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As an expat living in Sydney my British pension has stayed the same even though our cost of living has increased. It was our choice to leave the UK on retirement but I had paid national insurance all my working life up to the age of 65 in Britain and expected the pension to keep pace with other UK allowances. Via email Pension freeze: Move to certain countries like Australia in retirement and your state pension will not rise. Linda McKay of This is Money replies: I hope at least you are enjoying the Australian summer, you may have heard that here in UK it is raining...again. With regards your query at present those who have paid national insurance contributions in UK then emigrated to countries such as Australia and Canada will not receive annual increases to their basic state pension. For example a 65-year-old Briton who retired in 2011 and moved to Australia received a maximum £97.50 basic state pension. When that person hits 82 in 2028, their state pension will still b

The short answer to your question is to approach the financial adviser. The most likely way for your acquaintance to get her money back is if the case is deemed to be mis-selling. If someone is sold an inappropriate investment by a UK-authorised adviser, then their case is against the firm which sold the investment, not against the firm that manufactures it. Without prejudging the issue, I am surprised your friend was advised to invest in such a fund in the first place. The Utopia TLP fund is based in the Isle of Man. It bought life policies of U.S. pensioners in their mid to late 70s who may have had health complications. In essence, your friend was gambling on when these pensioners would die. And she lost. The fund offered an income of 9 per cent to 11 per cent based on the idea that as the pensioners died and the policies paid out, the cash would flow in. But if they lived longer, then there was a double hit: income would be less than predicted and policy premium

> I am now being told that there was a clerical error and nothing can be done. No apology was given. W.T., Aldershot. You are indeed the victim of a clerical error. When your fixed rate Isa was about to mature, Halifax wrote in September 2011 to say that you had earned £2,218.47 on top of the £24,770.32 you had invested, making a total of £26,988.79. Once it received your reinvestment instructions, it wrote again in October 2011 to say that £26,670.86 was being invested in your new Isa. This was, in fact, the correct amount because you had really earned £1,900.54 interest. Halifax has now looked at your case again. It accepts that you were originally told a larger amount would be invested and it is now going ahead with this. So you have an extra £317.93 plus an additional £27.97 in interest covering the period from October 11, 2011, to October 10, 2013.   More... ASK TONY: Spanish ferry strike meant we had to drive through France, but our insurer won't pay out as

> I have queried this with GE Money, but have had no reply. In October, £60 was returned to my account, but I have still had no explanation. P. M., Hampshire. Leave me a-loan: I think I've paid off my loan...but money is still going out of my account. Tony Hazell, of Money Mail, says: I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but GE Money tells a different story — and it has the loan agreement to back it up. It says your loan was taken out in 2002, not 2005 and was for ten years. It is sending you a copy of the loan agreement you signed so you can see for yourself.   More... How much will you repay? Find out using This is Money's loan repayments calculator You were correct in thinking there had been an overpayment, and it has now refunded the £65.59 excess. GE Money regrets the two letters you sent were not replied to promptly and is sending you £50 to apologise.

> I would appreciate any advice. H.D., Suffolk. I completely agree with you. To offer £100 after sending letters threatening legal action for a year is insulting.Barclaycard knew you were dealing with your husband’s affairs due to his very poor health. The bank should have made more effort to sort out the issue earlier. After I intervened, the bank increased its offer to £250, but I felt this was still not enough. You had been put through considerable distress at a time when you already had far too much on your plate. Barclays could have sorted out this problem very easily but failed to do so. I pointed its staff towards the Financial Ombudsman’s guidance on compensation. They have now upped the payment to £500, which I think is more appropriate. I became ill with heart problems in 2005, had four stents inserted in my arteries in 2005 and 2006 then suffered five heart attacks from April 2007 onwards. I was diagnosed as being critically ill in January 2006 and have not worked sin

Which is better, an Isa or a pension? Over the last few years, it's become the big debate among retirement savers. Everyone from granny to graduate has a view - but for most of us these days, Isas rule supreme. And they dominant the savings world for very good reasons. Ask yourself this: how many ways can you save money, get instant access to your cash, and enjoy protection from the Government's tax-grabbing mitts? Answers on a postcard please (clue: pensions ain't one of them). With the amount you can save each year raised to £10,680, a maximum of £5,340 in cash, savvy savers have quickly come to regard Isas as long-term homes for their nest eggs. But what about pensions? Are they still worthwhile? A few years ago, the final salary pension was a mainstay of the British workplace. And that certainly was worthwhile. Millions of workers knew they would retire in comfort, which often meant two-thirds of their final income. But such bounteous company perks have di

With the base rate and savings rates at historic lows, savers are becoming desperate in the hunt for income. Our round-up points you to the best advice and guides on This is Money that will help you to squeeze more out of your capital... Here are some ways to earn income: - Savings accounts- Cash funds - Government bonds- Corporate bond funds- Equity income funds- High-yield - Property and property funds- Peer-to-peer saving and lendingThe basics for each of these is explained here while Money Mail's Tony Hazell provides a good round-up here. Then below, we have packed in links to articles where we explore these options in more depth. Graphic of Magnifying Glass Financial Mail's Income investing seriesFunds that back infrastructure projects such as prisons offer a healthy incomeFunds that can deliver reliable incomeSome building societies are paying 13% to Pibs investorsInvest in infrastructure to boost income Bit of everything ›› Six top income shares paying more tha

