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  • How to Calculate and Claim Higher Rate Tax Relief

    As pensions now have greater flexibility and are attractive from a tax perspective, larger pension contributions are commonplace for higher rate or additional rate taxpayers. In this article, we will focus on how higher rate tax relief is calculated and how it is claimed. This should be of interest to anyone studying towards the R04 or other CII pension-related exams.

  • The Hidden Benefits of Class 3 National Insurance Contributions

    National insurance is commonly perceived as just another tax, but its true value lies in being a remarkable investment opportunity. With 35 qualifying years required for a full state pension, clients can leverage Class 3 National Insurance contributions to secure additional qualifying years and boost their retirement income. In this article, we delve into the benefits, returns, and extended deadline for seizing this often overlooked investment. Those studying for any of the CII AF1, AF5, R03, R04, or R06 will find extra knowledge in the area of National Insurance contributions to be advantageous to their exam revision.

  • Who wants to be a millionaire?

    This article provides an example showing how the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) for pensions savings would affect someone who is about to retire with pension benefits just over £1,073,100. Useful reading for those studying for any of the CII J05, R04, AF7 or AF8 units.

  • Current CII Exams Pass Rates – as at May 2023

    The CII has now released their pass rates for 2022.  Here, we discuss the pass rates and what we can learn from them.

  • Looking at the Link Between Inflation and Interest Rates

    In this article, we look at the link between inflation and interest rates, and how they both impact investments. This is particularly relevant to the CII R02 and AF4 exams but may also be useful to those studying for R01, CF1, R04, AF7, R06, or AF5.

  • New Year, New Approach

    January is typically a time for wanting to do things differently. As we usher in 2023, how about looking at a change in your approach to study?

  • How CII Exams are Tested

    Candidates planning out their exams for the CII qualifications are faced with a bewildering choice. There are many different levels of exams, worth different amounts of credits, which are being tested in different ways. This article looks at the Diploma and the Advanced Diploma units and how they are tested.

  • How to Protect Pension Savings with Individual and Fixed Protection

    This article looks at how you can protect existing savings or future pension savings by using Individual and Fixed Protection to avoid any LTA charge that would normally apply. This article will be useful reading for those planning to take any of the CII J05, R04, AF7 or AF8 units.

  • Darren Gao becomes one of the youngest individuals to pass the CII Diploma at just 19

    After finishing sixth form in 2021, Darren Gao set out on his path to become a financial adviser and started the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. A little over a year later, he became one of the youngest people to complete the Diploma at just 19 years old. We asked Darren about his exam journey and future goals, and he offered some great advice for other candidates working towards the CII Diploma. 

  • How to Work Out the Maximum Amount of PCLS Available

    In this article, we take a look at how to work out the maximum amount of PCLS available at normal pension age under a DB scheme. This is potentially relevant to all CII pension exams, including R04, J05, AF2, and AF7.

  • The Features and Benefits of a Family Income Benefit Policy

    Family income benefit is most likely to be tested in the CII R05 exam. You might also find that it could come up in CF1, R01, R06, R04, or AF5.

  • A Quick Look at The Money and Pensions Service

    In early 2019, the Single Financial Guidance Body was formed. Later that year, it was rebranded as the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) and launched to the wider community. An understanding of MaPS is particularly relevant to the CII’s R01, R04, R06, and CF1 examinations, so in this article, we take a quick look at the new service.

  • How to Triumph Over the CII’s Multi-Response Question

    If you are studying toward the CII’s diploma in regulated financial planning you will need to get to grips with the ‘multi-response’ questions which feature in the R01, R02, R03, and R04 exams.

  • Pension Flexibility – The Drawdown Regime

    This is the first in a series of posts regarding pension decumulation. Those sitting the CII AF7, R04, or J05 exams should find this post particularly useful in their revision.

  • My R06 Experience – Part 2

    In September, our team member, Ann, took the R06 Financial Planning Practice exam. There's a lot that can be learned from taking the exams - even for someone as experienced as Ann. In last week’s article, Ann discussed her experience with the remote invigilation system. This article focuses on the exam itself and provides some pointers for future R06 candidates.