Questions people ask

Usually yes, an annuity is an income, and therefore income tax does apply. Tax is normally deducted automatically through PAYE. The amount you pay can depend on your other income, available tax allowances and the level of annuity income you receive. When considering annuities, it is therefore important to look at the tax position alongside your wider retirement income and financial plans. So, if an annuity was your only income, and you earned below the income tax thresholds you wouldn’t pay tax, but for most people you will have tax to pay.

Different pension types hold different levels of inherent risk. Pensions can also hold different types of investments, so the level of risk depends partly on how your money is invested. Investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invest. We’ll help you understand the risks involved and whether your approach is appropriate for your circumstances and goals.

Until now, most unused pension funds have usually sat outside your estate for inheritance tax. That is changing. For deaths on or after 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be brought into your estate and counted when inheritance tax is worked out. Death in service benefits from a registered scheme are not affected. If a good deal of your wealth is in your pension, it is worth reviewing your plans.

Yes. Reeves Independent is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under Firm Reference Number 839943. You can check our regulatory status on the FCA Register.

Setting up a SIPP typically involves choosing a suitable provider, opening the pension, deciding how much to contribute and selecting investments. Before setting one up, it is important to consider whether a SIPP is appropriate for your circumstances. Our advisers can assess your existing pension arrangements and provide personal advice on your options.

We consider tax as part of your investment plan, including how available allowances and tax-efficient wrappers could be used. The benefits depend on your individual circumstances and current legislation, which can change.

Yes. Financial planning can help you understand what your pensions, savings and investments could provide, when you might be able to retire and how you could create an income once you do. It brings those decisions together around the retirement you want.

Potentially, but this needs particular care. Final salary and other defined benefit pensions usually provide a guaranteed income for life, and transferring means giving that up for a pension pot instead. Specific advice requirements and regulatory protections apply to many defined benefit transfers.

It depends on what you mean by early, most private pensions can be accessed at age 55 (although this is rising to 57 from 2028 for many people), but state pension cannot be accessed until 67 or 68 depending on your date of birth. Defined benefits have a whole other set of rules, many having a set access age, and some which do allow early access but only for a decreased income. This is where advice can be beneficial, to ensure you’re not accessing anything earlier than needed and triggering penalties for it.

Yes. If you want your investments to reflect your principles, we can incorporate ethical, sustainable and Shariah-compliant approaches. We discuss what matters to you, explain the available options clearly and create a strategy that balances your values, financial goals and attitude to risk.

There are risks to consider. You could lose valuable guarantees or benefits, pay charges for moving your money or end up in an arrangement that isn’t as suitable for you. That’s why each pension should be looked at individually before anything is moved.

Yes, but the fee is different. Our 2.99% initial fee applies when you also take our ongoing service. If you choose a transaction-only service with no ongoing advice, our initial fee is 4%.

Often, yes, through legitimate planning. Using your annual allowance, offsetting losses, timing disposals and making the most of reliefs can all help. This is planning, not avoidance, and it is exactly the kind of thing independent advice is for.

You don’t necessarily need an adviser on your doorstep. We work with clients across the country, with conversations available in person, by phone or online, so you can choose the approach that works best for you.

Consolidating a pension isn’t the same as withdrawing it into your bank account. Once you’re eligible to access your pension, there are different ways to take money from it and tax may be due. Be particularly cautious of anyone offering to help you access pension money before the normal minimum pension age.

Depending on your existing scheme, transferring to a self-invested personal pension (SIPP) may be possible. A SIPP can offer greater investment choice and flexibility, but that doesn’t automatically make it a better option. The costs, investments, benefits you could lose and how you plan to use your pension all need considering.

A pension transfer normally means moving your pension from one pension arrangement to another. It isn’t the same as withdrawing money into your bank account. Once you’re eligible to access your pension, there are different ways to take money from it and tax may apply. Be particularly cautious of anyone offering unusual or early access to pension savings.

Many personal and workplace pensions can be transferred to another pension. You might want to bring pensions together, access different investment options or find an arrangement that better suits your retirement plans. But some pensions have guarantees, benefits or charges that make moving less attractive, so it’s important to understand what you have first.

There are cashflow modelling tools available online, but their results depend on the information and assumptions you put into them. Working with an adviser can help you build a more complete picture, test realistic scenarios and, importantly, understand what the results could mean for your wider financial plan.

