money
Life Ledger – simplifying death notification to organisations free of charge
Service Review When you’re grieving for the loss of a parent, settling their affairs can be slow, arduous and painful. It’s surprising how many organisations have to be notified – from banks and pension funds to mobile phone contract providers and utilities. Not only do you have to find the details of each account, but […]
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What you need to know about finances and wellbeing for older people October 2020
Our round-up of latest news affecting the senior members of society. Stories include: What future for cash? Royal mail to pick up parcels from home State pensions to rise next spring Heating cost help Launch of veterans railcard Appliance cover and sharp practices Supporting good mental health British cities lead world for dementia strategies The […]
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The ultimate guide to avoiding online fraud in 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has given us the opportunity and challenge of introducing older family members to the pleasures and pitfalls of the internet. But avoiding the predators is a long-term task. And it won’t be an easy one for anyone who isn’t constantly up-to-date and alert to the latest attempts to steal their data and […]
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Lessons from a story of financial elder abuse
When an older relative is struggling to manage their money and their daily household, it’s often time for a responsible and caring relative to step in. Many apply officially for Lasting Power of Attorney and some unofficially start to help managing the money. Problems do sometimes occur when the guardians of the money are tempted […]
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Thinking about eldercare
Our regular roundup of useful news and views for those supporting older friends and family. In this issue: Pensions credit and those missing out GPs and home visits Retirement homes as a legacy Likelihood of a caring future Cost of social care around the country Equity release challenges Changing ways that consumers pay Talking about […]
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Banking scams, refunds and protecting the vulnerable
Financial scammers are ingenious and credible, and they prey on the vulnerable. That makes older people particularly susceptible. A new scheme should help to combat this form of fraud. Older people tend to be more trusting, and less informed about the methods that criminals will use to relieve them of their savings. And it is […]
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The what, who and how of winter fuel/cold weather payments
Update. The UK Chancellor issued latest plans for the2022 winter fuel allowance in the spring, and the latest information about who qualifies and whether they need to make a claim can be found on the UK goverment website. Winter Fuel Payments are available to older people in the UK, but what are they, who qualifies, […]
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What does the Autumn 2018 budget mean for older people?
We take a quick look at the Autumn 2018 UK budget to see what is likely to affect older friends and family – and what leading charities and commentators made of it. Didn’t budget statements in the UK used to come round just once a year? Or did we imagine that? Either way, a […]
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Tips on safely managing money for the less mobile
Handing over a bank card to someone else is a breach of Ts&Cs. So how can those with limited mobility withdraw cash and manage money? Helen Doyle, Head of Policy & Research at the Payments Council, offers some advice. Managing finances can be tricky at the best of times, but imagine finding yourself unable to […]
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How to claim a lost pension
Update. A useful article written in February 2020 on how to track down missing pensions. Written by Rebecca Lenton Once your parent passes retirement age it’s likely they’ll be living off a number of pension pots. With most people moving jobs an average of 11 times during their working career it can be easy to […]
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