Pensions and Retirement Planning

Pensions are the most popular retirement saving vehicle for a good reason. Payments into pension are tax free. For example for a basic rate tax payer a £100 contribution into a pension by the individual will result in an additional £25 being paid directly into the pension in tax relief and for those paying at the 40% rate the benefits are event greater. For no risk you get a significant return.

Pensions can invest in a full range of unit trusts, OEIC’s, individual shares, commercial property, and cash. Some of the more interesting investments include:

• Absolute return funds designed to reduce a portfolio’s volatility and hence risk
• Guaranteed income pensions where the income at retirement can be guaranteed regardless of the underlying fund value. Likewise the income level can be guaranteed to increase in the years prior to retirement
• Guaranteed capital pensions where the fund is guaranteed not to fall but increases are locked in
• Low cost discretionary fund management. Discretionary management is normally very costly, however we have access to a highly rated discretionary manager with a low cost structure and top quartile performance.
• Investment in passive funds. A way to bring charges to the bare minimum institutional rates but still obtain full diversification

Some pensions can lend money back to an employer thus increasing cash flow

Directors wishing to plan their exit from business, those wishing to reduce tax and those wanting to safeguard assets have all benefited from our pension advice. Call 0121 764 5161 to discuss how we can help in any of the above areas.