There are several types of pensions available in the UK, which cater to different circumstances, preferences and goals. Read on to find out what they are, how they work, and how the personal wealth management specialists at TreyBridge Accountants can help you to save for the future.
Know your types of pensions and pension terminology
State Pension
The State Pension is a government-provided pension available to people who have reached the State Pension age. The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions. There are two components: the basic State Pension and the new State Pension.
Workplace pension
Workplace pensions are provided by employers and can be defined benefit (final salary) or defined contribution (money purchase) schemes. Auto-enrolment laws require employers to enrol eligible employees into a workplace pension scheme.
Personal pension
Personal pensions are private pensions that individuals can set up themselves. These are defined contribution pensions, with the pension pot built up through personal contributions and, in some cases, employer contributions. They are suitable for those without access to a workplace pension.
Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)
SIPPs are a type of personal pension that gives you greater control over your investment choices. They allow a wider range of investments compared to traditional personal pensions, including stocks, bonds and commercial property.
Stakeholder pdension
Stakeholder pensions are a type of personal pension with specific government-set standards. They have low charges, flexible contributions, and can be suitable for those who are self-employed or not part of an employer’s pension scheme.
Annuities
An annuity is a financial product that provides a regular income for life in exchange for a lump sum. It can be purchased with a pension pot, providing a guaranteed income stream.
Pension drawdown (flexi-access drawdown)
Pension drawdown allows you to leave your pension pot invested and draw an income directly from it. It provides flexibility but you’re responsible for managing the investments yourself to ensure the income lasts throughout retirement.
Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
AVCs are extra contributions made to workplace pension schemes, allowing you to boost your retirement savings. These contributions are in addition to the standard pension contributions made by the employee and employer.
National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)
NEST is a workplace pension scheme set up by the government to support auto-enrolment. It’s available to all employers and employees and designed to be simple and cost-effective.
Personal and stakeholder pensions for the self-employed
Self-employed people can set up personal or stakeholder pensions to save for retirement. These function similarly to personal pensions for employees.
Remember: It’s crucial to carefully consider your individual circumstances, financial goals and preferences when choosing a pension scheme. Seeking advice from an accountant will help you to make informed decisions.
Save those pennies
Putting aside a little extra here and there can have a large cumulative effect over time.
Choose a pension that suits you
There are many types of pensions available, each with different risks and potential returns.
Ask us for advice
We specialise in helping people to choose the right pensions and save for the future.
Should I have a pension?
The short answer is yes, but here’s a longer answer to explain why:
A pension is a long-term savings plan that aims to provide you with an income in your later years. The UK government encourages individuals to save for retirement, and there are various types of pensions available to help you achieve this goal. Below are some reasons why having a pension is important.
State Pension may not be sufficient
While the UK provides a State Pension to eligible individuals, the amount may not be sufficient to maintain the lifestyle you desire in retirement. Having a personal or workplace pension can supplement the State Pension.
Maintaining financial independence
A pension helps you to maintain financial independence in retirement, allowing you to cover living expenses, healthcare, and other needs without solely relying on state benefits.
Tax advantages
Contributions to pensions can be tax efficient. For example, you may receive tax relief on your contributions, and your pension pot grows tax-free. However, tax rules can change, so it’s important to stay informed.
Employer contributions
Many employers in the UK offer workplace pension schemes and contribute to their employees’ pensions. Taking advantage of employer contributions can significantly boost your retirement savings at no cost to you.
Save up in a way that suits you
Personal pensions, such as Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), provide flexibility and allow you to manage your investments. This flexibility can be beneficial in tailoring your pension to your individual needs.
Retirement planning
Having a pension is a key component of retirement planning. It allows you to accumulate savings over your working years, providing financial security and peace of mind in retirement.
Long-term financial security
A pension is a vehicle for long-term financial security. It enables you to build a nest egg that can sustain you throughout your retirement years, allowing you to enjoy your later life without financial stress.
Adapting to lifestyle changes
A well-funded pension can help you adapt to lifestyle changes in retirement, such as international travel, hobbies and supporting your children and grandchildren. It provides the means to enjoy your retirement to the fullest.
