Retirement & pensions

Over the past few years there has been much publicity regarding retirement planning and pension plans.

Many employers have closed down attractive Final Salary Pension Schemes in favour of Money Purchase arrangements. Where the employer would have once borne the risk of long life expectancy and investment performance, the responsibility has now moved to the employee. It is vitally important therefore to ensure that your plans for a financially secure retirement are on track as relying on ever reducing state benefits is unrealistic and in most cases just not an option.

The government allows you to contribute up to £225,000 per year into your pension, and get full tax relief (up to 40%) on the whole lot. Why? Because they know just how important it is to save as much as you possibly can for your retirement.

Whether you have an occupational pension scheme or a personal pension, it is vital to understand the importance of a regular, professional pension review.

Risk warning: The past performance of an investment is not a guide to future performance and the value of any investment can fall as well as rise.