Planning my retirement

Retirement may seem a lifetime away. Or it might be just around the corner. Whatever stage you’re at, we can plan for your money to keep working when you’re ready to take a step back.

Pension planning and beyond

There are more ways than ever to invest and save for the next chapter of your life. And choices can change over time. We’ll help you put together a plan that’s tailor-made for your goals.  

Make your money last

If you’re not sure how much to save, when you can stop work or whether your money will last, we’ll advise you. We find the right plan so you can rest easy, knowing you’ll be taken care of.

Share the wealth

Pensions benefit not just you, but your whole family. If you’d like to help future generations flourish, we can help you gift some of your pension as an inheritance, or even set up a pension for your children.

Boost your income

Annuities. Income portfolios. Property. Our team of advisers keep your money working, so you don’t have to.

Face-to-face or virtual

We’re always here for you through our secure digital client portal. But we also know people need people. You choose how you’d like us to be in touch.

Annual reviews

We’ll sit down with you – virtually or in person – at least once a year to go over your progress and future plans. And we’re listening. If something isn’t working for you, let us know.

Security

Your financial details are safe with us. We offer a level of security you’d normally only find at a FTSE 100 firm, including protecting your data.

Not sure if you need financial planning? Ask yourself these questions:

Do you have enough put away to live your dreams?

We’ll help you manage your investments so you know what you’ll have to spend, when. And rest easy knowing in future you won’t miss your old pay cheques.

Do I have an inheritance tax plan?

Make sure your family reaps the benefit of your hard work, even when you’re no longer here. We have the expertise to help.

Do I need to set up a trust?

Protect the future. A trust can safeguard your wealth and provide for the next generation, or to contribute to worthwhile causes. Sound planning makes sure your money goes exactly where you want it to.

Need help answering these questions?

Our dedicated advisers are happy to help

What can we help you plan for?

Your retirement questions answered

  • Before you retire, it’s important to understand what income you’ll have and whether it’s enough to support the lifestyle you want. start by checking your state pension age and forecast, then review all your workplace and personal pensions so you have a full picture of what you’re on track to receive.

    It also helps to create a simple retirement budget to see how your spending might change, and whether there are opportunities to boost your future income – such as paying extra into your pension or filling gaps in your national insurance record.

    Finally, consider speaking with a financial adviser or using free guidance services like pension wise to help you make informed decisions about when and how to take your pension.

  • There’s no single moment that tells you you’re ready to retire – it’s usually a mix of emotional, lifestyle and financial signals. You might notice you're drawn to spending more time on hobbies, or family time.

    You might also find yourself imagining a different pace of life, considering downsizing or relocating, but ultimately it’s about recognising when your priorities have changed and whether your financial position can support the life you want next. Working with a financial adviser can give you clarity and confidence, helping you understand whether your finances and lifestyle plans truly support a comfortable and well‑timed retirement.

  • A financial adviser can help you make sense of your retirement plans by building a clear strategy around your goals, lifestyle and the level of risk you’re comfortable taking. They’ll review your pensions, savings and investments, make sure you’re contributing in the most tax‑efficient way, and help you understand how much you can sustainably afford to take in retirement without running out of money.

    They can also guide you through decisions like whether to consolidate old pensions, how to invest for long‑term security, and how different tax rules might affect your income. Ultimately, working with an adviser gives you clarity and confidence, helping you retire at the right time and on your terms.

  • The Lifetime Allowance (LTA) was the maximum amount you could save into your pensions without paying an additional tax charge. It was set at £1,073,100 in its final years.

    The allowance was fully abolished on 6 April 2024 and replaced by new limits on tax‑free lump sums, including the Lump Sum Allowance (£268,275) and the Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance (£1,073,100).

  • The Lump Sum Allowance (LSA) is the limit on how much tax‑free cash you can take from your pensions from 6 April 2024. The standard allowance is £268,275, which is 25% of the former Lifetime Allowance of £1,073,100.

    It applies to most tax‑free pension lump sums - including Pension Commencement Lump Sums (PCLS) and the tax‑free part of Uncrystallised Funds Pension Lump Sums (UFPLS). Any amount taken above your remaining allowance is taxed at your marginal income tax rate.

    If you took pension benefits before 6 April 2024, transitional rules may reduce your available LSA, while those with certain protections may have a higher allowance. A separate limit - the Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance (LSDBA) - covers the total tax‑free lump sums payable on death before age 75.

  • Consolidating your pensions can make managing your retirement savings much easier. Bringing your pots together can reduce admin, help you keep track of everything in one place, and in some cases lower your fees if you move to a provider with more competitive charges.

    But it's not always the right choice.

    Some pensions come with valuable benefits you would lose by transferring, such as guaranteed annuity rates or enhanced tax‑free cash. If you have a defined benefit pension worth more than £30,000, you’re legally required to get regulated financial advice before transferring, as giving up guaranteed income is rarely in most people’s best interests.

    For many people, consolidating can make planning for the future feel simpler and more confident - but it’s important to check the details of each pension first. A financial adviser can help you understand what you might gain or give up before making any decisions.