A retired couple hiking.

Revealed: The key to happiness in retirement is focusing on experiences

Retirement is a milestone that’s often greeted with celebration. But what do you need to do to be happy during your later years? Research has revealed that it’s experiences, rather than material items, that are important. A survey from Royal London found that 72% of those aged over 55 favoured experiences over material possessions. From seeing more of the world …

An older couple sitting on a wall at a beach.

7 compelling reasons you should seek financial advice at retirement

Some of the decisions you make as you retire could affect your income and lifestyle for the rest of your life. Yet, data suggests that many retirees aren’t taking financial advice and it could mean they face hardship in the future.  According to the Great British Retirement Survey, only 27% of retirees in 2021 sought the services of a professional …

The useful guide to reaching your retirement goals

Getting the most out of retirement and reaching your goals requires planning. Not thinking about your post-work years until you reach that milestone can mean that a retirement that promised much, falls short. While you might daydream about giving up work, pinning down the details, from your lifestyle to your income, means you’re more likely to turn your dream into …

A mature couple enjoying the view of an ancient amphitheatre.

Why good retirement planning is about more than your pension and money

If you’re nearing retirement, you may be starting to think about planning the next stage of your life. What steps spring to mind? You may prioritise organising your pension, claiming your State Pension, or reviewing how much you have in a savings account. These steps are important for creating security, yet good retirement planning goes further than your finances. So, …

Someone taking notes with a calculator and stack of coins on a table

Pension drawdown: Are you taking a sustainable income?

Flexi-access drawdown can provide retirees with more freedom to create an income that suits their lifestyle. However, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) figures suggest that many retirees are taking unsustainable amounts from their pensions. It could mean they run out of money during retirement. The government introduced Pension Freedoms in 2015, which provide retirees with more ways to access their pension …

An older couple enjoying a cup of coffee outside at a café.

8 things to do if you’re retiring in 2022

If you’ll be retiring this year, you may be looking forward to more free time to focus on what you enjoy. As you start making plans, you need to set out your expectations and how you’ll create an income. To do that, a bit of planning is required, and these eight steps are a great place to start. 1. Set …