287 August 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

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The Advertizer
How to avoid Pension Scams
Opportunities for Modern
Apprentices
Young people hoping to join Inverclyde Council’s successful Modern
Apprentice scheme have until Sunday 5th August to apply.
The Council is looking for committed young people to fill eight vacancies in
business and administration.
Environment and Regeneration Convener Councillor Michael McCormick
said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for any young person to learn real skills
and gain invaluable experience - and opportunity is everything in today’s
job market.
“Modern Apprenticeships really can offer a head-start when it comes to
employability and I hope as many young people as possible put themselves
forward.”
As a Modern Apprentice, the young person holds ‘employed trainee status’,
which means they are paid the appropriate MA rate for the job – earning
while they are learning.
Inverclyde Council is one of the largest employers in the area and is inviting
applications for a number of Modern Apprenticeship training opportunities,
which will be advertised within the local press.
Young people aged between 16 and 19 and who live in Inverclyde are
eligible to apply.
Further information and application forms can be found at https://www.
myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/inverclyde-council/jobs/modern-apprentice-
%E2%80%93-business-administration-8-posts-temp-ref-reg-ma-ba2-
123717
Closing date for applications is Sunday 5th August 2018.
Our new sister magazine INSight
Being delivered next week to: Kilmacolm ● Quarriers ● Houston
Bridge Of Weir ● Brookfield ● Kilbarchan
visit www.advertizer.co.uk/insight to view the issue online
To advertise with us call 01505 613340 or email info@advertizer.co.uk
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FREE COPY
INSIGHT
A lifestyle magazine for the Gryffe area
ISSUE 1
THE INTERVIEW
Local actor Andy McAlindon
talks to us about Outlander
and his Highlander
Tours company.
Our Top 5
Summer
Day Trips
Fashion • Food • Family • Features • Travel • Reviews
Covers are for illustrative purposes only.
FREE COPY
INSIGHT
A lifestyle magazine for the Gryffe area
ISSUE 2
THE
INTERVIEW
Local person
gives us the low
down on all the
up-coming styles
for this season.
WIN COOL
STUFF!
Luxury items up
for grabs inside!
Fashion • Food • Family • Travel • What’s on • Reviews
FREE COPY
INSIGHT
A lifestyle magazine for the Gryffe area
WEDDING SPECIAL
Your magical
day at Local
Luxury Hotel
Fashion • Food • Family • Travel • What’s on • Reviews
by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd
An alarming number of pension scams are being reported with some people
losing their entire pension pots to fraudsters. The Pension Regulator,
Action Fraud and others are urging you to beware of the risks of losing your
retirement fund to pension fraud.
So, what should you look out for?
Beware cold callers – don’t take unsolicited calls from providers offering
a “free pension review”. Register your phone numbers with the telephone
preference service to block cold calls and perhaps download TPS Protect
app to your mobile phone - see https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/
Don’t assume its official – Official bodies such as The Pension Advisory
Service, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Pension Wise will never
initiate contact with you. If you receive an email or text purporting to be
from such a Government body, it is likely to be a scam.
Beware early release – an offer to access your pension before age 55
should be a red flag. For many people, taking pension benefi ts before this
age will result in an unauthorised payment tax charge due to the UK tax
man.
Too good to be true – It’s an old adage but if an investment opportunity
sounds too good, it probably is – always get evidence to support any claims
made by those offering investment opportunities.
Hurry while stocks last – Scammers will seek to exploit your wish not to
lose out and will apply pressure to buy now before the chance is gone. No
investment opportunity is so time critical that it cannot wait until you have
fully considered it – don’t be rushed into a decision.
Beware illiquid investments – Many scams involve investment in illiquid
assets such as property or land developments. Often these assets don’t
exist but by the time you find this out, your money is gone.
Overseas opportunities – UK regulations are robust, and many scammers
operate from outside the UK where laws are less stringent. Be very careful
about dealing with an overseas adviser.
Check out your adviser – Check the FCA register to make sure your
adviser is regulated. Google your adviser to see if there are any negative
comments or concerns about scams and google maps to see the adviser’s
office.
This information is not financial advice. If you require advice you should
consult a professional adviser. The first meeting is normally free and there
is no obligation.
Call us for a FREE financial review on 01505 59 50 60 or email: info@
affl uentfp.co.uk Alternatively, pop into the Affl uent offi ce opposite Amaretto
restaurant on Main Street, Bridge of Weir. www.affl uentfp.co.uk
Weir Networking
Weir Networking Business events are now held quarterly, on a Wednesday
in Amaretto, Bridge of Weir.
There will be a break over summer, returning on Wednesday 12th
September. Breakfast starts at 9.30am with a cover charge of £5.
Please email colin@magifilms.co.uk or visit their facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/Weir-Networking-350783798430333/
We look forward to welcoming you all.
Deadline date for our September issue - Friday 17th August - you don’t want to miss it!!