benjaminfabi

Hi Jo I don't think you are getting unreasonably cross. It's entirely reasonable. I've just given up getting annoyed by these things and I just accept that every piece of software is going to have 'issues' that you will or won't know about. Thank…

in More Selectapension issues... Comment by benjaminfabi December 2016

Hi Jo These kind of things happen in software. What is the actual bps difference comparing your manual calcs? How does that translate to pounds and pence based on the client's asset value? You know this limitation now. Unless the difference is hug…

in More Selectapension issues... Comment by benjaminfabi December 2016

Well, that makes it more interesting. I'd put that firmly into the 'not commercially viable to advise' bucket. Possibly worded as... "We can't advise you on the potential transfer of your deferred benefits in the X scheme given the cost of our adv…

in TVAS Report Comment by benjaminfabi November 2016

Please Please Please Don't use 'free' TVAS reports. The TVAS module of Selectapension is only £60 a month. Compared to the liability risk of a shonky one, it's a very small cost.

in TVAS Report Comment by benjaminfabi November 2016

I have asked Aegon before to send me a detailed explanation of how its illustrations comply with the COBS rules. I don't think that they do. I haven't received a reply.

in Aegon Illustration Issues Comment by benjaminfabi November 2016

I agree Richard. We would just calculate the portfolio cost outside of the system and input it as a bespoke fund (I think), which could be carried into any product. I think if you create the portfolio in the system it can highlight all the platfor…

in Selectapension cash troubles Comment by benjaminfabi November 2016

We also switched to O&M although I realise this doesn't help you. You can use a substitute cash fund like ssga , or blackrock , but these carry charges that impact on the total returns (how much this actually effects the outcome when it is a f…

in Selectapension cash troubles Comment by benjaminfabi November 2016

There are a number of existing options, including the CISI APP, CII Cert PFS (paraplanning) and the Government apprenticeship standard. These all to a certain extent provide a framework for what is a paraplanner. The problem is that employers, who…

in How do you feel about the 'Paraplanning Standard' - share your thoughts here Comment by benjaminfabi October 2016

Hi, Are you able to use any sort of cash flow? This would help a lot. I don't tend to use anything other than the TVAS and a simple cash flow. Also, both O&M and Selectapension have drawdown options in the TVAS. These are very useful. I don'…

in Defined Benefit Analysis Comment by benjaminfabi October 2016

Hi @Nathan I think I'd want more information but here is one option for maximising tax efficiency. If she has no earnings she could transfer her personal allowance, which would leave her with a personal allowance of £9,900. If she crystallises £9…

in Pension Planning Dilemma Comment by benjaminfabi September 2016

Interesting. I do 3. I accept that there is an argument for 2 but the TV in will be effectively sharing in the fixed costs of the SIPP but method 3 is complete.

in Cost comparisons for transfers into existing SIPPs Comment by benjaminfabi September 2016

Hi Emma, Go to the advanced search page on FE Analytics. Search the word 'hedged' Filter the results to the universe of your choice. I'm not sure that it captures all of the hedged share classes available but in the UT and OEIC universe it has r…

in Funds with currency hedging Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

I sat R01 last week. For someone just starting out on exams at level 4 I'd describe it as 'easily failable'. It is very dull and in places really gets into a lot of detail. I agree with Richard Gough and if I was starting out now I'd pick one of th…

in Which exam to start with? Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

I doubt your experience will count against you. Most important thing is how the relevant experience from that job maps to the role of paraplanner. Being that close to Diploma will be a plus IMO: I'd expect you to be a bit less expensive to recruit t…

in CV Help Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

I would use common assumptions for it all, be it via cash flow or other software, or in a spreadsheet/on a calculator. Of course these need explaining to the client and they are in no way set in stone, indeed a number of different scenarios can be p…

in Cashflow Assumptions Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

I'd be interested to see a screen shot of the actual example because the way it's described in your post definitely sounds odd.

in R02 Bond pricing query Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

There is no requirement to complete a tax return for a nil return. There is an issue where the income from the trust is from capital settled by a parent for a minor, unmarried child. Then if it more than £100 pa it has to be reported as income in t…

in Bare Trust Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

Well done Richard, sorry to offer no help. I didn't ever do the R route to diploma, although I have R01 next Friday.

in R05 - Financial Protection Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

I got in on the previous packages so it was somewhere between the first two options. I got video modules, which were very helpful, but I paid about £240inc vat. I think the revised prices and content will justify the price: it is quality stuff. Howe…

in AF4 Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

I used expert pension for af1 and I'm also sitting af4 in April 2017. Like others here I intend to sit j10 in the run up to it, and also j12 (just because of similarities in the syllabus and they are all FCA relevant qualifications) To be honest, …

in AF4 Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

I used expert pension for af1 and I'm also sitting af4 in April 2017. Like others here I intend to sit j10 in the run up to it, and also j12 (just because of similarities in the syllabus and they are all FCA relevant qualifications) To be honest, …

in AF4 Comment by benjaminfabi August 2016

Hi, We are 3 paraplanners working for 7 advisers. We have a dedicated administrator and each adviser has a dedicated administrator.

in Adviser to Paraplanner and Admin ratios Comment by benjaminfabi July 2016

Congratulations @Billopp You have won the award for the best pension geek happiness inducing post of the month (possibly the year). There is no prize sadly That, to a sad sod like me, is a wonderful link. Thanks

in DC GMP increases in the New State Pension world Comment by benjaminfabi July 2016

Hi Hucko, No, you can't include the potential value of DIS benefits in the overall value for protection applications. Ben

in Individual Protection and Death In Service Comment by benjaminfabi June 2016

I would say that if you ever get the chance to go to a seminar with John Hayley you should go. Very good content and delivery backed up by proper understanding.