Ruston Smith
@rustonasmith.bsky.social
Passionate about helping people in need and to save for today and tomorrow. Simple Yorkshire lad that loves sport and being outdoors, mainly in water.
Reposted by Ruston Smith
We cannot allow tomorrow’s retirees to be poorer than today’s - which is what we are on track for. So we are reviving the Pensions Commission to set Britain on a different course www.gov.uk/government/n...
Government revives landmark Pensions Commission to confront retirement crisis that risks tomorrow’s pensioners being poorer than today’s
Millions of people could benefit from a more secure retirement as the Government today [Monday 21 July 2025] revives the landmark Pensions Commission to examine why tomorrow’s pensioners are on track ...
www.gov.uk
July 21, 2025 at 10:35 AM
We cannot allow tomorrow’s retirees to be poorer than today’s - which is what we are on track for. So we are reviving the Pensions Commission to set Britain on a different course www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Ruston Smith
My thoughts for the Telegraph today on why we need to do more to help younger people not end up as renters in retirement- including looking at controversial ideas such as early access to pension pots for deposits… www.telegraph.co.uk/money/proper...
Let young people buy houses with their pensions to avoid a retirement crisis
Labour has a unique opportunity to tackle an issue neglected for too long
www.telegraph.co.uk
July 19, 2025 at 5:24 PM
My thoughts for the Telegraph today on why we need to do more to help younger people not end up as renters in retirement- including looking at controversial ideas such as early access to pension pots for deposits… www.telegraph.co.uk/money/proper...
Great article by Sir Steve. We should consider the learnings from international savings models that like the US, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia support everyday people on lifetime savings up to and in retirement. Great opportunity to create a sustainable system for the future
My thoughts for the Telegraph today on why we need to do more to help younger people not end up as renters in retirement- including looking at controversial ideas such as early access to pension pots for deposits… www.telegraph.co.uk/money/proper...
Let young people buy houses with their pensions to avoid a retirement crisis
Labour has a unique opportunity to tackle an issue neglected for too long
www.telegraph.co.uk
July 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Great article by Sir Steve. We should consider the learnings from international savings models that like the US, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia support everyday people on lifetime savings up to and in retirement. Great opportunity to create a sustainable system for the future
Reposted by Ruston Smith
Great to meet the Nelson Trust's team in Swansea, to hear how they support women in our city and beyond.
The support on offer isn't one-size-fits all, but anyone in need can expect a welcoming safe space with a washing machine and showers, and a passionate team that go the extra mile to help.
The support on offer isn't one-size-fits all, but anyone in need can expect a welcoming safe space with a washing machine and showers, and a passionate team that go the extra mile to help.
July 11, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Great to meet the Nelson Trust's team in Swansea, to hear how they support women in our city and beyond.
The support on offer isn't one-size-fits all, but anyone in need can expect a welcoming safe space with a washing machine and showers, and a passionate team that go the extra mile to help.
The support on offer isn't one-size-fits all, but anyone in need can expect a welcoming safe space with a washing machine and showers, and a passionate team that go the extra mile to help.
Reposted by Ruston Smith
For those who are interested in such things, a surprising piece of research by HMRC published today, testing the attitudes of employers to 'hypothetical' cuts in 'salary sacrifice' for pensions. Feels like this just went up the agenda for Autumn Budget cuts! www.gov.uk/government/p...
Understanding the attitudes and behaviours of employers towards salary sacrifice for pensions
www.gov.uk
May 27, 2025 at 12:17 PM
For those who are interested in such things, a surprising piece of research by HMRC published today, testing the attitudes of employers to 'hypothetical' cuts in 'salary sacrifice' for pensions. Feels like this just went up the agenda for Autumn Budget cuts! www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Ruston Smith
Post match analysis of PMI Conference with Bobby Riddaway henrytapper.com/2025/03/17/p... It’s good to see Bobby still smiling after Liverpool went down to Dan Burn and his fellow Geordies yesterday.
Post match analysis of PMI Conference with Bobby Riddaway
It’s good to see Bobby still smiling after Liverpool went down to Dan Burn and his fellow Geordies yesterday. REMINDER 🟣 Pension PlayPen PMI Conference 2025 🔵 Post Match Analysis – key …
henrytapper.com
March 17, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Post match analysis of PMI Conference with Bobby Riddaway henrytapper.com/2025/03/17/p... It’s good to see Bobby still smiling after Liverpool went down to Dan Burn and his fellow Geordies yesterday.
