Ashley's blog

Ashley Shepherd is the founder and managing director at Over50choices. With over 30 years’ experience in financial services, he has held senior roles in building societies, banks and insurance companies.

Equity Release myths debunked

Equity release schemes have received their fair share of bad press in the past. Any comment to the effect that they might not be for everyone has been seized on as meaning that they are really for no one - these and other myths are just that ndash; simply not true.

22nd Apr 2018

Why make a Will?

If you do not write a Will, you have no control over what happens to your estate ndash; all your possessions, property, and money ndash; after you die. Without a Will, you are said to have died ldquo;intestaterdquo;, and your surviving relatives and friends are likely to be left with anguishing decisions ndash; not to mention time and hassle ndash; about the distribution of your assets.

More bad press for ‘Cheap Prepaid Funeral Plans’ Image

20th Apr 2018

More bad press for ‘Cheap Prepaid Funeral Plans’

A report exposing how cheap funeral plans can leave families with more to pay has hit the headlines again today threatening to tarnish the funeral plan industryrsquo;s reputation however this is not necessarily a bad thing.nbsp;

Rip off energy bills coming to an end? Image

16th Apr 2018

Rip off energy bills coming to an end?

It is always welcome news when a government carries through on one of its election pledges ndash; especially one that is likely to affect millions of ordinary people.

10th Apr 2018

Long term care pensions

Once you pass the age of 60 your worries are likely to be less about the inevitability of death, but the extent, length and cost of long-term care as you enter old age.

Car insurance renewal due? Don't get caught out! Image

05th Apr 2018

Car insurance renewal due? Don't get caught out!

If you own or drive a car, your current motor insurance expires sometime this year. When the renewal letter drops through your letterbox, you are almost certain to be greeted with the unwelcome news that you are going to be paying more.

Health insurance and your holidays Image

24th Mar 2018

Health insurance and your holidays

Beware, however, that all the benefits of your medical insurance plan are unlikely to provide any comfort or security at all once you travel abroad on business or on holiday.nbsp;

Can I use my home as my pension pot? Image

20th Mar 2018

Can I use my home as my pension pot?

The simple answer to that question is yes you can ndash; and there are plenty of homeowners who bear witness to the fact.nbsp;Although a more recent report by retirement specialists Advantage found that fewer people in the UK are considering using their property for an income in retirement.

15th Mar 2018

How do I cope with grief?

The death of someone close to us typically releases very personal emotions. Coping with grief is likely to vary considerably from one person to another and from one time to another.

Does home insurance cost less when you're over 50? Image

07th Mar 2018

Does home insurance cost less when you're over 50?

Certainly, cheap home insurance does not have to be a thing of the past simply because you have reached your 50rsquo;s

28th Feb 2018

Later life planning

In the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) - a man now aged 65 may expect to live a further 18.5 years and a woman 20.9 years. 20 years of life in retirement may prove difficult for many people to fund.nbsp;

How to choose the best car insurance plan Image

27th Feb 2018

How to choose the best car insurance plan

Essential as your car insurance may be, unfortunately the cost continues to rise. In a story dated the 27th of January 2018, the Guardian newspaper reported figures compiled both by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the AA to show that the price of the average car insurance premium has reached an all-time highnbsp;