The chart below shows how the RBA averted a US style housing bubble when it bucked the trend amongst central banks around the world, and started to increase interest rates on the 8th of May 2002. The aim of this recent decrease is consistent with the RBA’s sound management and intends to make it easier for Australian banks to decrease their commercial lending rates.

Australia is effectively buffered from the world’s woes, at every level:-

> Australians are saving more;
> Banks will meet their BASELIII requirements ahead of schedule; and
> The government has budgeted for a fiscal surplus.

Even while Australian banks continue to reduce their reliance on offshore bond markets, global bond market jitters place pressure on borrowing costs. And with inflation under control, the RBA has the ability to deliver a rate cut that can help banks deliver the appropriate level of borrowing costs for Australian business in these uncertain times.

The LM Australian Income Fund and Managed Performance Fund rates will remain competitive, and benefit from this situation.

Contact us now for more information on how to position your investor in the Australian safe haven.

All men and women under 56 will have to wait at least until 66 before they can retire.

Those born between April 1950 and April 1954 will have their own specific retirement dates that will gradually increase (see below).

After that, we must rely on Labour’s existing plans until the Government makes its next move. The previous Labour government’s policy had been to raise the state pension incrementally to 68 by 2046. It would have hit 67 between 2034 and 2036 and 68 between 2044 and 2046.

See our rough guide to what it means for you below:

MEN – a rough guide

• Under 32s…………………………… can get state pension at 68*

• Aged between 32 and 41………………….. can get state pension at 67*

• Aged between 42 and 56…………………….can get state pension at 66/67

• Aged between 56 and 57…….can get state pension at 65 + (see below)

• Older than 57………………….can get state pension at 65

WOMEN – a (very) rough guide

• Under 32s…………………………….can get state pension at 68*

• Aged between 32 and 41…………………..can get state pension at 67*

• Aged between 42 and 57………………..can get state pension at 66/67

• Aged between 56 and 60…….can get state pension at 60-65 (see below)

• Older than 60…………..qualify for state pension at 60

Read more at:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article-1679780/New-state-pension-age-retirement-dates-calculator.html#ixzz1afEimOmL

To ask us a question about your retirement planning please use the TRP Enquiry form

If you don’t plan ahead you may need to use virtually all your accumulated wealth to provide a realistic income to live on – especially if that includes long-term care and medical costs for yourself and perhaps your spouse too.

By starting to plan today you can help fund a fulfilling retirement, preserve your independence and maintaining a good standard of living. Retirement can bring new-found freedom and the opportunity to explore new ventures. It could even be the most enjoyable time of your life – as long as you have the right plan. We’re here to help.

For more details please contact us using our inquiry form.

The National Union of Teachers is calling a one day regional strike in London on March 28th as the next step in the pensions campaign. The University and College Union (UCU) will also do the same.

http://www.teachers.org.uk/node/15304

Why is this happening?

The UK Government continues with their proposals to cut teacher pensions and to increase the retirement age for teachers?

What does can this mean to you?

A lower monthly pension when you can eventually retire

What can you do?

Protect your teacher retirement plan – contact us now.

Housing Economist Martin Ellis comments:

“House prices in the three months to February were 1.1% lower than in the previous three months. There was a 0.5% decline in prices in February, largely offsetting January’s 0.6% rise.”

“Overall, prices nationally are at broadly the same level as last spring. This stability in prices is explained by the fact that market conditions have changed very little over this period with demand supported by low interest rates and supply remaining tight”

“Falling inflation should relieve some of the pressure on household finances over the coming months. Many of the economic statistics released in recent weeks have also been encouraging, suggesting that the UK may avoid slipping back into recession. These developments are positive for the housing market outlook. Significant uncertainties, however, persist and the prospects for house prices during 2012 will, to a large extent, depend on events in the Eurozone and the potential knock-on effects on the UK.”

Teacher Retirement Plan – Key Facts

House prices in the three months to February were 1.1% lower than in the previous three months. This was a little lower than in January (-0.9%) and the fifth consecutive month that this measure of the underlying trend has been slightly negative(0.1%).

On a monthly basis, house prices fell by 0.5% in February. This followed January’s 0.6% increase and continues the mixed monthly pattern seen over the past year.

Prices in the three months to February were 1.9% lower than in the same period a year earlier. This measure of the annual rate was little changed from the previous month (-1.8%) and has been between -1% and -2% for the last five months.

Nationally, the average level of house prices is very little changed to last spring. The UK average price in February, at £160,118, was similar to that in April 2011 (£160,393).

