 | BBC Radio 4's Money Box Live Wednesday, 06 June 2012 at 1502 BST On Radio 4 and Online |
People planning to buy an annuity have had bad news as rates have fallen again by an average of 5% since the start of June, as corporate bond and gilt yields plummet. While guaranteed annuities are often best for those with small pension pots, some retired investors with bigger funds are questioning whether it is sensible to invest all their savings in a guaranteed annuity - with locked-in low returns for the rest of their life. Some investors have turned to pension drawdown where a proportion of the fund is still invested. But recent stock market volatility means those people are exposed to more financial risk. So what should those people coming up to retirement do? How do I know which is the best type of annuity to buy? What information should I tell annuity providers when shopping around for a good deal? How much savings do I need to consider doing income drawdown? If I have a serious illness, what type of annuity might be suitable for me? How will the rules coming into force in December this year change the way annuities are calculated for men and women? Vincent Duggleby was joined by: • Billy Burrows, Director,Better Retirement Group • Tom McPhail, Head of Pensions Research, Hargreaves Landsdown • Katherine Oxenham, annuities expert, LV Presenter: Vincent Duggleby
Producer: Lesley McAlpine
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