Calendar Comp Winner!!!

Right after a fast pop in to see the chaps at HC Wilson the other week I place a competitors on the weblog to win a single of Wilsons outstanding A3 sized wall calendars. I opened the competitors to the complete world and I did get a couple of entries from further afield than Europe which includes somewhere referred to as Australia! I received this photo from Joseph Hupp of a delightful Foden he spotted at a show in Oz.

I was looking for pictures of drivers trucks but as you know it’s fairly laid back her on the weblog, so it ended up being common truck photos and there had been a lot. I did say I’d post them all up right here but I’m not going as well as there are a few as well a lot of and as well many names! So here a couple of for you too enjoy……

PLEASE RESPECT ALL Pictures AND THEIRS OWNERS COPYRIGHT.

Now on to the winner. I sent some of the greatest off to HC Wilson and the bigger of the 2 brothers, Graham decide on the photo taken by James Smith, bizarrely from Ipswich. James photo is of a Mark kendrews Death Race Scania that he took at what appears like Truckfest Peterborough, but I may well be wrong. Anyway you have to agree it is a excellent photo and I have to say I’m a massive fan of evening time show shots. Saying that I haven’t fairly perfected them as well as James has! Excellent photo James, congratulations. As promised I have the calendar and a handful of TB bits winging it’s way to Ipswich. I will adjust all the Blog header photos on the www, twitter and the FB page as part of the fantastic prestigious prize (may have more than carried out that a bit!).

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Calendar Comp Winner!!!

Pensions vs ISAs: We have a winner!

The government is scrapping tax on inherited pensions, however one more welcome policy modify. We appear at how pensions have been provided a new lease of life.

Until recently there was much debate over what was the best way to save for retirement.

The classic selection, pensions, were increasingly noticed as inflexible when compared with their a lot more modern day rival, ISAs.

ISA advantages

Cash paid into a pension had to be left untouched for years, decades even, and numerous folks had small selection but to get an annuity with their funds when they reached retirement.

An annuity is the financial product that turns your pension fund into a guaranteed standard earnings for the rest of your life.

ISAs, on the other hand, also presented tax benefits but could be dipped into early if necessary, and gave far more flexibility more than how to handle finances after retirement.

But since March this year, all this has changed.

‘Switch ISAs into pensions’;

In the spring budget, Chancellor George Osborne announced a string of pension reforms which will give savers a lot a lot more choice over how to fund their retirement.

And Osborne has now revealed he is organizing to abolish the punitive 55% tax price on pension savings passed on to family members right after the pension holder’;s death.

Pensions analyst Ros Altmann says the modifications – which come into effect April 2015 – imply many individuals could advantage from switching any ISA holdings into pensions.

As opposed to pensions, Altmann explains, “the ISA is not free of inheritance tax, it does not get tax relief up front and there is normally no employer contribution.

“The freedom to invest ISAs has now been at least partially extended to pensions.” 

Tax benefits

“Pensions are now the most tax-favoured and eye-catching long-term savings car for practically all of us,” she adds.

“With the new freedom and flexibility, you can save in a pension fund and get tax relief at your prime marginal rate [the highest rate at which you pay revenue tax].

“All gains you make are tax free of charge and then any money you never use from your fund whilst you are alive will go tax-free of charge to the subsequent generation.

“Even your own home suffers inheritance tax, but your pension passes on tax-totally free.”

What is changing?

From next year, it will be simpler for savers to maintain their pensions invested in the stock market, say, and take a typical revenue – a process known as drawdown.

This implies savers can benefit from future development in share rates, although they could equally endure if costs had been to fall.

There will be less obligation to get an annuity.

Purchasing an annuity is generally an irreversible choice: they have become unpopular due to this and the fact that rates are fairly low at present.

Annuities offer peace of thoughts

For several men and women, nonetheless, annuities do provide peace of thoughts and take away the risk of utilizing drawdown to fund retirement.

Below the new guidelines, it will be much less costly to take cash out of a pension following the age of 55 (due to the fact tax prices will be cut) and use it for other investments such as get-to-let home.

And the recent tax changes announced by the Chancellor imply that any cash nonetheless in the pension or in a drawdown scheme can be passed on as a tax-totally free inheritance if the holder dies.

Nonetheless, this tax-cost-free status only applies if the income is kept in a pension by the beneficiary – unless the original pension holder dies before the age of 75.

If the bequest is produced right after holder has turned 75 and the cash is taken out of the pension and spent, the sum will be taxed at the beneficiary’;s earnings tax rate.

Evaluate annuities – you could locate a great deal in minutes Get an annuities quote

Pensions vs ISAs: We have a winner!

