Future Generations Expected to Be Less Well Off Than Their Parents

Over the course of the last few generations each generation has had more disposable income, relatively speaking, than the last. This trend could soon change though. Those currently in their 30's and 40's are expected to follow this pattern and be better off than their parents, but their children are, on average, expected to be less well off.

According to a PWC study, those born in 1993 will be 25% poorer when they retire than those born in 1963.

Those born in 1963 were able to buy a home earlier, at the age of 29 on average, and benefited from rapid increases in the value of their homes. They had no student debt and many are likely to be able to retire early.

Those born in 1993 are likely to have a higher real income but they are also likely to spend more. The PWC study states that it is expected they will be able to buy their first home by the age of 35 on average. This could be higher, though, as the average is already more than that now. Many of those born in 1993 will have student loans to pay off. They will also live longer so their retirement pot must last longer.

So why is the trend of each generation turning? The wealth gap between each generation is already narrowing in relative terms. Pensions and property could be two key factors.

Pensions are getting worse. Fewer people are paying into a pension fund at all, and this problem is increasing with people living longer. So while bigger pension pots are needed, pension contributions are actually going down. This is already a problem for some who have retired and will likely get worse in the future unless something is done to revert this.

Property has risen sharply in the last few decades. With each generation benefiting more, each generation has become wealthier than the last. It has been easier to obtain a mortgage than it is likely to be in the future. Many house prices have now got to a stage where they have become unaffordable to many young people so getting on the housing ladder is become harder. Increases are also likely to be less in the future so future generations may make less on the property market.

A current issue is that wages are not rising comparably to inflation. So things are costing more relative to what people are earning.

Each generation since world war two has been wealthier than the previous, but this difference is becoming less. The tide is turning and those born now are likely to be less well off as adults than their parents.

Can parents help protect their children from what could be a decline in living standard? The answer is yes, if parents have disposable income they could save it on behalf of their children. The best way to protect against inflation could be to invest it, for example in a Junior ISA. The Junior ISA is the new savings scheme for children, whereby parents can make investments on behalf of their children where gains will not be taxed.

Volunteering Services Give a Life to Destitute Societies

Before we begin our virtuous journey throwing light on the most appreciated diverse aspects of volunteering services, let's get acquainted with the word "volunteering."

What exactly volunteering is? How it proves to be advantageous for neglected people?

The answers to the above mentioned questions would differ on the perception of several individuals that have truly had the time of their lives or are working for an organization that vigorously deals with volunteering services. Taking an active part in such sanctimonious services is equivalent to serving the Almighty who has created the universe under which we dwell in. We should try to grasp the fact that all are equal in the eyes of God and those who have been adversely impacted by the aftermath of diverse catastrophes and are left poverty-stricken should be taken care of as they too have the privilege to lead their neglected lives in a well deserved manner. There is a plethora of organizations that deal with such pious services and offer an opportunity to those individuals that without any selfish motive work towards the development of the deprived communities.

In uncomplicated words, "Volunteering" is opting for the services that include sharing of time and knowledge with people hailing from under-privileged community, which have not had a close encounter with various things in terms of health, education, housing, shelter, nourishment and the list goes on. Nothing can prove to be more pleasing and rewarding than involving in volunteering services where you get to mingle with people from diverse and ethnic backgrounds. You can seriously visualize that it really showers on you the immense pleasure when you are dancing your way around with people from different cultures that you might not be aware of.

There are several volunteering programs available that comprehensively expand your horizon. These finest programs pose a great opportunity to those certain people who think that they can justly transform the world into a better place and can bring a change in the society after sharing their time and knowledge with the poor societies. The obligation of a volunteer is to serve. We serve because we choose to and create a positive impact in the world. Volunteering indeed is such an exceptional thing where everyone who opts for it, reaps the diverse benefits such as the work experience, establishing a network with new people, enhances your poise, improves your social and communication skills, and last but not the least, helps you relieve off the stress.

Go Voluntouring is an organization that provides diverse opportunities to individuals that are willing to undertake Volunteering services in another country and contribute their skills and knowledge to less-privileged people. They gladly accept Volunteering services for the development of deprived communities.

Proposals for the Regeneration of Blackburn in Lancashire

Following the closure of the 'old' market in Blackburn as the prospects of the 'new' market underneath the Mall is as yet unknown, although we hope it thrives, as Blackburn surely needs this. What are the options for the old market site? There is a concern that Blackburn with Darwen council will fall into the trap of allowing one of the big supermarket chains to redevelop the site. Does the centre of Blackburn need another supermarket? Should we fall for the cash cow again? We need differentiation and variety.

How about Blackburn council being brave and creating spaces that give the town a real unique selling point to attract visitors and business to the town? We believe a modern and attractive outdoor market and new restaurant quarter may be part of a brave and innovative solution.

The town could create stall space under a modern covering that can host regular markets. Examples of markets include Fresh Produce and Food, Farmers' Markets, Charity Markets, Antique Markets, Continental Markets. How exciting and attractive to visitors would this be?

A further suggestion includes a restaurant quarter with many units that are on sensible rents and rates to really attract business. How about offering lower rents to local entrepreneurs, so we don't just end up with the standard national chains? We could also create small retail units on the same basis for local business.

Most of all, create decent parking on the space that is free after 5pm everyday to encourage people to visit the restaurant quarter.

We need thinking beyond the standard and should resist the offers of another supermarket. Let's make our town different, vibrant and exciting. Be brave! Like our Facebook post and page to join the campaign.

Following the news story that the former Cheers Bar on King William Street has had their licence revoked following an appalling range of alcohol related violence and under-age drinking, is this the end for Blackburn as an evening destination?

Looking back 10 or 20 years ago, Blackburn had a thriving evening economy, with places such as Peppermint Place, Manhattan Heights, Coconut Grove, Daniels and many more. People used to travel from miles around to visit the busy town centre. Now this isn't necessarily the kind of evening economy the town needs and a thriving restaurant and bar culture that is family friendly should surely be the aim of everyone.

It is testament to the sorry state of the evening culture in Blackburn that restaurants such as Pizza Hut, KFC and Tiggi's have not been able to survive in Blackburn town centre. In fact, Darwen probably has a wider choice of restaurants than Blackburn. The closure of The Mall in the evenings, although understandable, also creates a solid block of 'no access' right in the heart of town. The redevelopment of The Mall and the market may well have increased footfall during the day, but there is nothing to entice those extra people to stay longer. The redevelopment of the Cathedral Quarter appears to have stalled and is quickly running out of time and the empty Margo Grimshaw flats development add to the frustration.

Blackburn with Darwen Council currently have a golden opportunity in their hands. The former site of the market is a massive area at the heart of the town centre which is awaiting redevelopment. It has been reported that The Mall is one of the handful of companies bidding to develop this large area. The council will decide which of the bidders will get to develop this area but we have long recommended an alternative. Blackburn town centre needs a unique selling point and the addition of more chain stores or, even worse, another supermarket will not add to Blackburn's attractiveness for their evening offering.

Blackburn Council should put the proposals for redevelopment to the public, so that we can all have a say in how our town centre moves forward. The death of the nighttime culture suggests that the choices of redevelopment in the past have not solved the problem and something as vital as this massive redevelopment needs as wide a consultation as possible.