Category : Current financial events

Financial ignorance

I was surprised how simple the questions described in this research were.   But the most surprising thing is how much difference they claim some basic financial facts would make, as in the quote:    “Lusardi and Mitchell found that … Continue reading

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Dealing with debt

Another headline about debt recently was how 4 million people owe almost £130 on their energy supplies.     Do you think that people decided to owe money?     Apparently a third owe more than they did a year … Continue reading

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Investment advice

Why do people keep giving financial advice that is biased and omits vital details?   I read an article in the Financial Mail on Sunday.  It’s not exactly a professional journal, but it reaches a lot of people and, sadly, a … Continue reading

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Too much month, not enough money

  Generally, the more “right wing” our economic/political view, the more likely we are to regard money as being a reward for effort and talent, the more “left wing” the more we may be suspicious of the effects of money.   … Continue reading

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Pensions: are pensioners adults?

  There has been a lot about pensions since the budget bombshell, particularly in the financial press.   George Osborne plans to allow savers to take their entire pension pot as cash when they reach age 55.     He … Continue reading

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No-nup or no brain?

There was a piece in the Evening Standard the other day about agreements for co-habiting couples, a “no-nup” (equivalent to the “pre-nuptial” agreement of married couples).   The theory seems to be that it’s a sensible idea.  Maybe, but I … Continue reading

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Mindfulness, happiness and finance.

  It looks as if the UK military are catching up with the US marines.  According to the Sunday Times, senior military personnel are being taught “happiness” lessons and meditation.   The inverted commas indicate that there is still a … Continue reading

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Add-ons, warranties and the like

  The insurance “add-on” product market is apparently worth £4 billion a year.   And the FCA, the regulator for financial services, says that consumers are “simply not getting value for money”.   Mind you, Simon Burtwell the head of … Continue reading

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Mindfulness and money

  There’s a nice article about mindfulness .   But why is it “Over nearly four decades, Ellen Langer’s research on mindfulness has greatly influenced thinking across a range of fields, from behavioural economics to positive psychology.”?   As I keep … Continue reading

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Tell me what you want.

  I just went into a supermarket. As I headed for what I wanted to buy I was told, “sir, get a free mug.  When you buy these tomato soups.  It’s a really good offer”.   I thought, “who is … Continue reading

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