Pensions vs ISAs: We have a winner!

The government is scrapping tax on inherited pensions, yet another welcome policy change. We appear at how pensions have been given a new lease of life.

Till lately there was much debate more than what was the best way to save for retirement.

The standard choice, pensions, were increasingly observed as inflexible when compared with their far more modern rival, ISAs.

ISA benefits

Money paid into a pension had to be left untouched for years, decades even, and many folks had small choice but to buy an annuity with their funds when they reached retirement.

An annuity is the economic solution that turns your pension fund into a guaranteed typical income for the rest of your life.

ISAs, on the other hand, also provided tax benefits but could be dipped into early if necessary, and gave far more flexibility over how to handle finances following retirement.

But given that March this year, all this has changed.

‘Switch ISAs into pensions’;

In the spring price range, Chancellor George Osborne announced a string of pension reforms which will give savers much a lot more selection over how to fund their retirement.

And Osborne has now revealed he is preparing to abolish the punitive 55% tax rate on pension savings passed on to loved ones members right after the pension holder’;s death.

Pensions analyst Ros Altmann says the adjustments – which come into effect April 2015 – imply several men and women could advantage from switching any ISA holdings into pensions.

As opposed to pensions, Altmann explains, “the ISA is not free of charge of inheritance tax, it does not get tax relief up front and there is usually no employer contribution.

“The freedom to commit ISAs has now been at least partially extended to pensions.” 

Tax benefits

“Pensions are now the most tax-favoured and appealing lengthy-term savings vehicle for nearly all of us,” she adds.

“With the new freedom and flexibility, you can save in a pension fund and get tax relief at your best marginal rate [the highest price at which you pay earnings tax].

“All gains you make are tax cost-free and then any money you do not use from your fund even though you are alive will go tax-cost-free to the next generation.

“Even your personal home suffers inheritance tax, but your pension passes on tax-free.”

What is altering?

From subsequent year, it will be less complicated for savers to keep their pensions invested in the stock market, say, and take a regular earnings – a method identified as drawdown.

This means savers can benefit from future growth in share costs, even though they could equally suffer if rates have been to fall.

There will be significantly less obligation to purchase an annuity.

Buying an annuity is normally an irreversible selection: they have turn into unpopular due to this and the reality that prices are comparatively low at present.

Annuities offer you peace of thoughts

For a lot of folks, however, annuities do supply peace of thoughts and take away the risk of employing drawdown to fund retirement.

Beneath the new rules, it will be significantly less expensive to take income out of a pension soon after the age of 55 (simply because tax prices will be cut) and use it for other investments such as get-to-let property.

And the current tax changes announced by the Chancellor mean that any income nonetheless in the pension or in a drawdown scheme can be passed on as a tax-free inheritance if the holder dies.

Nevertheless, this tax-cost-free status only applies if the funds is kept in a pension by the beneficiary – unless the original pension holder dies just before the age of 75.

If the bequest is created after holder has turned 75 and the cash is taken out of the pension and spent, the sum will be taxed at the beneficiary’;s revenue tax rate.

Evaluate annuities – you could locate a fantastic deal in minutes Get an annuities quote

Pensions vs ISAs: We have a winner!

Standard Bank People’s Wheels Awards Winner Announcement

The People Have Spoken

The Future Group, in association with Standard Bank Vehicle and Asset Finance, research house TNS Global and media partner Sunday Times, this morning proudly presented the 4th annual Standard Bank People’s Wheels Awards at the Montecasino Ballroom in 4ways.

The resounding voice of more than 60 000 votes determined which vehicles in 22 categories were considered to be the best by South Africa’s motoring public. Also revealed was an overall winner – the model which recorded the most votes of all to earn the title, People’s Choice – plus the country’s preferred fuel and replacement tyre brands.

Additionally, a nationwide survey of vehicle owners – which drew its biggest ever response – determined which automotive brands were deemed to deliver the highest levels of satisfaction. The results were announced by the master of ceremonies – comedian Nik Rabinowitz – to an audience of automotive leaders, associated service providers and car enthusiasts.

“Thank you to everyone that participated in the 4th series of the Standard Bank People’s Wheels Awards. This is an event in which all motorists can be heard and where every vote counts,” said Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance, Personal Markets, at Standard Bank.

He said voters could choose to be pragmatic and decide their choice on the basis of economic factors that had impacted the industry, selecting vehicles they believed helped to reduce operating and maintenance costs. “Alternatively, they may decide that their vehicles of choice should be aspirational cars with names no-one can pronounce,” he added.

