Even more important, however, is to discuss how you will pay for college ahead of time with a financial planning or tax professional so that you can coordinate ahead of time how to best pay for college using the income and assets that you have, and still be eligible to claim the full amount of college tax credits that you are eligible for.

FORBES: College Tax Credit: The $2,500 American Opportunity Tax Credit

Less stringent rules for qualifying for the basic pension will help women, many of whom do not make enough contributions during their working lives to claim the full amount, usually because of taking time off to raise children.

ECONOMIST: A new state pension

In 2008 the council settled with Mr Bullock, now 38, agreeing to accept 72.5% of his full claim value, but the final compensation amount was approved by the High Court earlier this week following years of negotiations between both parties.

BBC: Man wins damages for brain injury in Haringey pothole fall