Yes. We can review your existing pensions, investments and other financial arrangements to help you understand where you currently stand and whether your existing plans remain suitable for your circumstances and future objectives. Any recommendations we make will be based on a thorough understanding of your individual situation.

Yes. We can advise on how investments held in ISA fit your wider plan. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and current rules, both of which can change which is why it pays to have an Adviser in your corner to ensure your plan continues to deliver for you.

You don’t necessarily need to use a pension to buy an annuity, you can also use other savings or investments, depending on the type of annuity. However, buying one this way can have different tax implications. If you’re considering an annuity, it’s worth looking at where the money is coming from and what you want the annuity to achieve, rather than assuming a pension is your only option. This is where seeking advice could be valuable to get you the right product in the most efficient way.

Taking early retirement doesn’t automatically mean you can or can’t claim benefits. Your eligibility will depend on your circumstances, the benefit you’re applying for and your income, savings and other assets. It’s important to understand how taking pension income could affect any entitlement you may have. If you’re considering retiring early, check your position carefully and factor any potential benefits into your wider retirement income plan.

Yes. We tailor your investment approach to your stage of life, from building wealth before retirement to managing investments while drawing an income. Your strategy evolves with your circumstances, priorities and plans for the future.

No. The review comes with no obligation to proceed. Some people choose to act on the recommendations straight away, while others simply use the information to gain a better understanding of their finances. The decision is always yours.

No. The review comes with no obligation to proceed. Some people choose to act on the recommendations straight away, while others simply use the information to gain a better understanding of their finances. The decision is always yours.

No. Our ongoing service is optional. We’ll explain what it includes and what it would cost, so you can decide whether ongoing advice is right for you.

A financial plan can be useful whenever you have longer-term goals or important financial decisions ahead. It can help you understand whether you’re on track, where changes may be needed and how different decisions could affect your future.

Often both, working together. An accountant typically handles your returns and compliance. We focus on planning your wider finances, pensions, investments and estate, in a tax-efficient way, and we are happy to work alongside your accountant.

A will is important, but it is only part of the picture. It sets out who receives what. Estate planning goes further, shaping how much there is to pass on and how much is lost to tax on the way. The two work best together, and if you need legal support we can refer you to a trusted partner firm.

Not every pension decision requires financial advice, but it can be valuable when the choices become more complex. An adviser can help you understand your pensions, assess whether you’re on track for retirement and explain the implications of different options before you make a decision.

You may. If shares are held outside a pension or ISA and the gain is above your annual allowance, capital gains tax can apply. Reeves Independent does not advise on buying or selling individual shares, but if a share disposal forms part of your wider financial picture we can help you understand how it fits with your overall tax and retirement planning.

Usually not. Your main home normally qualifies for a relief that means no capital gains tax is due when you sell it. Second properties, buy to lets and homes that have not always been your main residence can be treated differently, so it is worth checking your own position.

You can usually take part of your pension as a tax free lump sum, within your available allowance. Any pension benefits taken above the available tax-free amount will normally be subject to Income Tax at your marginal rate. The important point is that taking the maximum tax-free amount is not necessarily the best option. We can help you understand the tax implications and weigh the benefit of taking cash now against the income and investment potential you may give up later.

Some recommendations may involve investment risk. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invested. Where relevant, we’ll explain the risks involved and how they relate to your circumstances before you make a decision.

No. Anyone with a pension, a home, savings or investments can benefit from planning. It is less about how much you have and more about making thoughtful decisions with it.

It gives an estimate, not a promise. Results depend on growth, charges and inflation, and nobody can predict those. That’s why we show a low and a high figure. For a plan based on your full circumstances, speak to an adviser. 

Cashflow modelling is a projection, not a prediction. The results depend on assumptions about factors such as inflation, investment growth, spending and life expectancy, all of which can change. Its value comes from exploring different possibilities and helping you make decisions with a clearer view of their potential impact.

There is no single level of performance for a drawdown pension. Returns depend on the investments held, market conditions, charges and how much you withdraw. Investment performance should also be considered alongside the income you are taking. If you already have an advice team, speak to them about whether your strategy remains suitable. If you do not have an adviser, book a review with us to discuss your options.

