The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word PENSIONS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
E
N
S
I
O
N
S
More clues leading to the result PENSIONS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Funds for the old" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case funds for the old = pensions.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PENSIONS mean?
PENSIONS noun- An annuity paid regularly as benefit due to a retired employee, serviceman etc. in consideration of past services, originally and chiefly by a government but also by various private pension schemes.
- A boarding house or small hotel, especially in continental Europe, which typically offers lodging and certain meals and services.
- A wage or fee.
- A charge or expense of some kind; a tax.
- A sum paid to a clergyman in place of tithes.
- A regular allowance paid to support a royal favourite, or as patronage of an artist or scholar.
- A boarding school in France, Belgium, Switzerland, etc.
- To grant a pension to.
- To force (someone) to retire on a pension.