The financial crisis has shaken many people's confidence in investing, but you would have to be a real die-hard pessimist to believe things won't turn around over the next 20 years. So where should you tuck away your nest egg over the next two decades? We asked financial experts for help in finding simple investments with low running costs that should bring a decent return. Doing just what it says on the tin: Keeping investing simple and cheap Can you commit to a long-haul investment? A 20-year investment is like a house or a car - you need to make some important decisions before you buy, and take care to do some maintenance. Before anything else, you need to be certain you can commit to such a lengthy investment, according to Philippa Gee of Philippa Gee Wealth Management. 'It's all very well thinking you want to invest for the long term, but things happen. Life changes. You might need the money,' she says. 'Make sure you have other money that is acces

The great money-making investors are not afraid of making big calls against common wisdom - famously Warren Buffett turned a handsome profit from buying into Goldman Sachs at the height of the financial crisis and now he has left commentators scratching their heads by buying into local newspapers. But while anyone can invest wildly against crowd wisdom, that won't make them a billionaire like Warren Buffett. What does it take to be a successful contrarian investor? And if you think you're made of the right stuff, how do you go about finding promising investment opportunities? Read our guide, and the rich rewards might become more than just a dream... Stand out from the herd: Famous investors like Warren Buffett have not been scared to go against the grain, but how can you tell if you have what it takes to be a contrarian? Personality test: Are you a contrarian investor?WARREN BUFFETT: WORLD'S GREATEST INVESTOR The contrarian investor credo on which Warren Buffe

Hugh Young, star fund manager at Aberdeen Asset Management, has developed ten golden rules for investing in over more than 25 years in the markets. Tips: Hugh Young, star fund manager at Aberdeen Asset Management 1) Ask who controls the company, and do you trust them to treat minority shareholders fairly? Minority shareholders are just one of many stakeholder groups and as such need to know they will be treated properly by whoever controls the company, whether that be a government, founding family or an individual. 2) Remember companies are about people not assets Rolls-Royce is a great example of a company that always had good technology and operated in a growth market, but for years failed to live up to its full potential. It took an outstanding CEO in the shape of Sir John Rose to recognise its strengths, to develop a business model and execute a long-term strategic plan to turn the promise into profits.  3) Balance sheet strength is critical Premier Foods always stands out a

Stakeholder pensions are a form of simple personal pension which sees you save money into a pot - topped up by tax relief - which is handled by a pensions provider who invests it on your behalf. Schemes must meet minimum government requirements, with management charges capped at 1.5 per cent and no charge levied if you transfer to another stakeholder pension provider.   More... Can I pay extra into the second state pension so I get more than £144-a-week flat rate in 2016? SIPP vs stakeholder: how to choose the right type of personal pension Retiring soon? Get an annuity quote Is equity release right for you? Check this free guide There are a few notable differences between the two pensions: Standard Life offers 30 investment funds to choose from, along with five 'lifestyle options' in which money is automatically invested into funds based on your risk profile. Scottish Widows meanwhile offers 35 investment funds and six lifestyle profiles. While both charge a 1 per cent a

> Isr the landlord required to fix these problems and what is the best way to approach the issue? EW Nasty surprise: Many renters are dismayed to find problems in their new home Andrew Davidson, a landlord and tenant solicitor on the Contact Law solicitor network, says: Landlords are obliged to ensure that there are no issues with the structure, exterior, electrical, heating, hot water or sanitary conditions. Unless otherwise stated in your lease, as the tenant you are responsible for minor non-essential repairs and cosmetic issues. You also have an obligation to keep the property in good repair, not counting ordinary wear-and-tear.   More... My boiler is broken but my landlord doesn't seem to care! What are my rights? Are you a landlord? Find buy-to-let insurance deals here Find a solicitor In your case, to begin with you should make a list of the defects to the property and decide which ones you think come under the landlord’s obligations. This is somewhat subjective

Linda McKay, of This is Money, replies: One in three cars has a hidden history, according to vehicle checkers HPI. That means buying a second hand car can be gamble, as many unsuspecting people have been caught out by unscrupulous sellers who fail to declare finance or accident histories. But you need not find yourself out of pocket and at risk on the road. I asked our experts for advice on your behalf.   More... ASK THE EXPERTS: 'I live with and care for my mother but I'll be made homeless when she dies' How younger drivers can beat the car insurance trap - and even drive a more exciting car Can you find a better car insurance deal? Gavin Hill-Smith, of the AA, replies: When you're looking for a second-hand car, dealers are generally the safest route. You'll get the maximum legal protection with the least risk.   Buying privately can save you some money upfront, but you won't be protected legally if the car doesn't come up to scratch. It's up

