Thursday, September 5, 2013

Money Talks: executive pensions and consumer payback time

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Money Talks: executive pensions and consumer payback time

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A graph of the FTSE 100
FTSE 100 directors' pensions are 25 times those of other employees, and not related to performance. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Pensions inequality among workers is huge, according to research from the TUC. The union found that those at the top of the UK's largest companies have pension pots approaching £5m and are in line for annual pay outs of £260,000 a year – 25 times those of other employees. The news follows official figures released in the summer that showed in 2012 company schemes had fewer members than at any time since records began and is likely to reignite debate about executive rewards. Have your say below the article.

Do you know your rights when you buy something and it goes wrong? How about when you shop online? Having a handle on what you can and can't claim a refund for, who you need to approach to get your money back, and what to do if they refuse will help you make the most of your money. Watch our consumer correspondent Rebecca Smithers' video guide to getting your money back.

There's been another example of consumers getting their own back this week, with a US businessman taking aim at British Airways by using a promoted tweet. The action, which cost him $1,000, seems to have won him an apology – and the sympathy of lots of other airline passengers. After last week's tale of a man setting up a premium rate number to get his own back on cold callers, we are wondering if there are any more innovative ways to take on firms and win? Email money@theguardian.com if you have come up with any.

Also on the site this week

Should we take a risk on a more expensive house? Our mortgage expert has some advice.

Home cooking in decline as low-income households turn to ready meals.

The cost of dying has risen again – driving up the rate of "funeral poverty".

Daft deal

Weetabix daft deal Photograph: waitingforcustard

This deal really takes the biscuit, although as contributor waitingforcustard notes, it is a nice round number to save. Don't get me started on the apostrophe though …

We would love to hear from you if you have seen similar silly offers. Send your pictures to money@theguardian.com or via GuardianWitness. The best will be in Saturday's Guardian Money section.

Real deals

• Whether you're looking to remortgage or buy a house, get fee-free expert mortgage advice from our partner London & Country Mortgages. Have a look at our mortgage best-buys tables and book a call back.

• You can also get more information about mortgages from our free guide. Download it here.

That's all this week.

Hilary Osborne, editor guardian.co.uk/money

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