In April 2023, Jeremy Hunt announced that the Lifetime Allowance would be abolished. This represents a significant shift in the UK's pension landscape, particularly for individuals with substantial pension savings.

According to a recent FT article, “annuity sales soared to their highest level in a decade in 2024, as high rates and economic uncertainty drove people towards the products and their guaranteed income streams”.

Sequence risk refers to the order in which investment returns occur. It is one of the most underappreciated risks and is particularly relevant for new retirees who have shifted from a saving / wealth creation phase to spending their investments.

A more flexible approach to retirement spending, one that takes into account investment performance and adjusts spending threshold accordingly. 

Retirement Spending: Balancing the Fear of Running Out with the Fear of Missing Out

Exploring the benefits of Public Sector Pensions, and scope to increase entitlement through Additional Pension purchase.

The new pension rules, to be introduced from April 2027, resemble a lifetime allowance in disguise.

Annuities are back on the retirement menu

The power of cashflow modelling in retirement planning

Moving from a period of saving to spending can be emotionally challenging, but herein lies the true value of financial planning

Certain estates are subject to a marginal 60% inheritance tax once their value exceeds £2m

"...and how to achieve an immediate 20% tax saving”

When planning for retirement, the key question is 'how much do you plan to spend in retirement'? But this can be hard to answer.

Using cashflow modelling to determine the point of financial independence

"Financial independence may be closer than you think”

Small business owners can turbocharge their pension savings by buying their own business premises via a personal pension.

Looking at the pros and cons of the Chancellor's plans for a single 'pension pot for life'

"One pot to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them”

Every year, higher and additional rate taxpayers leave millions of pounds of pension tax relief unclaimed. According to recent research, this could be worth as much as £1.3bn over a 5-year period.

On current annuity rates, a full State Pension is equivalent to a private pension worth over £200k

"The best investment you never had"

Once taxable income breaches £100,000, you become subject to an effective 60% income tax on the next £25,140. However, this can be mitigated via pension contribution.