Pensions
Pension Drawdown Advice
Drawdown gives you flexibility — but flexibility cuts both ways. We build a withdrawal strategy that lasts the distance, with the right cash buffer and the right reviews.
Why Choose Us
Income that lasts as long as you do
The biggest risk in drawdown isn't markets — it's running out. We use cashflow modelling, cash buffers and disciplined withdrawal rules to keep your plan sustainable through retirement.
- Sustainable withdrawal rate modelled to your specific circumstances
- Cash buffer to ride out market falls without selling at a loss
- Tax-efficient phasing across tax-free cash and taxable income
- Annuity blending considered for clients who want guaranteed essentials
- Annual review meeting — withdrawals adjusted as markets and life evolve
The value of pensions & investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount invested.
HM Revenue and Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.
Your Journey
A straightforward process
Income Mapping
We map essential vs discretionary spending and existing guaranteed income.
Strategy Design
We build a withdrawal plan with cash buffer, growth assets and tax phasing.
Implementation
We set up the drawdown plan and align investments with your withdrawal timeline.
Annual Review
We meet yearly to adjust withdrawals and rebalance — keeping the plan on track.
FAQs
Common questions
What is flexi-access drawdown?+
Drawdown lets you take a flexible income directly from your invested pension instead of buying an annuity. You can usually take up to 25% as tax-free cash and draw the rest as taxable income at your own pace.
How much can I safely withdraw each year?+
There's no single safe rate. Industry research suggests withdrawals of 3–4% a year (inflation-adjusted) historically reduce the risk of running out in a 25–30 year retirement, but markets and life expectancy aren't guaranteed. We model your specific case.
What is sequence-of-returns risk?+
Big market falls early in retirement, combined with regular withdrawals, can permanently damage a drawdown plan even if markets recover. We design strategies — including cash buffers and dynamic withdrawals — to manage this risk.
Drawdown or annuity?+
Drawdown offers flexibility and potential growth but carries investment risk. An annuity gives guaranteed income for life but is inflexible. Many retirements use both — annuity for essentials, drawdown for discretionary income. We'll help you decide the right blend.
How are withdrawals taxed?+
The 25% tax-free element is exactly that — tax-free. The remaining 75% is taxed as income at your marginal rate when withdrawn, alongside any other income such as state pension. Phasing withdrawals can keep you in lower bands.
Make drawdown last the distance
Whether you're approaching retirement or already in drawdown, a sustainability review is the best place to start.