Older & Wiser

Find out how to make the most of your money, pension and property in later life.

Beware bogus will writers

Update: Tue, 10/08/2010 - 15:33

Old and vulnerable people are being targeted by unscrupulous will writers who are charging sky-high fees to write wills that are often not legally binding. Laura Howard reports. Read more

Cut out the middleman: borrowing without the banks

By Nathalie Bonney Update: Tue, 03/08/2010 - 12:05

With traditional banks forfeiting our trust, many of us are taking a shine to the new online social networks that allow users to lend to one another. Nathalie Bonney asks if they are about to take off. Read more

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The government policy devaluing your pension

By Sam Barrett Update: Tue, 03/08/2010 - 12:09

A new way of calculating pension increases will potentially cause more pain to retirees. Sam Barrett shows who will be most affected. Read more

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Default retirement age to be axed

Update: Fri, 30/07/2010 - 15:27

The default retirement age of 65 could be scrapped from October next year under proposals set out by the government. Read more

Public sector pensions 'need radical reform'

Update: Wed, 07/07/2010 - 17:38

Public sector pensions are in need of urgent reform and are twice as valuable than originally thought, the Public Sector Pensions Commission has revealed. Read more

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Keep your overseas retirement dream alive

By Ruth Emery Update: Wed, 07/07/2010 - 10:36

Many British expats have seen their life in the sun under threat due to the sterling's weakness and collapsed foreign property markets. But there are ways you can take advantage of the slump. Ruth Emery reports. Read more

Five top destinations to retire abroad

By Ruth Emery Update: Wed, 07/07/2010 - 11:16

Retiring abroad can have its perks - better climate, lower cost of living and a sense of adventure - but how do you choose what's right for you? We round up some of the best destinations. Read more

Will your death cause a family feud?

By Sam Barrett Update: Tue, 10/08/2010 - 11:55

The possibility of inheriting money could cause a family rift long before you're gone. Sam Barrett shows you how to keep disagreements to a minimum. Read more

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When should I retire?

Update: Fri, 11/06/2010 - 15:38

Our expert advises a reader on his retirement objectives and weighs up the pros and cons of various pension options. Read more

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Consolidate your pensions

By Faith Glasgow Update: Tue, 01/06/2010 - 09:29

If you've got more than one pension it could make sense to bring them all together into one big pot, says Faith Glasgow. Read more

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Pensions for children: the new CTF?

By Esther Armstrong Update: Tue, 01/06/2010 - 09:26

Following the demise of the child trust fund, why not look to an underrated alternative to save for your child's future, asks Esther Armstrong. Read more

Are SIPPs the way to take control of your pension?

By Faith Glasgow Update: Mon, 22/03/2010 - 17:18

SIPPs are continuing to grow in popularity because of the freedom and flexibility they offer pension savers, as Faith Glasgow explains. Read more

A risk-free way to grow your nest egg

By Sam Barrett Update: Mon, 22/03/2010 - 11:05

If you don't fancy taking on the risks associated with stocks and shares, a cash ISA could be just the ticket, says Sam Barrett. Read more

Squeeze more income from your pension

By Faith Glasgow Update: Mon, 15/02/2010 - 17:30

How to draw cash from your pension is not a decision to be taken lightly. Faith Glasgow explains why all of your investment pots should play a part in the choices you make. Read more

Top 10 complaints - and how to resolve them

By Hannah Ricci Update: Wed, 20/01/2010 - 17:08

Complaints against financial providers have risen steadily during the recession. Hannah Ricci looks at our top 10 complaints and shows how best to go about getting a resolution. Read more

Your pension questions answered

Update: Tue, 01/12/2009 - 12:15

Ian Naismith, head of pension market development at Scottish Widows, answers your pressing questions on saving for retirement. Read more

How can I set up a trust?

Update: Mon, 16/11/2009 - 18:24

A Moneywise reader wants to put some money in a trust for their nephew until he turns 21. IFA Philip Pearson explain how to set up a trust and some of the issues to bear in mind. Read more

The 10 most common scams - and how to avoid them

By Nathalie Bonney Update: Tue, 17/11/2009 - 09:46

As fraudsters get more sophisticated and the recession renders us more vulnerable to their wiles, we need to be on our guard. Nathalie Bonney reveals the 10 most common scams and how to avoid them. Read more

What happens if I die without a will?

Update: Tue, 10/11/2009 - 13:15

Many people fail to write a will because they assume their partner will inherit their estate - but despite proposals to safeguard the position of bereaved spouses, this is not currently the case. Read more

Harvest the most from your pension pot

By Sam Barrett Update: Mon, 09/11/2009 - 19:06

What are the best ways to generate income from your retirement funds? Sam Barrett goes through the options available so you can decide what's best for you. Read more

Don’t make these classic pension mistakes

Update: Thu, 17/12/2009 - 12:56

Make a mistake with your pension, and you could end up paying for it the rest of your life. Moneywise reveals the most common mistakes and explains how to avoid them. Read more

How to cope with the cost of care

By Sarah Coles Update: Mon, 05/10/2009 - 16:34

Paying for care in your old age doesn’t have to mean that your assets and savings are gobbled up by fees. Sarah Coles explains how you can take early action for yourself or your older relatives. Read more

Will writing scams to avoid

By Sarah Coles Update: Mon, 12/07/2010 - 10:19

Will writers don't have to be qualified and aren't regulated. It's no wonder so many people end up getting scammed, says Sarah Coles. Read more

Turn the downturn to your advantage

By Sam Barrett Update: Fri, 04/09/2009 - 13:25

There’s nothing like a  downturn to get us counting the pennies. Sam Barrett provides strategies to for you to banish the gloom from your finances and become a recession winner. Read more

Moneywise Pension Awards 2009

By Nathalie Bonney Update: Thu, 03/09/2009 - 10:45

Don’t follow short-term savings projects at the expense of your pension, says Nathalie Bonney. We reveal the winners of Moneywise's 2009 pension awards. Read more

Seeking income during a recession

Update: Tue, 12/01/2010 - 17:34

Recent events have made the search for income a difficult one. Two investment experts answer your questions on how income seekers can prosper during the recession. Read more

Is my mother's will legal?

