Pensions
Pension vs Property: Which Will Really Fund Your Retirement in 2026 and Beyond?
For many homeowners approaching retirement, property feels like the safety net. The mortgage is nearly gone, house prices have done the heavy lifting and pensions were something to “sort later”. But as 2026 rocks up, more people are starting to ask an uncomfortable question: will property really pay the bills when work stops or has […]
Posted in Pensions, Retirement Planning
Are You in the £2,000 Pension Trap? What the 2029 Salary Sacrifice Cap Means for Higher Earners
A quiet but important change to pension rules is coming in April 2029, and if you’re contributing to your pension through salary sacrifice, it’s worth understanding how it might affect you. From that date, only the first £2,000 per tax year of pension contributions made via salary sacrifice will be exempt from National Insurance. Employer […]
Posted in Pensions, Retirement Planning
Why You Don’t Need £60k to Make the Most of Your Pension
When people hear they can contribute up to £60,000 a year into their pension, many immediately tune out. “That’s miles out of my league,” they think. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to hit that limit, or even get close, to make a real difference to your retirement. Even modest contributions can grow meaningfully […]
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What Happens to Your Pension When You Die? Why 2025 Is the Year to Recheck Your Nomination
Pensions don’t automatically follow your will. Most defined contribution pensions (the kind you build through personal or workplace plans) pass on according to your nominated beneficiary form, not your estate. If you haven’t nominated anyone, or your nomination is out of date, the pension provider may use discretion to decide where the money goes. That […]
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Your 50s Financial Game Plan: 5 Moves to Make Before Retirement Hits
You’re in your 50s. Retirement’s not here yet, but it’s not some abstract idea either, it’s getting real. These next ten years could be the most powerful for shaping your post‑work lifestyle. Whether you’re behind, on track, or flying ahead, this is the time to get strategic. And no, it’s not about chasing some impossible […]
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No Pension Panic: Here’s Your Retirement Backup Plan
Just as we’re settling into the 2025/26 tax year, the retirement headlines are heating up again. Government chatter about raising the State Pension age to 68, sooner than planned, has sparked fresh anxiety, especially for those born in the late 1960s and early 1970s. And understandably so, because if the rules shift, and access gets […]
Posted in Financial Planning, Pensions
How Delaying Your State Pension Could Impact Your Retirement
When it comes to your state pension, timing is everything, and many retirees wonder if waiting a bit longer is a smart move. Should you claim it as soon as you’re eligible or wait to get a bigger payout? While delaying your state pension can lead to a higher monthly income, it’s not always right […]
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Is 2025 a Good Year to Retire?
Historically, retirees have been able to finish their careers feeling confident about their financial future. However, in recent years, the retirement landscape has changed significantly and there’s less certainty for many people nearing retirement age. From the risks you can’t control to those you can, and whether your financial situation can withstand the pressures of […]
Posted in Pensions, Retirement Planning
Financial Retirement Risks – Is Your Pension Pot Enough?
The fundamentals of retirement planning are changing and dynamics are shifting. This means that traditional pension saving might not be enough and that alternatives must be found. This article will delve into some of the most likely retirement risks and help you combat them with your savings and investment strategies. A Shift in Pension […]
Posted in Pensions, Retirement Planning
The Budget, Inheritance Tax, and Your Pension
The biggest pension bombshell of the Budget came in the form of an IHT (inheritance tax) announcement. It states that as of April 6th, 2027, inherited pension funds will be liable to IHT, so some savers will have to rethink their retirement planning. In this article, we’ll explore the changes and explain who will be […]
Posted in Financial Planning, IHT Planning, Pensions, Retirement Planning