Ways to maximise the value of your retirement savings
If you’re aiming to build a healthy pension pot to fund your retirement, there are a few key mistakes you’ll want to avoid. These can set you back and make it harder to reach your goals.
Being aware of how it can impact your retirement plans
When it comes to planning for your retirement, one important factor to consider is the impact of inflation on your future pension income. While the cost of living will obviously increase over time, the rate of inflation can have a significant impact on how far your pension income will go in retirement.
How much you’ll need to retire depends on a number of factors, including how long you expect to live in retirement and what kind of lifestyle you want to maintain.
‘Enjoy more freedom while still being physically fit and well enough to enjoy it’
The traditional retirement age is no longer what it used to be. More and more people are choosing to retire early, and there are a number of reasons why this is becoming increasingly popular.
Choosing what to do with your pension is a big decision
If you’ve been saving into a defined contribution pension (sometimes called ‘money purchase’) during your working life, from age 55 (age 57 in 2028) you need to decide what to do with the money you’ve saved towards your pension when you eventually decide to retire.
Simplify your finances and make it easier to keep track of your retirement savings
If you have ever changed jobs, moved homes or had a company you worked for change ownership or close down, then you know how easy it is to lose touch with your pension savings provider. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it often means that your savings are no longer as secure as they could be.
Why saving enough for retirement is challenging for many people
One of the biggest financial challenges people face is saving enough money for retirement. There are a number of factors that can make this difficult, such as low income, high living costs and unexpected expenses.
People using property to support their retirement lifestyle
The significant increase in property prices in recent years has likely shifted many people’s expectations about the role property wealth will eventually play in supporting their retirement. With people spending longer in retirement, one of the challenges that many need to overcome is how to fund it and how to meet the financial demands they may face in later life, such as the cost of long-term care.
How much it will cost and how you are going to pay for it?
People planning for retirement should think hard about what they want to do when they eventually stop work. It is helpful to have a good idea of the lifestyle you want, how much it will cost and how you are going to pay for it.