Remember: It’s important to start thinking about and planning for retirement as early as possible. Whether you opt for a workplace pension, personal pension or a combination of both, having an additional savings pot alongside your State Pension is a proactive step toward securing your financial future.
How much should I have in my pensions when I retire?
The amount you should have in your private pensions varies according to numerous factors, such as lifestyle expectations, retirement goals, and your desired standard of living after you’ve finished working. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as personal circumstances and preferences differ enormously. However, the financial experts here at TreyBridge can provide general guidelines to help you estimate how much you should aim to accumulate in your private pensions. Some key considerations include:
Retirement income replacement ratio
A common rule of thumb is the retirement income replacement ratio, which suggests aiming for a pension income that is 50-70% of your pre-retirement income. This ratio considers that certain expenses, such as commuting and work-related costs, should no longer apply in retirement, plus usually a mortgage will be paid off by then.
Lifestyle and expenses
Consider your expected lifestyle in retirement and estimate your future expenses. This includes housing costs, healthcare, travel, and any other living expenses. Having a clear understanding of your expected costs can help you to set a realistic pension savings goal.
State Pension
Take into account the State Pension, which provides a foundation for retirement income. Visit the GOV.UK website to find out how much you will receive through the State Pension.
Longevity
Consider how long you may need a pension for. With the average life expectancy increasing, you may need to plan for a longer retirement period than your parents.
Inflation
Factor in the impact of inflation on your future expenses. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time, so your pension savings should be able to keep up with rising costs.
Employer contributions
If you have a workplace pension with employer contributions, take advantage of this to boost your pension savings. Employer contributions can significantly enhance your overall retirement pot.
Seek regular financial advice
It’s important to regularly review your pension savings goals and adjust them as your circumstances develop. Additionally, pension regulations and contribution limits may be subject to change, so staying informed about updates to pension legislation is advisable. That’s where our pension planning experts come in!
What are the risks of not having a pension in the UK?
Not having a pension can pose several risks to individuals and their family members when they reach their retirement years. While the UK government provides a State Pension, which serves as a basic foundation for retirement income, relying solely on this may not be sufficient to maintain the desired standard of living. Here are some risks associated with not having a private pension in place:
Insufficient income in retirement
Without a private pension, you may have to rely solely on the State Pension, which may not provide enough income to maintain your pre-retirement lifestyle or cover additional expenses.
Limited financial independence
Lack of a private pension can limit financial independence in retirement. Having a private pension allows you to supplement your income, providing greater flexibility and the ability to cover unexpected expenses.
Dependency on state benefits
If you don’t have a private pension, you may be more reliant on state benefits, which can be subject to changes in government policies and economic conditions. Relying solely on state support may result in vulnerability to potential benefit cuts or adjustments.
Inability to achieve retirement goals
Without a nest egg, you may struggle to achieve your retirement goals, such as traveling, pursuing hobbies, or maintaining a certain standard of living. A private pension provides a means to fund these goals.
Longevity risk
Increased life expectancy means that retirees may spend a more extended period of retirement. Without sufficient savings, there is a risk of outliving your savings, leading to financial strain in later years.
Limited flexibility
Private pensions offer flexibility in terms of how you can access your savings, such as lump sum withdrawals or annuity options. Without a private pension, you may have limited options for managing your retirement funds.
Inability to pass on assets
Private pensions often provide options for passing on assets to heirs or beneficiaries. Without a private pension, you may have fewer options for leaving a financial legacy to your loved ones.
Potential reliance on family support
Without sufficient retirement savings, you may need to rely on family members for financial support in your later years. This can impact both you and your family’s financial wellbeing.
Missed tax advantages
Contributions to private pensions can provide tax advantages, including tax relief on contributions. Not having a private pension means missing out on potential tax benefits that could enhance retirement savings.
Inadequate protection against inflation
The State Pension may not fully protect against the impact of inflation on living expenses. A private pension can be designed to provide a level of protection against rising costs.
