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    Pension: How to start, should you consolidate, free 1-on-1 help, auto enrolment, stakeholder or SIPP?

    enJuly 01, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Podcast Advertising and PensionsPodcast advertising allows marketers to reach engaged audiences with higher trust in brands, and podcasts like 'Not the Martin Lewis Podcast' offer free pension guidance, while professional advisors provide personalized advice for a fee.

      Podcast advertising offers marketers a unique opportunity to reach engaged audiences in various settings, with 60% of listeners reporting higher trust in brands they've encountered on podcasts compared to social media. Podcasts like the "Not the Martin Lewis Podcast" provide valuable information on various topics, including pensions, and offer free guidance to help listeners make informed decisions. The Money and Pension Service and independent financial advisors like Tiedway Wealth offer different levels of support: the former provides free, unbiased guidance, while the latter offers personalized advice for a fee. If your pension assets are valued between 250,000 to 300,000, it's recommended to seek professional advice. However, for smaller pension pots, free guidance from the Money and Pension Service may be sufficient.

    • Pension AdviceRegardless of age or pension situation, seeking guidance on pensions is beneficial. Start saving early for retirement, even if it's a little at a time, and consider taking regulated financial advice for larger pension funds.

      Everyone, regardless of age or current pension situation, can benefit from seeking guidance on pensions. For those with larger pension funds, around 150,000 pounds or more, it's crucial to consider taking regulated financial advice. Pensions come in two main categories: defined benefit and defined contribution. Defined benefit pensions offer a set percentage of your final salary upon retirement, while defined contribution pensions involve saving a pot of money that grows based on your contributions and investment returns. If you're 45 with no pension, don't panic. Start by saving into a workplace pension if possible, as it comes with employer contributions and tax relief. The earlier you start saving, the better, even if you can only contribute a little at a time. A common recommendation is to save 15% of your income towards a pension, but this isn't a hard rule. The key takeaway is that it's never too late to start saving for retirement.

    • Tax benefits of pensionsFor every pound contributed to a pension, a basic rate taxpayer effectively saves 20 pounds due to tax relief, and receives additional employer contributions, making pensions an attractive savings option.

      Pensions offer significant tax benefits and employer contributions, making them an unbeatable form of saving, especially for those in the auto-enrollment system. For every pound you put in, you effectively get more due to tax savings and employer contributions. For instance, a basic rate taxpayer putting in 100 pounds only loses 80 pounds from their salary, while receiving 160 pounds in their pension. Self-employed individuals can also set up personal pensions, with options like stakeholder pensions or self-invested personal pensions (SIPs) offering varying investment choices and charges. While SIPs have higher potential returns, they require more investment knowledge and work. Therefore, for beginners or those who prefer a simpler approach, stakeholder pensions may be a better choice. Overall, pensions are a powerful tool for saving, offering tax benefits, employer contributions, and the potential for long-term growth.

    • Pension consolidation vs separate pensionsConsider unique features and flexibility before consolidating pensions. Separate pots offer different retirement strategies and tax planning options.

      When it comes to managing your pensions, there are important decisions to make regarding consolidation versus keeping your pensions separate. While the appeal of having all your pensions in one place may seem attractive, it's crucial to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a move. Some pensions may offer unique features that could outweigh having a smaller balance. Additionally, having separate pots can provide flexibility for different retirement strategies and tax planning. The Pension Wise service can help identify these considerations and provide guidance on a case-by-case basis. The decision to consolidate or not ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and stage in life. For those just starting out, consolidation may be simpler. However, as you approach retirement and focus on preservation, having multiple pots can offer more options and flexibility. Age and the evolution of pension schemes also play a role in this decision.

    • Long-term investment strategy for retirementFocus on financial goals and risk tolerance instead of past performance, market fluctuations are normal, and retirement savings are for the long term.

      Having a long-term investment strategy for your retirement savings is crucial, even when markets are volatile and your investments drop in value. Instead of fixating on the past performance, focus on whether your current investments align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. The market fluctuations are normal, and the overall direction should be upward over the long term. If you have a pension, it's essential to review your investment options and consider transferring it to a more suitable pension plan if needed. Remember, retirement savings are for the long term, not the short term.

    • Frozen PensionsIf frozen, transfer pension to consumer-friendly provider and consult Pension Wise for retirement plans, while considering impact on means-tested benefits

      It's important to understand why your pension may be frozen and how to move it to a more accessible platform before considering your options for retirement savings. If your pension is frozen due to an advisor no longer having access, you can still transfer it to a more consumer-friendly provider like AJ Bell or Hargreaves Lansdowne. Once you've moved your pension, make an appointment with Pension Wise to discuss your retirement plans. It's never too late to start saving into a pension, but consider the potential impact on means-tested benefits before deciding on the amount to contribute. Overall, the key is to understand your options and make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances.

    • Pension contributionsEffective retirement saving involves regular contributions or lump sums, tax advantages, and potential inheritance tax avoidance, depending on individual circumstances and market conditions.

      Pensions can be an effective way to save for retirement and pass on wealth to loved ones, but the best approach to contributing depends on individual circumstances and market conditions. Regular contributions through pound cost averaging can help mitigate market risk, while larger lump sum payments can offer potential tax advantages and higher returns if timed correctly. Pensions also provide tax relief and the ability to avoid inheritance tax if left untouched upon death. For personalized pension advice, consider contacting Pension Wise or seeking independent financial advice.

    • Word-of-mouth recommendations, Podcast guestsPartnering with podcast networks like ACAST can help leverage word-of-mouth recommendations from authentic podcast guests, expanding reach and encouraging trust and engagement among listeners.

      Word-of-mouth recommendations from podcast guests can be incredibly effective in attracting new customers. Podcasters have the power to authentically endorse your brand or product, making their audience more likely to trust and engage with you. ACAST's coast-to-coast sponsorships offer an excellent platform for tapping into this potential. By partnering with ACAST, you can reach a wide audience and encourage podcast guests to sing your praises in their own words. This loving endorsement can help prepare listeners to become loyal customers. To get started, head to go.acast.com/closer.

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