Cashpoints: State pension age could rise to 66 in six years' time

This week's top stories • State pension age could rise to 66 in 2016 for men, eight years earlier than previously expected. The government is also considering bringing forward a rise to age 68. The TUC says that raising the state pension age will hit the less well-off more than the rich, who have a longer life expectancy. • The budget: George Osborne's emergency budget will see 700,000 more taxpayers in the highest tax band following changes to the personal allowance. While basic rate taxpayers will benefit, the higher rate tax threshold is likely to start on those with an income above £42,375 rather than the current £43,875. • Also in the budget, it was confirmed that child tax credits would be cut and child benefit frozen. The single-parent organisation Gingerbread said a family having a second child could be over £1,200 worse off this year. Feature The food taster Imagine doing a job where you can eat all you want, all day, and get paid for it. Then imagine your food range is limited to cereal and ryebread. Meet Jordans and Ryvita's taste and development manager Kirsten Hoskissen. Ask the experts: Homebuying Question of the week: Our offer on a house has been accepted. But the agents did not take the house off their website. Now the sellers have demanded an extra £15,000 . Our solicitor advises we pursue the estate agent. What do you advise? Our homebuying expert Virginia Wallis says: You are right to be worried. The agent has no legal obligation to take a property off the market. The sad fact is that sellers are free to change their minds and go back on an agreed price. • Any questions? Email our panel of experts on financial concerns, consumer gripes, legal wrangles, debt worries and career-related problems at [email protected] Tools Compare iPhone4 deals. The much-hyped iPhone 4 is now available over the counter. Marc Lockley compares the basic tariff of each provider and tariffs that offer the iPhone 4 for free.