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Insights from the Charles James team
What Is An Annuity?
An annuity is a financial product that allows you to convert your pension savings into a guaranteed, fixed income for the rest of your life - often referred to as a secure income.
Choosing an annuity is a significant decision, as it is usually irreversible. That’s why it’s essential to fully understand how annuities work, the different types available, and the features they offer before making a commitment…
The Three Main Ways To Access Your Pension Savings
Before you decide how you'd like to access your pension savings, it's important to take some time to understand all your options.
What are your retirement options?
Retirement Planning - How to Secure Your Future
Retirement is a significant life event that requires careful planning to ensure a financially secure and fulfilling future. Regardless of your situation, retirement planning shares common principles and steps that are essential for setting yourself up for success.
Here, we will explore the key factors and actionable strategies worth considering when planning for retirement.
Plan To Allow First-Time Buyers To Access Pensions For House Deposit Comes Under Fire
As the Housing Secretary calls on the government to allow first-time buyers to access their pension funds to help fund a deposit on a house, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) argue against the proposal.
Generation X Are The Largest Pension Contributors
Those aged 43 - 54 account for the largest percentage of overall pension contributions, however they still aren’t contributing as much as they should be.
Pension Beneficiaries and Your Will
Being aware of the rules around leaving your pension to a beneficiary after you die can avoid lost money or confusion with wills.
Pensions Contributions Set To Rise
Workers’ pension contributions are set to increase in the very near future.
Pensions in 2019
It’s never a bad time to save money into a retirement fund, however there are big changes coming to pensions in 2019, which you may want to read up on…
Pension Savers Set To Receive Better Returns
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR) stated this week that they would attempt to drive value for money for those in pension schemes.
UK Government To Address Pension Tax Anomaly
The Treasury has confirmed that it is looking at ways to change some of the ways in which pensions tax relief is provided.
Women Saving More Money into Pensions Than Men
According to new figures, women are saving a larger percentage of their income into a pensions than men.
No-Deal Brexit: Pensions, Savings and Mortgages
Just seven months remain until the UK leaves the European Union, and with an ever increasing chance of a “No-Deal Brexit”, we take a look at what that means for you.
Pensions: The Basics
Many people, especially young people, put off contributing into a pension as they just aren’t sure how and why they should. Here are the basics of pensions to help you maximise your retirement fund.
12% of Your Salary Should Be saved Into A Pension
According to a new report, workers should be saving at least 12% of their annual wage into a pension.
Over 40s Urged To Make Up Pension Deficit
Hundreds of thousands of over 40s are at risk of being left short when it comes to their retirement savings.
Get Advice Before Withdrawing From Your Pension
Pensions freedoms have brought financial flexibility for those entering retirement age, however you must be aware of the consequences of withdrawing lump sums from your pension pot, especially if you plan on doing so before retirement age.
35 Year Olds Should Have Double Their Salary in Savings
According to a leading investments firm, workers should have double their annual salaries in savings by the time they reach their mid-30s.
Checking Your State Pension
Many are being advised to check their state pension forecast in advance, in order to avoid disappointment and give themselves time to prepare.
Drawdown Pensions and Financial Advice
An increasing number of people are taking out drawdown pensions without seeking financial guidance.
Most Britons Expect to Work Past the Age of 65
The majority of Britons expect to work past retirement age as worries about the size of pension pots surface.