Pensions

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Unsure how to access your pension at retirement? Here’s what you need to know

It’s been a decade since Pension Freedoms legislation gave retirees more choice. Yet rather than relishing the freedom the changes have provided, research suggests workers are approaching retirement unsure about the decisions they need to make. Data published by PensionsAge in June 2025 suggests that only 47% of UK savers are aware of their options in retirement. In addition, just ...
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The age you can access your pension may rise. Could it affect your retirement?

In April 2028, the age you can usually access your pension, known as the “normal minimum pension age” (NMPA), will rise from 55 to 57. So, if you hope to retire at 55, you might need to update your retirement plan. Even if your planned retirement date seems far away, creating a plan now could help you bridge a potential ...
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The potential perils of accessing your pension at 55

Reaching the minimum pension age and being able to access your retirement savings might mean new possibilities opening up. You may start thinking about giving up work, withdrawing a lump sum to pursue a goal, or using your pension to boost your regular income. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also important to evaluate your decisions and consider how they ...
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A woman in her 60s checking something on her mobile phone.

State Pension: Everything you need to know in 2025/26

For many pensioners, the State Pension provides a foundation to build their retirement income. Whether you’re already claiming the State Pension or it’s still some years away, here’s what you need to know in 2025/26. In the 2025/26 tax year, you can claim the State Pension from the age of 66. However, the age will gradually start to increase from ...
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5 practical tasks that could help you get more out of your pension in 2025

If it’s been some time since you reviewed your pension, going through these practical tasks could help you get more out of your retirement savings in 2025. As retirement could be years away, it’s easy for your pension to slip off your list of priorities. In fact, a survey from The People’s Pension suggests that almost a fifth of savers ...
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The pension basics you need to know if you’re dreaming of retiring abroad

Retiring abroad is a dream for many people nearing the milestone. Whether you’re picturing a sunnier climate or want to move closer to family, there are some implications you might need to consider when managing your pension. According to a report in Moneyweek, more than three-quarters of pension savers would like the opportunity to leave the UK behind when they ...
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How to join the pension treasure hunt and discover “lost” savings

You could uncover “lost” pension savings and boost your retirement by tracking down old pots you might have forgotten about. Read on to find out why you might have lost pensions and how to rediscover them. 27 October 2024 marks National Pension Tracing Day and the campaign urges you to join the pension treasure hunt. It’s estimated there are 2.8 ...
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Why taking your pension as a lump sum could leave you with a huge tax bill

Taking a lump sum out of your pension could provide you with more financial freedom. Yet, it could also land you with a large and unexpected tax bill. Read on to find out what you need to know about tax and withdrawing lump sums from your pension. Your pension withdrawals may be liable for Income Tax You can take up ...
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An older couple resting after a hike.

4 pragmatic ways your pension could create long-term security for you and your partner

Deciding how to sustainably access your pension is often a big decision. If you’re planning with a partner, you might have an added layer of complexity – how can you make sure they’d be financially secure if you pass away first? It may be a question that’s difficult to consider. Yet, if your finances are intertwined, particularly if one of ...
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3 practical reasons to check your State Pension forecast before you retire

The State Pension is often a useful foundation when you’re creating an income in retirement. Yet, a survey from Just Group found that a third of people didn’t check their State Pension forecast before stopping work. While the State Pension might not be your primary income in retirement, it’s often valuable because it’s reliable – you’ll receive a regular income ...
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