You cannot make a taxable estate simply disappear, but sensible, legitimate planning can reduce what is owed, sometimes significantly. Making the most of allowances, gifting within the rules, arranging pensions and investments well and using life cover to meet the bill are all recognised approaches. This is careful planning, not artificial avoidance schemes, and it is exactly what independent advice is for.

You can choose the payment option that works best for you:

From your product or policy: Our fees can be deducted directly from your investment or existing policy. This reduces the amount invested on your behalf.

Direct payment: You can pay us directly from your bank account and we’ll send you an invoice.

From your investments: Where needed, part of your investment can be sold to cover our fees or fees due to third parties.

Often through making better use of what is already available: your allowances, tax-efficient saving through pensions and ISAs, and sensible timing of when you take income. The right approach depends on your circumstances, which is what advice is for. This is legitimate planning, not artificial schemes.

Look for an FCA-authorised firm that’s clear about its services and charges. You may also want an adviser with experience relevant to your needs, such as retirement planning. An initial conversation can help you understand their approach and decide whether they feel right for you.

It’s important to work with an adviser who is FCA regulated, takes the time to understand your circumstances and explains things clearly. A financial review is a good opportunity to ask questions, understand how an adviser works and decide whether they’re the right fit for you.

It’s important to work with an adviser who is FCA regulated, takes the time to understand your circumstances and explains things clearly. A financial review is a good opportunity to ask questions, understand how an adviser works and decide whether they’re the right fit for you.

Start by finding your pensions and understanding exactly what each one offers. From there, you can compare charges, investments, benefits and guarantees before deciding which, if any, should be brought together. If you take advice, your adviser can guide you through the process and arrange any recommended transfers.

A good place to start is by checking that a firm is authorised by the FCA. From there, look at the areas they advise on, whether they’re independent and what their clients say about them. An initial conversation can then help you decide whether there’s a good fit.

Start with a conversation. Book a free review and we’ll talk through your goals, your timescales and how you feel about riask, then explain our advice process and what happens next. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Retirement advice can be obtained from a qualified financial adviser who specialises in pensions and retirement income planning. An adviser can review your existing arrangements, explain your options, and help you understand how different decisions may affect your future income. Advice is particularly valuable when considering pension withdrawals, retirement timing, tax implications, and long-term financial stability.

Getting started is simple. You can contact our team to arrange an initial conversation about your circumstances and what you would like help with. We can then discuss how Reeves may be able to support you and explain the next steps, allowing you to decide whether our approach is right for you.

The first step is understanding your existing pension, including its charges, investments, benefits and any guarantees. We then compare keeping it with the alternatives. If a transfer is recommended and you choose to proceed, we can arrange the move and handle the paperwork for you.

We start by understanding your goals, timeframe and finances, then assess your attitude to risk and capacity for loss. From there, we select a diversified investment strategy suited to your circumstances and review it with you regularly.

We start by understanding your goals, timeframe and finances, then assess your attitude to risk and capacity for loss. From there, we select a diversified investment strategy suited to your circumstances and stage of life. We review it regularly and make adjustments as your needs change.

We review your plan with you at least once a year and when your circumstances change. These reviews help keep your investments, pensions and wider plans aligned with your goals as life and markets evolve.

A SIPP is a type of personal pension that allows you to choose from a wider range of investments, subject to the provider’s terms. You remain responsible for managing your SIPP and making investment decisions. If you want professional guidance, our advisers can provide advice on your pension and investment strategy.

An annuity is essentially a way of turning some of your pension savings into a regular, guaranteed income. You give an insurance company a lump sum and, in return, they pay you an income either for a set period or, in many cases, for the rest of your life. You can also choose options such as an income that increases over time or continues to a partner after you die.

With advice, your adviser recommends investments and you decide whether to proceed. With discretionary management, a manager makes day-to-day decisions on your behalf, withing agreed limits, so changes can be made without asking you each time.

There are several legitimate routes, such as making the most of allowances, gifting sensibly during your lifetime, using life cover to meet a future bill, and arranging pensions and investments well. The right mix depends on your circumstances, which is what advice is for. Rules can change, so we plan to the current position.

With pension drawdown, you can usually take an income from your pension while the remainder stays invested. You can adjust your withdrawals as your circumstances change, but taking too much can reduce the funds available later in retirement. We can help you establish a sustainable withdrawal strategy that considers your income needs, investments, tax position and wider financial plans.

