KEEPING YOUR PENSION SAFE

SIGNING up the Telephone Preference Ser vice reduces the number of unsolicited sales calls consumers receive by around a third, according to research published by telecoms regulator Ofcom.

FURNESS BS has cut its two- year discounted variable rate mortgage, now priced at 2.45%. The deal is for customers borrowing between £ 20,000 and £ 500,000 at 90% loan-to-value.

THE number of buy-tolet mortgages available is at its highest since 2008, reports Moneyfacts. co.uk

CAR insurance premiums could be cut by an average of £50 if poor motor claims practices were tackled, says Aviva. THE Government has announced plans allowing people to take more than 25% of their pension savings as a cash lump sum at age 55.

This will not come into effect until April 2015, and even then tax will be payable at the individual’s marginal rate of tax.

If you take money out of your occupational or personal pension plan early, it will normally be

Claim tax credits? You’ve until July 31 to renew or risk losing them. You can now do so online at Gov.uk as well as by post and

phone. an unauthorised payment and subject to tax charges of up to 55% of the value of the payment.

Be on your guard if there is any mention of money being transferred overseas or getting access to your pension before you are 55.

If you fall victim of a pensions scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud. police.uk

For impartial information, contact The Pensions Advisory Service at 0845 601 2923 or at thepensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk