Pension knowledge

Contractor pensions

Pension tax relief for the self-employed and contractors

It can be tough to take a long-term approach to your financial security when you’re working on short-term contracts, but ultimately, learning how to effectively manage your pension when you’re self-employed will help you create the ideal retirement. Pensions are still one of the best investment choices, as they provide a host of unique tax...
pension funds

How to choose the right pension funds for you

Before choosing a pension fund, it’s important to think about how it could affect your retirement goals. The best pension fund for you is always one that caters for your individual needs and requirements, allowing you to enjoy the happy retirement that you deserve. Here you’ll find some more details about what kind of investment...
Transferring workplace pensions

Can I transfer my workplace pension

Since 2012, workplace pensions have been mandatory, provided a few key conditions are met by the employee, i.e., they need to earn over £10,000 a year, work in the UK and be between the ages of 22 and the state pension age. This is great news for anyone wishing to grow their pension pot and...
Starting your pension early

The benefits of starting your pension early

Despite being one of the most important financial aspects of life, many people have a hard time approaching the concept of starting a pension, often ignoring it until much later on in life. This might be the result of a misconception about how long it takes to build a decent savings pot, or maybe it’s...

How to claim higher rate tax relief on my pension

Tax relief is one of the best parts about saving into a pension, and it makes for a highly efficient savings strategy if it’s managed sufficiently. If you’re in a higher tax bracket, it’s possible that you aren’t maximising the benefits that pension contribution has to offer you, such as higher rate tax relief. Contrary...
Property and pensions

My property is my pension: is this view sensible?

Property is historically a solid investment choice, yet despite the value growth that many homeowners relish, pensions still tend to represent less volatility when it comes to financial security in retirement. In an ideal world, one would not need to sacrifice one for the other and choose between property vs pension, but rather rely on...

Annuity or pension drawdown?

When the time finally comes to withdraw your pension, there are a few options available to you, the most common of which being annuity and drawdown. Both have unique benefits and setbacks, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with the details to make the perfect choice for your needs. What is an annuity? An annuity is...

Where can I find pension advice?

Alongside being one of the most crucial financial aspects of life, the world of pensions can be tricky to get your head around. It’s important not to let potential confusion deter you from taking control of your finances, and thankfully, there is help available should you need it. The internet can be a wonderful place...
illness and your pension

What happens to my pension when I am ill?

When managing your pension, it’s vital to understand all the options you have available should you become ill. This is the best way to put your mind at rest and prepare for the future. It’s important to recognise that illness can result in a lack of access to work, which might mean you end up...