>
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...

Pensions

Retirement

NEST pensions - your questions answered

Here is what you need to know about the NEST pension scheme and how it could help you save for your retirement.

Read about NEST pensions

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.

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.

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.

Self-employed pension plans explained

If you’re self-employed and want to live comfortably in retirement, you’ll need to set up a personal pension. Here’s everything you need to know

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

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.

How to manage your pension fund

After you begin paying into your pension fund there are still things you can do to help it grow. Here is how to manage your pension and what you should do with it when you retire.

A grandad and grandson playing on the floor

How to invest in a SIPP

Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP) let you plan for your retirement without the need for a workplace pension. Here is how they work and what you should look out for.

How is your pension taxed?

When you retire you could end up paying tax on any money you withdraw from your pension. Here is how tax will affect your pension.

Find out more on how your pension is taxed

Older woman, sitting on the floor using a tablet

How to withdraw your pension

Here is how to find out what age you can withdraw from each type of pension and what you need to do to claim them.

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

Should I get a pension?

Making sure you plan for retirement is essential, but how do you know if a pension is really worthwhile? We investigate the pros and cons of a traditional pension as well as some alternative ways to save for retirement.

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.

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.

How to set up your workplace pension

If you do not have a workplace pension in place for your employees by your staging date you could face a hefty fine. Here is how to set up a pension suitable for your entire workforce.

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.

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

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

A Black female business owner talking on her phone and using a tablet behind the bar of her venue. In the background there are shelves with various sized bottles on them, which are out of focus

How to choose the right pension scheme for your business

Choosing the right pension scheme for your business can help make your employees feel valued and financially secure. Here is how to pick a business pension scheme.

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.

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.

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.

Why you need to write a will and what you need to consider

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

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.

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

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.