Defined benefit pension schemes explained A defined benefit (“DB”) scheme is a type of pension where income at retirement is pre-defined. Instead of saving up a pot of pension money, investing it and hoping for positive results, a DB pension
Why appoint a financial adviser?
When and why should I appoint a financial adviser? With most banking and investment plans now offering high quality online management, people are increasingly inclined to manage their own finances. Cash accounts and guaranteed savings, like current accounts, cash ISAs,
Learn the language of pension jargon
We’ve added a FULL pension jargon glossary! Half the work in planning retirement is wading through financial jargon. As we recently discussed, the DWP appear to have recognised this, and are working to compel pension providers to better explain themselves
Celebrate the weekend with our Pensions & Animals Quiz
World’s First Pensions & Animals Quiz Take a break from the hard slog of planning your retirement to scratch up on some really important facts. Do you know your alligators from your annuities? Can you spot the difference between a
DWP Push for Simpler Pension Statements
Simpler annual pension benefit statements for workplace pensions The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have recently concluded their consultation about simpler annual statements for workplace pensions. We’ve been campaigning for years to get pension and retirement planning into the
What is a stakeholder pension?
Stakeholder pensions: simple, low-cost… basic? A stakeholder pension plan is a basic, low cost pension arrangement. It is a form of defined contribution plan, and can be an individual plan or part of a group arrangement set up by an
With Profits Funds Explained
What is a With Profits Fund? A with profits fund is invested to a cautious strategy. It contains a diverse mix of assets in order to mitigate risk and reduce volatility, but its value doesn’t fluctuate like a classic daily
Defined Benefit v Defined Contribution
What are defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes? Large employers often design a bespoke benefits package for their employees. Staff are sectioned off into benefit tiers. A certain level of pension is awarded, usually linked to service. Many pension
Understand your defined benefit pension statement
What is a defined benefit pension review? DB scheme members will receive regular updates from their pension administrators or trustees. Make sure you ask for the latest information about your plan if you’ve not received your statement. If you live
What is an ‘International’ Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)?
The International SIPP is a UK pension designed for expats An international SIPP is a fully functional UK Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) plan designed specifically for non-UK residents. It works in the same way as a UK SIPP, but with