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Show me the money

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Turning pensions into money you can use

Today, you’ve got a number of options and permutations available when it comes to what to do with your pension in retirement. But lots of choice can also mean increased confusion.

Your retirement might seem like a far-off prospect, but knowing how you can access your pension pot can help you understand how best to build for the future you want.

You must have reached a certain minimum pension age set by your pension fund provider to access your pension pot – usually 55 years if you have a defined contribution pension – at which point you have the choice of how to take your pension.

In some instances, you may be able to withdraw your pension earlier if you’re retiring because of poor health or disability, but the rules depend on your pension scheme.

When you take your pension, some will be tax-free, but the rest is taxed. Please be aware that tax depends on your circumstances, and the tax rules can also change in the future.

Whatever approach you take, each option has its own upsides, downsides and tax implications. It depends on what you want out of life, how you choose to live and how much you want to leave behind.

With all of the options, you can normally take up to 25% of your pension pot as a tax-free lump sum if you wish to do so. The rest is then taxed as income at the point you receive it. We can make sure that you fully understand the tax implications of each option available to you so that you are fully informed.

Time to consider your options?

How long your pension pot lasts will depend on the choices you make. You’ll be able to access the money within your pension pot in a number of different ways. We’ve provided some of the options to help you think your pension strategy through. You don’t have to stick to just one option, as you could combine several. Some products may not offer the full range of options.

We’re not recommending one over the other, but we can support you when the time comes to make your decision.

Guaranteed income for life (also known as an ‘annuity’)

You can use your pension pot to buy an income for life. It pays you an income and is guaranteed for life. These payments may be subject to Income Tax.

In most cases, you can take up to 25% of the money you move into your guaranteed income for life, in cash, tax-free. You’ll need to do this at the start, and you need to take the rest as an income.

Take flexible cash or income (also known as ‘drawdown’)

In most cases, you can take out up to 25% of the money moved into your flexible cash or income plan, in cash, tax-free. You can either move your total fund into drawdown and take all of your tax-free lump sum at the start, or you can move portions of your fund into drawdown at different times and take 25% of each portion as tax-free cash over time. You can then make future withdrawals from the drawdown pot as and when you like.

You can also set up a regular income with this option. Any money you take after the first 25% may be subject to Income Tax. You can invest the rest in whichever fund or funds you choose, giving your money the chance to grow. Although as with all investments, it could go down in value too, and you could get back less than you put in.

Take your money as cash

You can do this all in one go, or as a series of smaller lump sums, while the rest remains in your pension fund. Once you receive your money after tax, you’re completely responsible for it and can use it as you want.

If you do opt for smaller lump sums without taking your tax-free cash up front, then each payment will be 25% tax-free. The remainder will be added to your income for the year and taxed accordingly, which may result in you paying a higher rate of tax.

A combination of options

You don’t have to choose one option – you can take a combination of some or all of them over time, even if you’ve only got one pension pot.

Before combining any options, though, take time to think about the benefits and considerations of each option on its own. We’ll check with your providers to see that you’re not losing out on any guarantees on your plan by combining options.

Leave it where it is

If you don’t need to take any money out, you can leave it in your pension pot to give you more time to decide what to do with it, or give your pot a chance to keep growing – but while it’s invested, it could go down as well as up in value, and you might get back less than you put in.

And if you’re still paying into your plan, you can keep paying into it and potentially benefit from tax relief. You can then choose how to access your money when the time is right for you.

Once you’ve made a decision

When deciding what to do with your pension pot, it’s important to remember that each option might have different tax implications, and that pension providers offer different products with alternative options or features including the product terms, rates, funds or charges that might be more appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.

If you’re like most people, the money in your pension pot will need to last for the rest of your life. Once you’ve made a decision, you might not be able to change your mind. So it’s important to get all the information you need to feel confident that you’re making the right decision for you.

Want to know more about your options for taking your money?

Decisions about retirement need to be made carefully and with full knowledge of the facts. Whether you are just starting to save for your retirement, need to make decisions on your pension arrangements or want advice on how best to take your income in retirement, if you would like to discuss or review your situation, we can help. Please contact Reeves Financial on 01403 333145 or email areeves@reevesfinancial.co.uk.

A PENSION IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT.