“The competition gives car enthusiasts and those looking to decide on what car to purchase a broad overview of our dynamic market. As sponsors of this competition we will continue to share our passion for the industry with all our corporate and individual customers. Moreover, we we will always be on hand to finance vehicles and to help people’s motoring dreams come true,” he adds.

The People’s Choice – the vehicle which obtained the most votes of all in the People’s Wheels poll – was Ford’s Ranger Double-Cab. The leisure-styled bakkie – no stranger to accolades at the awards having taken victory last year in its category – made history this time around by becoming the first light commercial vehicle to win overall honours.

In terms of the greatest volume of wins, German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz dominated the top step of the podium by winning 8 categories – one more than last year. Volkswagen twice topped the category rankings, while BMW and Porsche scored one win each, bringing Germany’s tally of gold medals to 12. Land Rover, Toyota and Ford took 2 wins apiece, followed by Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Kia with one each.

Germany scored another category victory when tyre-maker Continental again topped the motoring public’s list of preferred tyre replacement brands while, in the preferred fuel brand category, reigning champion Engen took first prize.

Another winner was motorist David Millard of Cape Town, who was delighted to receive a cheque for R25 000 following a lucky draw involving all those who took part in the People’s Wheels vote or in the ownership survey.

As far as the latter project was concerned, a record number of responses saw Korean brand Kia – which last year finished third in the rankings – emerge victorious, supplanting Mercedes-Benz at the top of the honours list with Audi filling the final step on the podium.

The results of the survey present crucial insight for marketers and offer relevant and useful information to consumers regarding ownership perceptions of vehicle brands, as well as reliability, durability and loyalty factors.

Richard Rice, Director of Business Development at TNS Global said: “For motorists, the highest rated attributes were reliability, driving experience, looks and styling and build quality. Noise and vibration, ownership costs, cargo capacity and after sales service received the poorest scores – similar to previous years.

“After sales service, noise and vibration and standard features were singled out as factors performing well below where they should be given their relative positioning in terms of importance.”

He added: “The importance of age as a key influence in vehicle purchasing and maintenance behaviour cannot be emphasised enough. Also, again, the large role that others play in the purchase decision was highlighted, not only in terms of getting input from a friend, partner or spouse, but also people who drive a brand and advocate its merits.”

Full details of the People’s Wheels Awards are contained in the 2015 edition of the Auto Annual, which was launched at the event. The 288-page coffee-table book not only offers extensive reports on all aspects of the People’s Wheels project, but also presents an authoritative overview of South Africa’s automotive industry.

Further, the publication includes depreciation values of more than 1 600 vehicles which were sold new in South Africa in 2012, as well as a comprehensive buyers’ guide that encompasses all passenger and light commercial vehicles currently in showrooms.

Editor Wynter Murdoch said the aim of the Auto Annual was to highlight some of the rewards, issues and challenges that had influenced South Africa’s automotive industry over the year, putting into focus manufacturing, marketing and consumer related information of relevance to the passenger car and commercial vehicle segments.

WINNERS

CATEGORY 1 Budget Buys VOLKSWAGEN Polo Vivo KIA Picanto FORD Figo	CATEGORY 2 Compact Commuters KIA Rio AUDI A1/A1 Sportback VOLKSWAGEN Polo	CATEGORY 3 Compact Executive Cars MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class /CLA AUDI A3/Sedan/Sportback BMW 1-Series
CATEGORY 4 Family Friendly Cars MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class BMW 3-Series AUDI A4	CATEGORY 5 Mid-Sized Executive Cars MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class JAGUAR XF BMW 5-Series	CATEGORY 6 Premium Luxury Cars MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class JAGUAR XJ PORSCHE Panamera
CATEGORY 7 Super Luxury Cars ASTON MARTIN Rapide FERRARI F12 Berlinetta ROLLS ROYCE Ghost	CATEGORY 8 Sporty Drop Tops JAGUAR F-Type MERCEDES-BENZ SLK PORSCHE Boxster	CATEGORY 9 Super Sports Cars LAMBORGHINI Aventador AUDI R8 NISSAN GT-R
CATEGORY 10 Sport Coupés: 2-Door Hard Tops BMW 2-Series AUDI TT Coupé KIA Cerato Koup	CATEGORY 11 Premium Class Coupés PORSCHE Cayman AUDI A5 Coupe BMW 6-Series	CATEGORY 12 Hot Hatches/Sedans/Coupés MERCEDES-BENZ A45/CLA 45 AMG VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI AUDI S3
CATEGORY 13 Compact Mpvs & People Carriers VOLKSWAGEN Touran MERCEDES-BENZ B-Class TOYOTA Verso ;	CATEGORY 14 Large MPVs & People Carriers MERCEDES-BENZ Viano VOLKSWAGEN Kombi HYUNDAI H-1	CATEGORY 15 Small SUVs & Crossovers FORD Ecosport NISSAN Qashqai JEEP Compass ;
CATEGORY 16 Compact SUVs & Crossovers TOYOTA Fortuner KIA Sportage MERCEDES-BENZ GLA	CATEGORY 17 Premium Class SUVs & Crossovers LAND ROVER Range Rover Evoque AUDI Q5 PORSCHE Macan	CATEGORY 18 Luxury SUVs & Crossovers LAND ROVER Range Rover Sport PORSCHE Cayenne BMW X6
CATEGORY 19 Hybrids/Electrics 1. MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class Hybrid 2. PORSCHE Cayenne Hybrid 3. PORSCHE Panamera Hybrid	CATEGORY 20 Light Delivery Vehicles 1. MERCEDES-BENZ Vito Panel Van 2. HYUNDAI H-1 Panel Van 3. VOLKSWAGEN Caddy Panel Van	CATEGORY 21 Single Cab Bakkies 1. TOYOTA Hilux 2. FORD Ranger 3. NISSAN Navara
CATEGORY 22 Double Cab Bakkies 1. FORD Ranger 2. VOLKSWAGEN Amarok 3. TOYOTA Hilux	OWNERSHIP SURVEY KIA MERCEDES-BENZ AUDI	OVERALL WINNER: PEOPLE’S CHOICE FORD Ranger Double Cab