Update: Mon, 27/07/2009 - 10:42

A reader wants to challenge her mother's will, which wasn't witnessed, but has she left it too late? Legal expert Charles Hutton explains what her rights are. Read more

Give your family a helping hand

By Sarah Coles Update: Fri, 24/07/2009 - 15:46

The number of people providing invaluable support  for their grandchildren, from financial help to childcare, is growing rapidly. Sarah Coles looks at the ways you can give your family a helping hand. Read more

Should you help your kids onto the ladder?

Update: Tue, 21/07/2009 - 12:41

More first-time buyers are turning to the Bank of Mum and Dad to help them get onto the ladder. But what should parents bear in mind before digging deep? Read more

Can you afford to retire?

Update: Fri, 24/07/2009 - 12:40

Increasing numbers of people are having to delay their retirement plans because of the credit crunch. Rebecca Atkinson looks at what you can do now to achieve your retirement ambitions. Read more

Equity release: top 10 legal questions

Update: Mon, 18/05/2009 - 15:26

The Equity Release Solicitor's Alliance answers the top 10 legal questions relating to equity release. Read more

Does the car scrappage scheme offer a good deal?

Update: Tue, 11/08/2009 - 11:48

The government is encouraging drivers of old cars to trade these in for a new model and receive a £2,000 discount. But does this offer actually represent a good deal for consumers? Read more

Find a solicitor

Update: Tue, 09/06/2009 - 10:08

From buying a house to writing a will or dealing with inheritance tax, use the free Moneywise Find a Solicitor search tool to find professional legal advice in your area. Read more

Can trusts help me avoid inheritance tax?

Update: Mon, 08/06/2009 - 10:31

Putting life insurance into a trust is a useful inheritance tax planning tool. But what is the best way to do this? Read more

Leave your loved ones an inheritance

Update: Mon, 12/07/2010 - 10:35

Don’t let the taxman swallow your children’s inheritance. Sam Barrett shows how you can reduce your liability to the UK’s most hated tax. Read more

How to boost your pension

By Faith Glasgow Update: Wed, 03/06/2009 - 14:11

Our pension  nest-eggs have been hit hard by the  market turmoil, but don’t let that put you off this tax-efficient way to prepare for your retirement.  Faith Glasgow shows you how to boost your pension. Read more

Save thousands by planning ahead

By Sam Barrett Update: Thu, 17/12/2009 - 13:01

Life is full of surprises, but while you can’t predict what will happen, you can be financially prepared. Sam Barrett shows how you can plan ahead Read more

Mining the cash in your home

By Rob Griffin Update: Mon, 18/05/2009 - 12:01

Should you unlock the value in your home  if you’re strapped for cash? Rob Griffin looks  at the pros and cons of equity release. Read more

Women: protect yourself from pension shortfalls

Update: Thu, 17/12/2009 - 12:58

New research reveals the average woman's pension is worth £6,642 less than the average man's. Find out how you can beat the gender gap and prepare yourself for retirement. Read more

Moneywise budget planner

Update: Wed, 08/04/2009 - 14:19

Moneywise has launched an interactive budget planner that helps you stay on top of your finances and make savings every month. Read more

Keep your retirement savings on track

By Faith Glasgow Mon, 19/01/2009 - 17:46

Falls in the stockmarket are a worry for anyone who is saving for retirement. Faith Glasgow explains what you need to know to ensure you hit your investment target whatever your age. Read more

Moneywise investigation: abuse of the elderly

By Johanna Gornitzki Mon, 15/12/2008 - 12:15

Every year thousands of senior citizens have money and property stolen by loved ones. Johanna Gornitzki reports on this worrying trend. Read more

Should you boost your state pension?

By Rob Griffin Thu, 27/11/2008 - 17:52

The government has proposed new rules to help more women qualify for a state pension. However, the measures have been condemned as 'window dressing'. Rob Griffin investigates what people's options really are. Read more

Don't lose out on your state pension

By Hannah Ricci Update: Wed, 26/11/2008 - 18:18

Less than a third of women are eligible for the full state pension. However, as Hannah Ricci reveals, there’s plenty you can do to boost your entitlement. Read more

Survive the sandwich years

By Sarah Coles Update: Mon, 20/10/2008 - 11:37

More couples have found themselves being squeezed by the need to support grown-up children and elderly parents. Sarah Coles shows how to survive those sandwich years Read more

How do I contest a will?

Update: Tue, 07/10/2008 - 10:40

A Moneywise reader wants to know her rights when it comes to contesting a will. Solicitor Lauren Parker offers her advice. Read more

You're never too old to win in business

By Rob Griffin Update: Mon, 15/09/2008 - 14:27

Starting your own business isn't just for the young. Increasing numbers of the over-50s are turning life-changing events - such as redundancy or divorce - into opportunity. Rob Griffin meets some people who've taken the plunge. Read more

Can LAs seize property for long-term care costs?

Update: Mon, 18/08/2008 - 15:50

A Moneywise reader seeks clarification over a gift of property by his father-in-law. Tax expert Brian Williams, from Vantis, offers his advice. Read more