I'm working at McDonalds, but the tax code that I have been allocated is BR, which causes a huge deduction on my paycheck. I read online that this code is used for someone who has more than one job, but I only have one. Is that tax code correct for me and, if not, what can I do to change it? JR McDonalds: Employee believes he may have been tax too much by HMRC. How to check your tax code. Patrick O'Brien, of HMRC, adds: The code 'BR', is used when all income is taxed at the basic rate - currently 20 per cent, most commonly used for a second job or pension. You should contact HMRC as soon as possible on 0845 300 0627 so we can correct your code and get any tax they have overpaid back to you. Any overpaid tax for 2012/13 tax year will be repaid as part of our annual end of year reconciliation process. Please visit the HMRC site for a list of tax codes and what they mean.   More... How to check and challenge your tax code Find a solicitor Find an independ

Danny Cox, of investment specialist Hargreaves Lansdown, says: Your bank would normally be your first port of call since it will be more familiar with your business, the person running it and your current cash flow position.  To extend lending or overdrafts they may decide to use the house in Italy as security, although using an overseas property is unlikely. An alternative would be to take a mortgage on the Italy property.   More... How to get a mortgage if you are are a small business owner or self-employed Why businesses are flocking to lend-to-save Could you be eligible for a business loan with Funding Circle? Another would be to consider peer to peer lenders such as Funding Circle, where a collective number of private investors might lend the money they need.   A business plan setting out how much money is required, what it will be used for and the anticipated repayment timescale will help with any loan application. This doesn’t have to be pages and pages,

> P.H.replies: The inheritance tax nil rate band for tax year 1996-97 was £200,000. The unused proportion (13/200ths) can be transferred to you at the rate applying on your own death. The nil rate band is now fixed at £325,000 until April 2018, so if you died before then the allowance would be increased by £21,125 – 13/200ths x £325,000. To claim this additional allowance, the executor of your will would need copies of your wife’s will (and any deed of variation), the IHT return for her estate, details of any jointly owned assets that passed to you or others on her death and any gifts she made in the seven years before her death.   More... Could equity release be a good option for you? find out using our fere guide Can you find a better annuities deal? Find an independent financial adviser When would you need a specialist will solicitor? Pension confusion K.P.writes: I was receiving pension credit but the payment stopped after I inherited some money.  I cannot make sense of the

My partner and I have lived abroad for the past 11 years. We have just sold our property and we now want to return home to the UK, where we lived for more than 40 years before moving away. We are looking at getting a mortgage, but it would appear that no financial institution will consider us because they say they are unable to obtain a credit check on us. We both have government pensions that give us enough income to cover any mortgage repayments and, while we lived abroad, we used our UK bank and credit cards. As we have no debts we find it very strange that we can't get a mortgage. How long does it take to build up enough information to obtain a credit check so that we can get the ball rolling and get ourselves a mortgage? Returning home: How can you build up a positive credit history while living abroad.   More... How to improve and protect your credit rating How to get out of debt: Your ten-step plan to getting your finances back under control LETTER TEMPLATE: Cr

> When I eventually found out about the CCJs, I contacted the debt agency acting on the behalf of the lenders to offer a settlement so I could clear my credit file. Late last year the debt agency contacted me saying that the original debt collection office dealing with my case in Liverpool had closed and the operation had been transferred to Ireland. They suggested I try to make contact with the respective banks directly. I worry that I will just hit a dead end, but I really want to clear these entries off my file - do you have any advice? Trouble locating your lenders? A credit check could point you in the right direction   More... How to improve and protect your credit rating Are your debts mounting up? Read our guide for some help in getting back into the black Lenders gear up for tougher credit checks LETTER TEMPLATE: Credit report errors Free Trial: Could checking your credit report help you out of a sticky situation? Linda McKay, of This is Money, replies: We are a

> I really would like to know where my husband's money has gone. He was quite astute regarding investments. J.D. Lake District. Nasty shock: Many spouses stand to receive nothing from their partner's annuity when they die because they haven't chosen a joint life product. Adam Uren, of This is Money, says: It seems that you have fallen victim to what has been a stain on the pensions industry for years, and that is only just now being addressed. For years pension holders have defaulted into their pension provider's standard annuity offerings, with many not realising that they need to shop around to find the best deals and, most importantly, the right annuity for them. Now, I can't speculate on what process your husband went through when he bought his annuity, but Prudential has confirmed that he took out a single life annuity which included a tax-free lump sum of £11,964 in 2002.   More... Will pension providers finally help their customers get the best valu

I am hoping you can help us with a claim for a delayed flight on 13th of February 2013 to Cancun Mexico. My wife and I booked the holiday through Thomson flying from Gatwick at 9.15am. We live in South Wales, a 4 hour drive from Gatwick, and therefore travelled through the night to check-in at 07.15am. Boarding was delayed and we were told there would be a hold up because of technical problems - a hydraulic leak. We eventually boarded the plane at midday but were then further delayed by 1 hour 30 minutes while a seat was repaired.  Compensation plea: Passengers delayed at Manchester airport at Thomson check-in desk. They said these delays were beyond their control and we were offered free Premium films on board to compensate for our delay. In total we were delayed over 4 hours. So instead of arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon we arrived at 7 in the evening very tired and went straight to bed losing the first night of our holiday. I believe that under Regulation (EC) 261/2004 we