Looks lovely. PB water ski-ing this week but not running I’m afraid - too slow!
Lovely views of the seafront from today's parkrun. Anyone manage a PB this week?
March 15, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Looks lovely. PB water ski-ing this week but not running I’m afraid - too slow!
Reposted by Ruston Smith
Latest episode of V-FM pensions has just landed with the one and only @rustonasmith.bsky.social. Take a listen: www.podbean.com/eas/pb-uutiu.... Great chat!
VFM Pensions #108: Every little helps - Ruston Smith
In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren talk to Ruston Smith. Ruston was formerly Director of Pensions at Tesco and now holds several non-exec roles at pension funds, asset managers, p...
www.podbean.com
March 15, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Latest episode of V-FM pensions has just landed with the one and only @rustonasmith.bsky.social. Take a listen: www.podbean.com/eas/pb-uutiu.... Great chat!
It was a real pleasure to talk to Darren and Nico about a wide range of issues. Thank you for inviting me on your show
Latest episode of V-FM pensions has just landed with the one and only @rustonasmith.bsky.social. Take a listen: www.podbean.com/eas/pb-uutiu.... Great chat!
VFM Pensions #108: Every little helps - Ruston Smith
In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren talk to Ruston Smith. Ruston was formerly Director of Pensions at Tesco and now holds several non-exec roles at pension funds, asset managers, p...
www.podbean.com
March 15, 2025 at 7:18 AM
It was a real pleasure to talk to Darren and Nico about a wide range of issues. Thank you for inviting me on your show
Means testing the State Pension would also create a disincentive to remain in AE and to save for retirement
There’s being bold and there’s being plain bonkers. No-one who thinks for 5 minutes can believe means testing the state pension is a good idea - but that is what Kemi Badenoch says she’s up for
January 17, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Means testing the State Pension would also create a disincentive to remain in AE and to save for retirement
Agreed. Need to provide certainty on State Pension entitlement so that it’s the foundation upon which people can build and plan. Means testing would be like putting quick sand right across retirement benefits. Need to support people - not make life even more complicated and uncertain
There’s being bold and there’s being plain bonkers. No-one who thinks for 5 minutes can believe means testing the state pension is a good idea - but that is what Kemi Badenoch says she’s up for
January 17, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Agreed. Need to provide certainty on State Pension entitlement so that it’s the foundation upon which people can build and plan. Means testing would be like putting quick sand right across retirement benefits. Need to support people - not make life even more complicated and uncertain
Many congratulations! We’re looking forward to supporting and working with you Torsten. Lots of opportunity!
It’s been a busy 24 hours… Absolutely delighted to start work as the Pensions Minister - with two amazing bosses in Rachel Reeves and Liz Kendall. Many thanks for all the kind messages
January 15, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Many congratulations! We’re looking forward to supporting and working with you Torsten. Lots of opportunity!
I totally agree Steve. @torstenbell.skyb.social experience and understanding of our society and its challenges from the Resolution Foundation will be really helpful in building on the work by Emma Reynolds. A clear vision and plan is critical so we can move forwards.
Big congratulations to @torstenbell.bsky.social on his meteoric rise to Ministerial office! He will bring a lot of expertise to the brief which will help him to get up and running quickly. Even so, don't under-estimate the challenge of becoming a Minister for the first time, esp in 2 Departments!
January 15, 2025 at 12:11 PM
I totally agree Steve. @torstenbell.skyb.social experience and understanding of our society and its challenges from the Resolution Foundation will be really helpful in building on the work by Emma Reynolds. A clear vision and plan is critical so we can move forwards.
Reposted by Ruston Smith
The nice people at This is Money have kindly compiled a ‘greatest hits’ of my columns answering readers’ pensions questions during 2024 - see what you think! www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensio...
Six of the most important pension questions of 2024: STEVE WEBB
Our popular agony uncle Steve Webb has now celebrated the publication of his 400th pension column. Read some of his best columns of 2024...
www.thisismoney.co.uk
December 27, 2024 at 4:50 PM
The nice people at This is Money have kindly compiled a ‘greatest hits’ of my columns answering readers’ pensions questions during 2024 - see what you think! www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensio...