THE FUND VALUE MAY FLUCTUATE AND CAN GO DOWN, WHICH WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE LEVEL OF PENSION BENEFITS AVAILABLE.

ACCESSING PENSION BENEFITS EARLY MAY IMPACT ON LEVELS OF RETIREMENT INCOME AND YOUR ENTITLEMENT TO CERTAIN MEANS TESTED BENEFITS AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE. YOU SHOULD SEEK ADVICE TO UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS AT RETIREMENT.

PENSIONS ARE NOT NORMALLY ACCESSIBLE UNTIL AGE 55. YOUR PENSION INCOME COULD ALSO BE AFFECTED BY INTEREST RATES AT THE TIME YOU TAKE YOUR BENEFITS. THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF PENSION WITHDRAWALS WILL BE BASED ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, TAX LEGISLATION AND REGULATION, WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE FUTURE.

THE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS AND INCOME FROM THEM MAY GO DOWN. YOU MAY NOT GET BACK THE ORIGINAL AMOUNT INVESTED.

PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT A RELIABLE INDICATOR OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.

This is for your general information and use only and is not intended to address your particular requirements. The content should not be relied upon in its entirety and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute, advice. Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of their particular situation. For Reeves Financial, published by Goldmine Media Limited, Basepoint Innovation Centre, 110 Butterfield, Great Marlings, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 8DL Content copyright protected by Goldmine Media Limited 2017. Unauthorised duplication or distribution is strictly forbidden.

Adam Reeves

Author: Adam Reeves

DipPFS Cert CII (MP&ER)
Independent Financial Planner, Wealth Manager, Director

Last updated on

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Adam and his team undertook in-depth research into our existing QROPS schemes and clearly set out both pros and cons of transferring the funds back to the UK. Having decided to go ahead with the transfer, Adam and his team worked extremely hard to facilitate the transfer. The QROPS pension trustees were not always the most professional or responsive organisation – however we were very grateful for the perseverance and commitment that Adam showed us as clients.

Jonathan – East Sussex

Adam offered a range of financial products , the one he suggested was affordable and proved to be a good choice.  Returns on investments have exceeded my expectations, based on Adam’s advice and guidance. Profits have enabled house improvements to take place.

David - Surrey

Adam arranged an appointment very timely, he explained his role and qualifications as an IFA giving me reassurance , we went through my retirement and investment goals. Adam discussed my options explaining in great detail, I felt relaxed during our discussions allowing me to fully understand my choices. I feel very confident in the financial advice allowing me to enjoy my retirement.

I was very happy with Adam’s recommendations and explanations of financial products which would suit my retirement goals, I feel this has helped me review and reduce my financial risk as I reach retirement, leaving me feeling confident that I can enjoy my retirement plans.

Ron – West Sussex

After initial meeting Adam put together a very detailed and thorough written plan. At our second meeting he went through the whole booklet and explained everything in layman’s terms which made it a lot easier to understand.

I am very happy with everything that was suggested and put in place especially with something as big and important as pensions. Adam and his team have taken a huge weight off my shoulders and I would highly recommend their services to anyone needing help with their financial planning and pension.  Adam couldn’t have been more helpful, and even came outside his normal area to meet me on a number of occasions.

Richard - Kent

Unfortunately I had to claim on my critical illness insurance due to my wife being ill and because of the sound advice Adam gave in acquiring this insurance we ended up being financially safe through a tough time.

Steve - Kent

Adam did a review of our financial situation, confirmed that Flexible Drawdown best suited our needs as a family, and then did all the research into the best product for us. He will continue to monitor it for me. He acted extremely promptly because we had a deadline for requiring the lump sum; went out of his way arranging meetings during non-office hours, was professional yet friendly and explained a difficult subject very well.

Clare – East Sussex

Adam did a thorough review of my pension policies, clearly explained how well they had performed, how flexible they were, how the market regulation has changed, and, crucially, what the tax implications would be if I were to leave them untouched. He accurately assessed my attitude to risk and recommended an up-to-date solution that will offer me the greatest flexibility at retirement.

Greg – East Sussex

Adam was quick to assess & understand my situation, and was able to discuss & communicate in a very concise and simple way the various options available to me, taking time for me to understand and clarify where necessary. My understanding & knowledge of taxation & pensions has increased significantly allowing me to feel much happier making financial decisions for the future.

Rob – West Sussex
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