Pensions
Retirement Planning Advice
Retirement isn't a date — it's an income that has to last. We build a sustainable plan that turns pensions, ISAs and other assets into the lifestyle you want.
Why Choose Us
From pots to a paycheck
Saving for retirement is the easy half. The harder half is converting a collection of pensions and investments into reliable monthly income across 25–30 years. That's what we plan.
- Cashflow modelling to stress-test your retirement income across decades
- Pension, ISA and GIA blending for the most tax-efficient income
- State pension, defined benefit and defined contribution integrated into one plan
- Drawdown vs annuity vs hybrid options compared honestly
- Annual review to adjust withdrawals 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
Lifestyle Conversation
We agree what 'retired' actually looks like — spending, travel, family help, work-down.
Cashflow Model
We model income vs spending across decades, including inflation and tax.
Strategy Recommendation
Written suitability report explaining the blend of pensions, ISAs and income vehicles.
Implementation & Review
We implement and meet annually to keep withdrawals sustainable.
FAQs
Common questions
How much do I need to retire?+
A common benchmark is 60–70% of pre-retirement income for a comfortable lifestyle, but it depends entirely on housing costs, lifestyle and life expectancy. We use cashflow modelling to estimate your specific number rather than relying on rules of thumb.
When can I access my pension?+
Personal and workplace pensions can normally be accessed from age 55, rising to 57 from April 2028. Defined benefit (final salary) schemes have their own scheme retirement age — usually 60 or 65.
How much can I take tax-free?+
Usually, 25% of your pension pot can be taken tax-free, subject to the lump sum allowance (currently £268,275). The remaining 75% is taxed as income when withdrawn.
Should I take the lot at once?+
Almost never. Taking the full pot pushes most of it into higher tax bands. Phased drawdown, annuity blending and using ISAs alongside pension can produce materially better after-tax income.
What about the state pension?+
The full new state pension is £241.30 per week for 2026/27 — around £12,500 per year — payable from state pension age. Most retirement plans use it as the base layer and build private income on top.
Plan the income, not just the pension pot
A no-obligation conversation will show you what your current savings could realistically deliver in retirement.