* The Halifax House Price Index is the UK’s longest running monthly house price series with data covering the whole country going back to January 1983. From this data, a “standardised” house price is calculated and property price movements on a like-for-like basis (including seasonal adjustments) are analysed over time. The annual change is calculated as an average for the latest three months compared with the same period a year earlier. These figures provide a better picture of the underlying trend compared to a monthly year-on-year number as they smooth out any short-term fluctuations.

Teacher Retirement Plan

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Teacher Retirement Plan

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SUMMARY OF BENEFITS

UK Housing market conditions changed only slightly over the past 12 months and market conditions have been largely unchanged since November 2010. This stability in the overall supply/demand balance in the market helps to explain the modest movement in house prices.

A Slight Rise in House Sales

The number of completed house sales has risen to its highest levels of 2011 in October and November. The number of sales in November 2011 was the highest since December 2009, at a seasonally adjusted 79,000. Despite these recent signs
of improvement, total sales in the first 11 months of 2011 were 2.5% lower than in the same period of 2010.

Download your report here:

Housing Economist Martin Ellis comments:

“House prices in the three months to July were 0.5% higher than in the previous three months. This was the first increase in this key measure of underlying price movements for 14 months. Prices rose for the third consecutive month, increasing by 0.3% in July.”

“Overall, there has been little change in either the level of house sales or the number of properties on the market for sale since late 2010. These steady market conditions have helped to stabilise house prices in 2011 following last year’s modest decline.”

“This pattern is expected to continue over the rest of the year with little genuine direction in either house prices or sales. Sustained low interest rates and a slowly improving economy should help to support demand in the face of pressures from weak earnings growth, relatively high inflation and higher taxes.”

Teacher Retirement Plan – Key Facts

House prices in the three months from May to July were 0.5% higher than in the preceding three months. This is the first increase in this measure of the underlying trend since May 2010 (0.1%).

The average UK house price in July was marginally higher (0.7%) than in December 2010 on a seasonally adjusted basis, at £163,981.

On an annual basis, prices in July were 2.6% lower as measured by the average for the three months to July against the same period a year earlier. This was the second successive improvement in the annual rate from a low of -4.2% in May.

Little change in housing activity trend. The number of mortgages approved to finance house purchase – a leading indicator of completed house sales – increased by 4% between May and June to 48,421; the highest monthly total since May 2010. Despite this encouraging rise, the industry-wide number of approvals remains within the range of 45,000-50,000 per month where it has been since the beginning of 2010. Approvals in the second quarter were unchanged from the previous quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis.

* The Halifax House Price Index is the UK’s longest running monthly house price series with data covering the whole country going back to January 1983. From this data, a “standardised” house price is calculated and property price movements on a like-for-like basis (including seasonal adjustments) are analysed over time. The annual change is calculated as an average for the latest three months compared with the same period a year earlier. These figures provide a better picture of the underlying trend compared to a monthly year-on-year number as they smooth out any short-term fluctuations.

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Teacher Retirement Plan

Do you want a financially secure teacher retirement or one where every penny counts?

Investing in your teacher retirement early can make all the difference.

See for yourself …

* Figures are based on monthly contributions of £400 with a retirement age of 55 and a projected annual growth rate of 9%

Invest in your teacher retirement plan now – before it’s too late

Contact us for more details

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Teacher Retirement Plan

Is your deposit delivering the returns you deserve?

After recent years of economic turmoil and with historically low interest rates, now could be the right time to consider the potential gains to be made from continued economic recovery.

However, direct investment in equities could leave you vulnerable were markets to fall once again.  Instead, you may want to consider  alternatives which provide equity-like growth potential along  with the certainty of a fixed minimum return for your growing teacher retirement plan.

Now, with the launch of Quantum PLUS 5 from Standard Bank Offshore, you really can enjoy the best of both worlds. We give you a competitive rate of interest on half of your money and exposure to stock market gains on the other half.

Quantum provides 5% AER for Sterling, US dollar and Euro or 12% AER for Australian dollar  on half your money returned after one year. PLUS provides for unlimited potential returns based on the performance of a stock market  index, and your money back on half your money after five years even if markets fall.  Quantum PLUS 5 therefore gives you complete peace of mind, knowing that your money is working hard for you and your teacher retirement plan.

Click on the image to download the PDF Quantum 5 Plus brochure.

Please note that Quantum PLUS 5 is only available for a limited time and your account  must be opened and your application form and  cleared funds received by 26 April 2011.

All cleared funds received by 26 April 2011 will be placed on deposit and will earn a competitive rate of 5% AER until the Commencement Date. All cleared funds received after 26 April 2011 will be placed on deposit and will earn a rate of  1% per annum until the Commencement date.

This is a limited offer to add to your teacher retirement plan portfolio so act quickly – please contact us for further information or application form.

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Teacher Retirement Plan.

Teacher Retirement Plan

Teacher Retirement Plan