Due to the complexities of pensions, few understand (or even have the time to find out about) the changes and forces within the industry which shape all our futures. However, those who are simply hoping to rely on the state may be in for a rude awakening.

 

As well as assessing what any current pension may amount to, we can help explain your options and choices.

 

Before setting up a pension it is worth getting the basics right first.

 

No one suggests that a pension should be the be all and end all of your personal financial arrangements.

But putting one in place is an important long term investment decision.

 

Even if retirement can seem a long way off, just think what life would be like if a state pension or the equivalent of £100 a week was all you had to live on.

 

It’s all about investment both in and out of retirement, and probably one of the most important investment decisions anyone is going to make, investors need choice simplicity and to consider all their investments as contributors towards their pension fund.

 

Your Risk Profile:

 

Choosing the right fund to build your pension pot should be no different than the approach taken for other types of savings and investment, in fact failing to understand where the pension fund is invested can lead to disappointment and disillusion at  retirement.

 

The level of investment risk you are willing to accept should always be taken into account, you may have more to save or capital to invest but don’t know the best way of doing it, or your circumstances have changed causing your views to alter.

 

The ‘Level of risk’ can be more accurately evaluated by using Risk Profile questionnaires, the results can show the degree to which you are prepared to accept fluctuations in the value of your investments in order to improve your chances of achieving higher long term returns.

 

Your Investment Objectives:

 

To choose an appropriate asset allocation we need to take into account your specific investment objectives as this will affect the asset classes chosen.

 

Retirement Planning

PLANNING YOUR RETIREMENT:

Many of the following may be combined and affect the final outcome of your retirement plans.

  • RETIREMENT INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  • ANNUITIES, INCOME DRAWDOWN, PHASED RETIREMENT
  • LIFETIME EQUITY RELEASE SCHEMES
  • PERSONAL PENSIONS
  • STAKEHOLDER
  • EXECUTIVE PENSIONS
  • PRESERVED PENSIONS
  • ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
  • COMPANY PENSIONS
  • SIPP’s
  • LONG TERM CARE

 

WHETHER YOU ARE JUST STARTING TO SAVE FOR RETIREMENT, TOPPING UP EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS, OR UNSURE OF THE MOST SUITABLE OPTION, WE CAN OFFER GUIDANCE AND ADVICE.

We can explain the levels of contributions that can be made, and any tax implications.

 EQUITY RELEASE:

Releasing equity held within property can be a useful source of capital, which can be invested to produce additional income in retirement, we can advise on the various options including the advantages and pitfalls.

The different schemes available include Home Reversion Plans, Lifetime Mortgages, newer flexible mortgage options  can allow borrowers an agreed amount against which advances can be drawn as and when required and could be particularly useful for retirement planning.

 

Getting the most from your pensions:

 

·        If you hold existing Personal Pensions, or Preserved Pensions, exercising the Open Market Option may increase your pension.

·         We can also check if better rates are available if you are in poorer health.