The best, Ian
December 24, 2024 at 4:21 PM
The best, Ian
I agree that the industry could take the lead and we do need to think more broadly than pensions, Andrew. There are areas we could improve, the Lifetime Savings Initiative is an example, but we’ll require a few regulatory changes. @jamesbarham1963.bsky.social @stevewebb1.bsky.social
Perhaps the industry could take the lead, although they will need to think wider than “pensions” and think of all income levels.
December 15, 2024 at 12:30 PM
I agree that the industry could take the lead and we do need to think more broadly than pensions, Andrew. There are areas we could improve, the Lifetime Savings Initiative is an example, but we’ll require a few regulatory changes. @jamesbarham1963.bsky.social @stevewebb1.bsky.social
Agreed. Had the opportunity to agree a lot term plan to get us to where we need to be - providing confidence, visibility and time to plan
As per my quote in the article ‘deeply depressing’ news of yet more delay in tackling inadequate rates of pension savings in the UK: www.ft.com/content/d102...
Rachel Reeves puts pensions review on hold to avoid extra burden on UK business
Some experts argue current savings rates will leave people without adequate retirement pots
www.ft.com
December 14, 2024 at 3:51 PM
Agreed. Had the opportunity to agree a lot term plan to get us to where we need to be - providing confidence, visibility and time to plan
Reposted by Ruston Smith
www.ft.com/content/d102... - 2nd pension review sorting out inadequate pension contributions kicked into long grass - an inevitable consequence of the Budget NI employer contribution hike.
Rachel Reeves puts pensions review on hold to avoid extra burden on UK business
Some experts argue current savings rates will leave people without adequate retirement pots
www.ft.com
December 14, 2024 at 11:48 AM
www.ft.com/content/d102... - 2nd pension review sorting out inadequate pension contributions kicked into long grass - an inevitable consequence of the Budget NI employer contribution hike.
A real opportunity missed to consult on and announce necessary contribution increases and to agree fair and sensible future dates of implementation - allowing employers to plan - with no surprises
www.ftadviser.com/stephanie-ha... my budget prediction hits the nail on the head as DWP/HMRC postpone the 2nd pension review on pensions adequacy @FT today @moorgatemermaid.bsky.social
'Plans for AE could be under threat after Budget surprises'
With the Budget done, if not quite dusted, HM Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions can turn again to progressing its joint departmental Pension Review currently under way.
www.ftadviser.com
December 14, 2024 at 3:49 PM
A real opportunity missed to consult on and announce necessary contribution increases and to agree fair and sensible future dates of implementation - allowing employers to plan - with no surprises
Reposted by Ruston Smith
Googling Stuff: Then v Now.
December 11, 2024 at 5:15 PM
Googling Stuff: Then v Now.
A new government doing a 'pensions review' should be able to look holistically not just at saving for a pension, but saving for a house and saving for life's emergencies. Maybe even a single product / system? As discussed here by @rustonasmith.bsky.social www.pensions-pmi.org.uk/resources/pm...
Schroders and PMI Lifetime Savings Initiative - The Pensions Management Institute
Schroders and PMI Lifetime Savings Initiative - The Pensions Management Institute is the largest and most recognisable professional body in the UK for pensions professionals, supporting over 6,500 mem...
www.pensions-pmi.org.uk
December 3, 2024 at 3:47 PM
This is also supported by the extensive research and conclusion of the Lifetime Savings Initiative, Stephanie - done by the PMI, Schroders and its partners.
December 3, 2024 at 3:46 PM
This is also supported by the extensive research and conclusion of the Lifetime Savings Initiative, Stephanie - done by the PMI, Schroders and its partners.
Welcome. I’m one of those Paul. Been supporting #LUFC since before Billy Bremner captained Leeds - and I do pensions and asset management stuff
November 26, 2024 at 11:00 PM
Welcome. I’m one of those Paul. Been supporting #LUFC since before Billy Bremner captained Leeds - and I do pensions and asset management stuff
Thank you Mike. Good to be here.
The migration continues as @rustonasmith.bsky.social joins Bluesky and the UK pensions industry social media heartland!
go.bsky.app/VpP5UpD
go.bsky.app/VpP5UpD
November 23, 2024 at 8:01 AM
Thank you Mike. Good to be here.