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Using your pension for your retirement

You've saved for retirement, now it's time to use your pension. Get expert advice on creating a secure income, funding your goals, and using your 25% tax-free cash wisely.

Turn your pension savings into the retirement you've envisioned

Expert advice on using your pension to create a secure income, fund your lifestyle, and leave a legacy

You've worked hard for decades to build your pension pot. Now, as you approach retirement, the focus shifts from saving to spending. This is the exciting part; turning those savings into the lifestyle you've been looking forward to. The choices can seem complex, but our independent financial planners are here to help you create a clear, practical, and personal plan to use your pension in the best way for you.

Create my retirement income plan 

Making the switch from accumulating wealth to using it to fund your life is a significant milestone. It's about making smart decisions that give you both the security you need and the freedom you want. We're here to guide you through this transition, helping you build a strategy that lasts a lifetime.

What do you want your retirement to look like?

The “best” way to use your pension depends entirely on your personal goals. We help you build a strategy around what matters most to you.

Goal 1: Secure your everyday essentials with a reliable income

For many, the top priority is peace of mind, knowing that essential bills and living costs are covered, no matter what.

How we help: We can explore strategies like using part of your pension to buy an Annuity, which provides a guaranteed income for life that you can't outlive. Alternatively, a cautious Pension Drawdown strategy can be structured to provide a regular, sustainable income.

Goal 2: Fund your adventures with flexible access

Retirement is also a time for new experiences, whether that's travelling the world, renovating your home, or pursuing new hobbies.

How we help: Pension Drawdown offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to keep your pension invested and withdraw money as and when you need it. You can also take one-off Lump Sums to fund larger projects, giving you complete control over your savings.

Goal 3: Leave a legacy for your loved ones

Ensuring your hard-earned savings can be passed on to your family is a key objective for many.

How we help: Unlike an annuity, money left in a Pension Drawdown plan can be passed on to your beneficiaries when you die, often free from Inheritance Tax. We can help you structure your plan and complete the necessary nomination forms to ensure your wishes are clear.

Your first step: Planning for your 25% tax-free cash

One of the biggest perks of a pension is that you can usually take up to 25% of your pot as a tax-free lump sum from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). This is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start your retirement goals. People often use this money to:

  • Pay off their mortgage or other debts
  • Buy a new car or fund major home improvements
  • Help children or grandchildren with a house deposit
  • Fund a once-in-a-lifetime holiday

It's a significant decision, and planning how to use this sum tax-efficiently is a crucial first step. We can help you understand the rules and make the most of this valuable benefit.

Our simple 3-step process to a clear retirement income plan

  1. Step 1: Complimentary discovery meeting: A no-obligation chat where we discuss your retirement aspirations and review your existing pensions.
  2. Step 2: Personalised retirement income plan: We'll create a bespoke financial plan showing you exactly how you can use your pension to meet your goals.
  3. Step 3: Implementation & ongoing support: We handle all the paperwork to put your plan into action and provide regular reviews to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

Start your next chapter with confidence

You've done the hard work of saving. Now, let us help you make the rewarding decisions about how to enjoy it. Book a complimentary, no-obligation planning session with one of our retirement experts today.

Book my free income plan review 

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Pension Freedoms - What are my retirement options?

The pension landscape changed dramatically on 6 April 2015 and currently offers you, if aged 55 and over, significantly greater flexibility when accessing your pension funds.

There is no longer a requirement to buy an annuity and the range of choices now available can be bewildering. Great care should be taken, as the decisions you make now could affect your standard of living for the rest of your life.

Articles and helpful guides

Take a look at our library of helpful articles, guides and videos to help guide you through the planning process

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