Investment planning sets the overall strategy, including what you are investing for, the level of risk that suits you and how your money should be structured. Investment management focuses on managing the investments within that strategy. We bring the two together so your portfolio continues to reflect your wider financial plan.

Investment management focuses on managing your portfolio. Wealth management takes a broader view, bringing together your investments, pensions, tax considerations and longer-term financial plans. Investment management is one part of that wider approach.

There’s no single timeframe. It depends on the pension, the providers involved and whether there are guarantees or other benefits that need closer consideration. Some transfers are relatively straightforward, while more complex arrangements can take longer. If we’re arranging your transfer, we’ll keep you updated as it progresses.

There’s no set timeframe. It depends on the pensions you have, the providers involved and whether any benefits or guarantees need further investigation. Some transfers can be relatively straightforward, while others take longer. If we arrange the consolidation, we’ll keep you updated as it progresses.

Reeves has been helping clients with their financial planning for over 30 years. During that time, we have supported thousands of clients with important financial decisions, including planning for retirement, managing investments and protecting their financial future.

For most people, you can take up to 25% of your pension as a tax free lump sum, subject to the Lump Sum Allowance. The standard Lump Sum Allowance is £268,275, although some people may have a higher protected allowance. The right amount to take is about more than simply taking the maximum available. We would look at your retirement income needs, other assets, tax position and plans for the money before recommending how much you should take.

Most people have a tax-free personal allowance each year, and you only start paying income tax on earnings above it. The exact figure can change from year to year, and it can be reduced for higher earners or affected by your circumstances. Good planning helps you make the most of the allowance you have.

It depends on the size of the gain, your other income, the type of asset and the allowances available to you. Because those vary from person to person and the rules can change, we cannot give a guaranteed figure, but we can help you understand the likely position and plan around it.

It depends on the lifestyle you want and any other income you’ll have, such as the State Pension. Start with what you spend now and think about what will change. Our calculator then shows how close your pension pot gets you. 

Rather than focusing on a specific figure, it’s more important to understand the income you’ll need in retirement. Consider your expected expenditure, planned lifestyle, travel ambitions, and any financial support you may wish to provide to family. Ultimately ‘how much’ is down to you. It can be tricky to work out on your own what your savings pot should look like at the start of retirement planning, but a financial adviser can usually help you with this.

The cost will depend on your circumstances and the advice you need. We’ll explain any charges clearly before you decide to proceed, so you know what you’ll pay and what the service includes. Your initial conversation with Reeves is free and without obligation.

The cost depends on the advice you need and the amount involved. Our initial advice fee is usually 2.99% on the first £300,000 and 0.5% above that, subject to a minimum fee of £1,000 and a maximum of £15,000. Your financial review is free, and a fee only becomes payable if you choose to proceed with our advice.

The cost depends on your circumstances and the work involved. We’ll explain our charges clearly before you decide to proceed, so you understand what you’ll pay and what the service includes. Your initial conversation is at no cost.

At Reeves, pension and retirement advice usually follows the same fee structure shown above. The amount you pay will depend on your circumstances and the advice involved. We’ll confirm the exact charge with you in writing before you choose whether to proceed.

We are clear about our fees from the outset, so you always know where you stand before committing to anything. You can see how we charge on our fees page.

There isn’t a set price for an annuity. The amount you need really depends on how much income you want in retirement. For example, a larger pension pot could give you a higher income, but the amount you’ll receive also depends on the annuity rates available when you buy. Your age, health and the type of income you choose can all affect the quote you’re offered. To put it simply, how much it’s going to cost to buy an annuity depends on you!

Inheritance tax is charged only on the part of your estate above the tax-free threshold, not the whole estate. The rate, the threshold and the reliefs available can change over time, and everyone’s position is different, so we cannot give a guaranteed figure. What we can do is help you understand your likely position and plan sensibly around it.

The amount of State Pension you receive depends on your National Insurance record and whether you qualify for the full State Pension. The current full state pension is £241.30 per week. It can form an important part of your retirement income, but many people will also need additional income from pensions, investments or other sources to meet their retirement goals.

You can give away a certain amount each year without it counting towards inheritance tax, and some regular gifts out of income can qualify too. Larger gifts can fall outside your estate provided you live for a set number of years afterwards. The allowances and time limits can change, so it is worth planning gifts with current advice rather than guesswork.

