Am I on track?
Bring your pension arrangements into focus, explore your goals and consider the steps you could take while you are still working.
PERSONAL RETIREMENT PLANNING
A new chapter.
On your terms.
More time for the people, places and plans that matter. We’ll help you understand how your pensions and savings could support the retirement you have in mind.
Plan your next chapterStart with a complimentary initial conversation.
Pension and investment values can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invest.
Your life comes firstStart with how you want retirement to feel
See the whole pictureBring pensions, savings and income together
Understand your choicesClear explanations of benefits and trade-offs
WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE JOURNEY
Retirement is personal.
Your plan should be too.
You may be years away, ready to step back or already enjoying life after work. Each stage brings different questions.
When could I retire?
Connect the lifestyle you want with the income you may need. Consider stopping work, reducing your hours or making a gradual transition.
Will my plan keep working?
Review spending, withdrawals and changing priorities. Consider how your arrangements might adapt as life moves on.
START WITH THE LIFE YOU WANT
What does a
good retirement
look like to you?
A little more freedom. A new interest. More time with family. We’ll help turn the things you value into a financial conversation you can act on.
Talk through your plansKnow your starting point
Review pensions, savings, debts and expected income, including your State Pension forecast.
Explore the possibilities
Consider your spending needs, preferred timing and how different choices could affect your future finances.
Agree a practical plan
Understand recommendations, risks and costs. Decide on the next steps and any ongoing review service.
FROM A PENSION POT TO AN INCOME
Find your balance
of certainty
and flexibility.
Defined contribution pensions offer several ways to take benefits. You do not have to use the same approach for every part of your retirement.
Guaranteed income
An annuity exchanges pension money for an agreed income. A lifetime annuity pays for life; the options you choose affect its starting level and protection for others.
Once the cancellation period ends, it normally cannot be changed or cashed in.
Explore annuity advicePension drawdown
Keep pension money invested and take withdrawals as needed. This offers flexibility, with responsibility for managing what you take.
Income is not guaranteed. Market falls and withdrawals can exhaust your pension.
A combined approach
Use different arrangements for different needs, or leave money untouched until you need it. Lump-sum withdrawals may also be possible.
Taking money out can affect tax and the funds available for later life.
These options concern defined contribution pensions. Defined benefit schemes work differently. Suitability depends on your circumstances, scheme terms and any valuable benefits already held.
ROOM FOR LIFE TO CHANGE
A plan for more
than the first year.
We’ll consider the pressures your retirement finances may face, alongside the things you are looking forward to.
Rising living costs.Inflation can reduce spending power. An income that feels comfortable today may buy less in future.
A retirement that lasts.Your money may need to support you for many years, with changing spending and possible care needs.
Tax and timing.How and when you take money can affect your tax position. Tax treatment depends on your circumstances and rules can change.
The people you care about.Review beneficiary wishes and how your retirement plans connect with providing for your family.
A LITTLE CLARITY GOES A LONG WAY
Your retirement
questions, answered.
You don’t need to have everything worked out before getting in touch.
How much will I need to retire?
There is no single figure that works for everyone. We’ll start with your likely spending, the income you already expect and the choices you want to keep open. A plan should also allow for inflation, unexpected costs and the possibility of a long retirement.
Can I retire gradually?
Retirement does not have to happen on one date. You might reduce your working hours or combine earnings with other income. We can explore how a phased approach fits your finances, pension arrangements and tax position.
Should I bring my pensions together?
Combining pensions can make administration simpler, but it is not always suitable. Charges, guarantees, protected benefits and access terms need checking first. Defined benefit pensions require particular care and specialist advice where applicable.
Do I need to take my pension as soon as I can?
No. Being eligible to access a pension does not mean you need to do so immediately. The timing should reflect your income needs, the scheme’s rules and the possible tax consequences.
Can I use both an annuity and drawdown?
You can often combine options within defined contribution pension planning. An annuity can provide guaranteed income while drawdown offers flexibility. Money left invested remains at risk and could run out.
What if markets fall after I retire?
Taking withdrawals while investments are falling can make it harder for a pension to recover. We’ll discuss your mix of income sources, accessible reserves and the flexibility you have to adjust spending. No approach removes investment risk.
How does my State Pension fit in?
Your State Pension forecast helps establish how much you may receive and when. It is a useful starting point when considering the income you will need from pensions and savings.
What happens in the first conversation?
We’ll discuss your retirement plans, current arrangements and the questions on your mind. The initial consultation is complimentary. We’ll explain the scope and charges before any paid advice, including any ongoing service you choose.
Useful starting pointsCheck your State Pension forecastExplore free Pension Wise guidance
Guidance helps explain your options; it does not replace personalised financial advice.
LET’S PLAN WHAT COMES NEXT
Your next chapter
starts here.
Arrange a complimentary initial consultation. Bring your questions, your plans and an idea of the retirement you would like.
Arrange your retirement conversationWe’ll explain the service and fees before any paid work begins.
Speak to our team01732 617 950enquiries@cafinancialservices.co.uk
Sevenoaks, KentIndependent financial advice for UK clients.