Approaching Retirement

Approach

In our financial planning meeting, we discussed how Graham and Jan wanted to live their life over the next few years. It was clear that they wanted a less rigid structure to their retirement. They were not happy with their existing pension schemes as they wouldn’t provide flexible income and capital early retirement, particularly before state pension age. We reviewed their feelings about how the existing pensions could meet their retirement income needs in depth, before completing a detailed cash flow analysis of their current and future situations. Understanding their attitude towards investment risk was the next key part of this process, because this would affect not only their wealth management strategy, but the most suitable choice of access to their pension funds.

The bulk of the work here was understanding Graham and Jan’s cash flow requirements and the amount of guaranteed income they needed. We made clear the risks involved with taking flexible incomes from the various pension schemes held and how this may affect their future. We also had to bear in mind the pension tax legislation as Graham was close to breaching the lifetime allowance for pensions, which would cause further tax.

Outcome

We managed to build a plan that allows flexible access to their pension schemes early in retirement, without the need to pay any further tax. Our recommended investment strategy for their pensions and investments included targeted approaches for their short, medium and long term needs.

In terms of death benefits, we made the full amount of their wealth including pensions available even after a death. This will then pass to their son, giving them the peace of mind that their pension values won’t be lost. Updating their estate planning, wills and power of attorney has given them the peace of mind that their affairs can be managed whatever the future holds.

We speak to Graham and Jan on a regular basis to monitor progress and update the well mapped plan to help them draw down further on their pension schemes as they enter full retirement. We look forward to helping them enjoy the retirement they have worked hard to achieve.