Standard Bank People’s Wheels Awards Winner Announcement

Pensions vs ISAs: We have a winner!

The government is scrapping tax on inherited pensions, yet another welcome policy modify. We appear at how pensions have been offered a new lease of life.

Until not too long ago there was much debate over what was the ideal way to save for retirement.

The standard selection, pensions, were increasingly noticed as inflexible when compared with their a lot more modern day rival, ISAs.

ISA positive aspects

Money paid into a pension had to be left untouched for years, decades even, and numerous men and women had little decision but to get an annuity with their funds when they reached retirement.

An annuity is the financial item that turns your pension fund into a assured normal revenue for the rest of your life.

ISAs, on the other hand, also supplied tax benefits but could be dipped into early if necessary, and gave more flexibility over how to manage finances right after retirement.

But given that March this year, all this has changed.

‘Switch ISAs into pensions’;

In the spring price range, Chancellor George Osborne announced a string of pension reforms which will give savers considerably far more selection over how to fund their retirement.

And Osborne has now revealed he is arranging to abolish the punitive 55% tax price on pension savings passed on to household members right after the pension holder’;s death.

Pensions analyst Ros Altmann says the alterations – which come into effect April 2015 – imply a lot of people could benefit from switching any ISA holdings into pensions.

In contrast to pensions, Altmann explains, “the ISA is not cost-free of inheritance tax, it does not get tax relief up front and there is typically no employer contribution.

“The freedom to spend ISAs has now been at least partially extended to pensions.” 

Tax rewards

“Pensions are now the most tax-favoured and attractive extended-term savings automobile for virtually all of us,” she adds.

“With the new freedom and flexibility, you can save in a pension fund and get tax relief at your leading marginal rate [the highest rate at which you spend earnings tax].

“All gains you make are tax totally free and then any cash you never use from your fund even though you are alive will go tax-free to the next generation.

“Even your own property suffers inheritance tax, but your pension passes on tax-totally free.”

What is altering?

From subsequent year, it will be easier for savers to preserve their pensions invested in the stock market, say, and take a standard revenue – a process known as drawdown.

This indicates savers can advantage from future development in share costs, though they could equally suffer if prices had been to fall.

There will be significantly less obligation to get an annuity.

Acquiring an annuity is usually an irreversible decision: they have grow to be unpopular due to this and the truth that rates are comparatively low at present.

Annuities supply peace of thoughts

For many men and women, nonetheless, annuities do provide peace of mind and take away the danger of employing drawdown to fund retirement.

Beneath the new rules, it will be much less expensive to take funds out of a pension right after the age of 55 (because tax prices will be reduce) and use it for other investments such as buy-to-let property.

And the recent tax alterations announced by the Chancellor imply that any cash nevertheless in the pension or in a drawdown scheme can be passed on as a tax-totally free inheritance if the holder dies.

However, this tax-free of charge status only applies if the cash is kept in a pension by the beneficiary – unless the original pension holder dies ahead of the age of 75.

If the bequest is created following holder has turned 75 and the funds is taken out of the pension and spent, the sum will be taxed at the beneficiary’;s revenue tax rate.

Examine annuities – you could uncover a fantastic deal in minutes Get an annuities quote

Pensions vs ISAs: We have a winner!