P203 CJJFAX 203 Sun 3 Mar 20:44/49 1/3 ANNUITIES O Annuities can include a number of options suitable for different personal circumstances: Payment Mode Normblly annuities are paid monthly in advance. Advance implies you receive the payment at the start of the pjtiod; arrears at the ind. "There are many options available with annuities so it is important to take professional advice to ensure the correct options are selected," advises William Burrows at London-based IFA, Annuity Direct. Selection of Annuity Rates 270 +pdati Arrivals Stocks UT PanelP203 CJJFAX 203 Sun 3 Mar 20:48/29 2/3 ANNUITIES O Few people are aware that they can increase the value of their pension by buying the best annuities through the Open Market Option. You do not usually have to take the annuity from the company with which you have the pension fund. "The open market option appears to bj a closely guarded secret and many people are losing out by as much as 20% of their pensions by not shopping around for the best pension," according to 'illiam Burrows of IFA, Annuity Direct, specialists in the field. Selection of Annuity Rates 270 Mortgage and Savings Guide 260 +pdati Arrivals Stocks UT PanelP203 CJJFAX 203 Sun 3 Mar 20:44/39 3/3 ANNUITIES O Pension annuity rates vary from company to company and tend to change frequently. Annuity rates have fallen since sterling left the ERM giving a poorer deal to pjnsionjrs with personal pension plans. The most important influence on annuity rates are the yields on Govjrnmjnt long-dated gilts. The recent fall in base rates (currently 6.25)) has prompted savers to move into gilts offering a fixed return, resulting in lower yields. Selection of Annuity Rbtes 270 Update Arrivals Stocks UT Panel