Is it too late to claim my late husband’s pension?
husband died 10 years ago and I didn’t realise I may be entitled to a share of his state pension. Have I left it too late to try to make a claim?
you may get and how much you may be able to claim will depend on whether you reached state pension age before or after April 6, 2016. If you’re already receiving your state pension call the pension service on 0800 731 0469 and, if not, 0800 731 7898.
paid full stamp for 43 years but I am not getting full state pension when I retire. I was told it’s because the rules changed. Can you shed any light on this? AWE
often receive this question. Even though you may have paid excess years, it is likely you were contracted out of the state pension and/or were a member of an occupational defined benefit pension scheme at some point throughout your working life.
QDO
I have to have house insurance? I’ve been paying it out for years and never claimed and money is a bit tight at the moment.
AYOU
don’t have to have contents insurance, it’s your choice. But if you have a mortgage, it is a lender’s requirement to have building insurance in place. I would always suggest you have some cover just in case.
If you have been with the same firm for a few years it may be worth comparing quotes as that might save you a bit of cash.
WANT to start savings accounts for my grandchildren instead of getting them toys this year. Should I just go for premium bonds or are there any decent children’s accounts?
Bonds are one option, and yes there are plenty of others too – from various high street saving accounts and friendly societies to junior ISAs and even pensions.
It depends what sort of sums you are thinking about and whether you want to lock cash away for savings for later in your grandchildren’s life.
hoping to get married next year. My fiancé wants us to open a joint account.
I want to keep my finances separate. What are the pros and cons?
a joint account, you would both be responsible for any debt built up via overdrafts.
Maybe you could have a joint account to pay regular bills, where you both put in a certain amount each month, and keep your personal account for your own day-to-day finances.