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MARKET COMMENT
What Everybody Must Know About Pensions

By Maynard Paton (TMFMayn)
December 18, 2002

The recent Government Green Paper put pensions firmly in the spotlight. And rightly so. Complex products, mis-selling scandals, falling equity markets and a lethargic public have created a crisis in the industry.

So what exactly is the 'pensions timebomb'? How much should you be saving for your retirement? Will we have to work until we're 70? And why can't we rely on the state? The Green Paper is reviewed here and the following links provide information on what everybody must know about pensions:

How Much Should You Be Saving?
Here's how to work out how much you need to save for retirement.

Avoid The Pensions Timebomb
With people living for longer, retirements are getting more expensive. We either have to work for longer or save harder for the few years that we do work.

Saving For Retirement Is A Must
If ever you needed a reminder that your retirement is in your own hands, it's comes from the 2001 Census.

You Can't Count On The State Pension
The welfare state has been unable to cope with and satisfy the needs of pensioners. It's up to us to look after ourselves.

How The State Pension Works
Most people have an inkling that the state coughs up about £75 per week to people in retirement, but it just isn't as simple as that. Here's a guide to the state pension benefits.

Do You Fancy Retiring At 70?
A recent report suggests that we should all work until we're 70 before claiming our state pension. How do you feel about that?

Calculate The Value Of Your Pension
A new pensions calculator should help people to realise how much more they need to be saving.

Pension Or ISA, Or Both
We're told that we need to save more, but just how should we do it? We examine the main differences between pensions and ISAs.

Unlocking Your Pension
There are schemes around to extract money from your pension, but taking money out of your pension early is generally a bad move.

The Hidden Dangers Of Pensions
Company pension schemes are not always a no-brainer. What would you do if you suddenly found out your pension was worth nothing due to circumstances beyond your control?

Basic Guide To Pensions
Everybody needs to make provision for their retirement. Here are your basic options.

60-Second Guide To Stakeholder Pensions
Stakeholder pensions are a breath of fresh air in the world of pensions, being both cheap and flexible. Here's a quick guide to the main points.

60-Second Guide To Annuities
Most of us would like to leave annuities right at the back of our mind. But with most pensions buying one, they can't be ignored!

Cut Through The Pensions Jargon
SERPS? AVCs? Defined benefit? The Fool's Pension Centre will guide your through the pensions maze.

Pension Discussion Board
Provide your pension experiences, opinions and questions to the Fool's Pension discussion board.