.
I haven't a clue even where to start when it comes to pensions so an advisory article on that would be a great help to me.

Many thanks.

Iona_Penny · 17 September 2006 at 10:28AM

'Make me money mature': a SIMPLE guide to working teens who have to realise total income for the month does not have to be spent in the first 7 days! My 19 year old says 'that's what teenagers do' What happens when he's 20?
I seriously worry about who will they listen to if not their parents; better still do some 'money makeovers' for this age group !! I try my best, but I'm sure he thinks 'Martin the moneysaving expert' is not relevant to him or his future. It's an untapped market for you!!

imported_smarty · 20 September 2006 at 9:07AM

The interest rates abroad are much lower than the UK. Can you have a mortgage on a property in the UK and pay the interest in the eurozone or elsewhere (i.e. borrow from another country)? Even after exchange rates and money fluctuation, surely you could save money??? Japan, for instance, has an interest rate several percent less than the UK. Closer to home, many UK banks have branches abroad, such as in ireland.

This could be a substantial way to save money. Can it be done???

with thanks, Martin.

spyslikeus · 20 September 2006 at 9:13AM

Hi Martin,

Something I struggle with, that relates to my ISA, money purchase company pensions and mortgage endowment unit based funds is:-

- whether to simply leave the decisions to the company and invest in the managed fund (usually settling for lower returns than I could achieve)
- whether to make my own investment fund choices

In most cases I have chosen the latter, but then struggle to:-

- find an easy way to track the funds performance, relative to the market and others I could switch to. Hence, I fail to track and am at risk of falling markets and wasted returns
- adjust my investment decisions as I get closer to possible retirement

I'm sure you might have advice here that could help many people.

Regards,
Gerry

albyhere · 20 September 2006 at 11:10AM

Being a trainee pensioner I am getting to the age where it might be time to clock out.
As there are an absolutely HUGE amount of old folks in this country, we all at some stage have to pay the piper. And the piper in this case is Funeral Costs.
Not a favoured subject obviously, but, unlike voting, we don't have a choice on this one.
So how's about telling us all what the best Plans are. There are loads of them out there, and I would imagine, like me, most folk want to know what they're offering but don't want to have to contact them.
The subject itself is a large factor in folk's obvious reluctance, but also the way you then become hounded by these people once they've got you on their databases.
This, I believe, would a greatly used facility if you can swing it.

Keep breathing meantime.

Al

thegriff2 · 20 September 2006 at 11:24AM

I have a Woolwich OpenPlan offset mortgage and, instead of offsetting savings etc to reduce the term, I have opted to have my monthly payments reduced. Two questions I have:

1. As the interest saved each month is effectively at the mortgage rate, do I have to declare this as interest earned to the Inland revnue or is this effectively tax-free interest?

2. Is it better to reduce the term or reduce the monthly payment with off-setting.

Thanks

Dave

hostie · 20 September 2006 at 1:02PM

Hi Martin,
I also think a Pensions article would be useful.
I am 30 and haven't bought a house but I pay £67 into a pension fund every month. Considering I work part time and earn under £10,000 I wonder if this is the right move. Perhaps I should be putting the money towards the house I would love. Also, if I buy a house I wonder even then if I should be putting this money away every month since it is such a small amount.
We are the generation of property letters - perhaps I should focus on getting cheap property to let out to fund my retirement.
An article would be really useful.
Thanks, this is a great site. I rave about it often!!!!!

Jim_3-2 · 20 September 2006 at 3:56PM

Hello Martin,
It seems to be a while since you did anything on telephone/broadband/TV - cheapest options, singly or as a package.

TNG · 20 September 2006 at 3:59PM

Hi Martin

How about an explanation of SERPS and how to work out whether it is better to be contracted in or out?

I have tried to find out for myself and the best I can find is "if you don't know, then contract back in" implying that there are circumstances where you shoudl stay 'in'

Other 'big questions' you want answered

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