At Retirement
It can be difficult to understand your options at retirement. In this section, we have explained some common retirement options in plain simple language. This information is intended only as guidance. For advice on your specific circumstances, please get in touch.
Why Do I Need a Pension?
When you retire, your basic needs—such as food, housing, and daily living—don’t go away. But retirement isn’t just about survival; it’s about maintaining the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to build. Unless you're expecting a significant inheritance or unexpected windfall, you’ll need to create a reliable income stream to support you for the rest of your life.
A well-structured pension plan, reviewed regularly, is one of the most effective ways to help secure your financial future and maintain independence throughout retirement.
The key is to take action as early as possible. The earlier you start, the more time your pension has to grow. And if you’ve already started saving, now is a great time to review your current arrangements and ensure they’re aligned with your goals.
How Much Will I Need in Retirement?
That depends on you—your lifestyle, your plans, and your personal goals.
Ask yourself:
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What kind of lifestyle do I want in retirement?
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What will my daily and monthly living costs be?
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Will I want to travel, take up new hobbies, or support family?
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What expenses will reduce or disappear (e.g. mortgage repayments, children’s expenses)?
Once you have a rough figure in mind, it’s wise to add a buffer for the unexpected emergencies, or inflation. And don’t forget: pensions are taxable, so you’ll need to factor in Income Tax when estimating your required income.
I Already Have a Pension—So I’m Fine, Right?
Not necessarily.
Having a pension is a great start, but it’s just as important to review your plan regularly to make sure it’s still on track. Life changes, and so do your goals and circumstances. It’s crucial to understand whether your current plan will provide the retirement income you’re expecting.
If you’re part of a workplace pension scheme, request a benefits statement from your employer or the pension provider. If you're unsure, we can help assess your current provisions and offer recommendations to help you stay on course.
For personal pensions, factors like contribution levels, investment performance, and charges all affect the final outcome. As your pension pot grows, every percentage point of return becomes more significant—potentially worth thousands of pounds. That’s why regular advice and active management are so important.
We’re here to help you review your plan, assess its performance, and adjust your strategy as needed.
What Type of Pension Should I Have?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best pension plan for you will depend on:
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Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or a company director
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The pension schemes available through your employer (if any)
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Your financial goals, time until retirement, and risk tolerance
We can help you understand your options and choose the right pension type for your circumstances.