• >
  • Guides>
  • Pension & retirement guides

Pension & retirement guides

You can maximise the potential of your pension and ensure you are well financed once you decide to call time on work. Assess your options with our guides, whether you are new to work or retiring soon.

I'm looking for guides on...

5 steps to finding an IFA you can trust

Finding the right independent financial adviser can help you get control of your cash and save money. Here's how to find an IFA you can trust.

Read More
Older man, sitting on sofa working on laptop

What is an annuity?

When you retire and get your hands on your pension, it is difficult to know how to use your money. Here is how an annuity can turn your pension funds into a guaranteed income for life.

Read more about annuity

What are defined contribution and defined benefit pensions?

Most people have either a defined contribution or a defined benefit pension, but do you know which is which and understand the difference between them? Here’s what you need to know.

Read more about defined contribution and benefit pensions
Older woman looking at laptop

How Is My Pension Taxed When You Retire?

Pension taxation seems complicated, but knowing the rules is crucial so you don’t overpay. This guide explains everything you need to know.

Find out more on how your pension is taxed
Senior husband and wife sit at table at home look at laptop screen

Is it ever too late to start a pension?

A pension can give you an income when you retire, but how much will depend on what you contribute during your working life. Here are your pension options, even if you start late.

Read more about starting a pension
Older couple, sitting at patio table outside looking at the hillside view

How does the State Pension work?

Not everyone gets a state pension in the UK, and payouts vary heavily from person to person, even for those who qualify. Here is how the state pension works, what it could pay you and when you can claim it.

Read more about how the State Pension works
Hand of older man taking notes in a book with a tablet to the side

Can you transfer your pension?

You can move your pension but there could be unexpected costs for doing so. Here is how to transfer your pension and what you should think about before you do.

Read more on transfering your pension
Older couple, walking on a beach

What are pensions?

You can use a pension as an income during your retirement, but there are several types and many rely on how much money you put into them. Here is how they work.

Read about what pensions are
Woman working on a laptop in a workshop

What are employer's pensions?

If you work for someone you could be savings towards your retirement through an employer's pension. Here is what they are and how they work.

Read more about employer's pensions
A man reaches into his savings to withdraw money

More people are pulling money from their pensions - and it could be an expensive mistake

The rules of drawing money from your pension have changed in the past few years - but it’s not clear people fully understand them yet.

Taking money out could cost more than you think

The flat rate state pension: FAQ

Plans for the new flat rate state pension have now been set out. Here is what it means for you, whenever you are set to retire.

Read More
Older lady at kitchen table drinking tea

How to choose an annuity

If you want your pension fund to pay you a regular income when you retire then an annuity could be for you. Here is how each type of annuity works and what options you have.

Find out more on how to choose an annuity
A close up shot of a young black male looking his colleagues or friends whilst smiling, mid conversation

Which of your employees qualify for a workplace pension?

Before your staging date you need to work out which of your workers qualify for enrolment in a workplace pension. Here is how to approach each type of worker in your business.

Read more to find out which of your employees qualify for a workplace pension
Female florist arranging a flower bouquet

What does auto enrolment mean for your business?

All employers are legally required to enrol eligible employees into their workplace pension scheme automatically - here is what this could mean for your business.

Find out what auto enrolment means for your business
serious man on a laptop in a cafe

How new pension and annuity rules affect you

Here is where you can find the latest pension and annuity changes in the UK and how they will affect your retirement.

Find out more on the new pension and annuity rules
Male business owner, leaning on bench looking at laptop

What is pension auto enrolment?

The law has changed and your employer must offer you a workplace pension to save for your future, here is how it will work.

Find out what pension auto enrolment is
workspace with exposed brick walls, steel beams and arch ceilings

How to manage auto enrolment after your staging date

Once your workplace pension scheme is up and running the work does not stop there. Here is how to manage your pension after your staging date has passed.

Read more about managing your auto enrolment
grieving-woman-at-grave

The importance of writing a will and key considerations

If you haven't already recorded your last will and testament, do it now because you never know what tomorrow may bring.

Read More

How to make a will

Life is unpredictable and anything can happen at anytime. This is why it's important to have a will in case the worst happens.

Read More
A woman looking at a laptop

Tracing your pension

Our pensions experts have curated a list of actions for anyone looking to take control of their miscellaneous pension pots.

Find out how to tracing your pension
concerned-couple

Coronavirus: Getting your retirement savings back on track

COVID-19 has created some turmoil in global financial markets, hitting many people’s pension pots. Here are some tips to help you work out what to do about your pension in these circumstances.

Read More