The amount you need for retirement will depend on your lifestyle, spending, housing costs and retirement plans. Your required retirement income may also change over time. We can help you calculate your likely income needs and assess whether your pensions, savings, investments and other income sources are sufficient.

You can normally take up to 25% of your pension tax-free, up to a limit of £268,275 for most people. The rest is taxed as income when you take it. Our calculator does not take tax off the figures it shows. 

There’s no single amount that everyone should contribute to their pension for an early retirement. The right level depends on your age, income, existing pension savings, retirement goals and when you want to stop working. If retiring early is your goal, you may need to save more or make contributions for longer to build the fund you’ll need. Reviewing your pension regularly can help you understand whether your contributions are keeping you on track.

There isn’t one figure that works for everyone. How much you contribute will depend on your income, existing pensions, retirement goals and how long you have until you plan to retire. We can help you understand whether your current contributions could keep you on track and explore your options.

It depends on your income, where it comes from and the allowances and reliefs available to you, so there is no single answer that fits everyone. We cannot give you a guaranteed figure, but we can help you understand your likely position and, more importantly, arrange your finances so you pay no more than you need to.

We review your investment plan with you at least once a year, as well as when your circumstances change. Regular reviews help keep your strategy aligned with your goals and give you the opportunity to discuss any questions, changes or investment performance.

Cashflow planning works best as an ongoing process. Your income, spending, investments, circumstances and goals can all change, as can the assumptions behind the model. Reviewing it regularly helps keep the projections relevant and your wider financial plan aligned with your life.

Your plan should move with your life. Regular reviews give you the opportunity to consider changes in your circumstances, goals and finances, and make adjustments where appropriate. We’ll agree the right level of ongoing support with you.

To buy an annuity, you first need to consider how much of your pension you want to use and the level of income you need in retirement. You can then request quotes from different annuity providers, either directly or through an adviser. Compare the annuity rates and terms carefully, including options such as inflation-linked income or benefits for a partner. Once you have chosen the most suitable option, your pension funds are transferred to the provider and your income begins.

Start by identifying when you’d like to retire and the lifestyle you want to enjoy. From there, assess your existing pensions, savings and investments to understand whether you’re on track. Think about how much income you’ll realistically need, the impact of inflation, and any major future expenses. Regular reviews are essential, as retirement planning is an ongoing process rather than a one-off exercise.

Retiring early usually starts with understanding what you want your retirement to look like and how much you’ll need to fund it. Review your pensions, savings and investments, consider when you can access each source of income, and work out how long your money needs to last. It’s also important to factor in tax, inflation and unexpected costs. A clear financial plan can help you understand whether early retirement is achievable and what steps you need to take.

Setting up a SIPP typically involves choosing a suitable provider, opening the pension, deciding how much to contribute and selecting investments. Before setting one up, it is important to consider whether a SIPP is appropriate for your circumstances. Our advisers can assess your existing pension arrangements and provide personal advice on your options.

Drawdown can be a suitable option if you value flexibility and are comfortable keeping your pension invested, but it is not right for everyone. The right approach depends on your income requirements, other assets and sources of income, investment risk and long-term objectives. We can assess your circumstances and recommend an approach designed to support your retirement plans.

Cashflow modelling itself is a planning tool. At Reeves, we use it as part of the wider financial planning and regulated advice process, helping you understand what the projections show and how they relate to your circumstances, goals and financial decisions.

Guaranteed retirement income can provide reassurance by giving you an income that is designed to continue for life, helping cover essential living costs. An annuity is one way to achieve this. However, guaranteed income is not necessarily the right choice for everyone, so we can help you compare it with flexible retirement income options and decide how much certainty you need.

We consider tax when shaping your investment plan, including how available allowances and tax-efficient wrappers could be used. The benefits will depend on your individual circumstances and current legislation, which can change. Tax planning is considered alongside your wider financial goals and advice.

It can be. Having your pensions in fewer places could make it easier to see what you’ve built, understand how your money is invested and plan towards retirement. But simpler doesn’t always mean better, so the benefits need to be weighed against what you might give up.

A financial review cannot remove investment risk, and the value of investments can fall as well as rise. What it can do is help you understand your current position, the risks involved and the options available to you, allowing you to make more informed decisions about your future.

A financial review cannot remove investment risk, and the value of investments can fall as well as rise. What it can do is help you understand your current position, the risks involved and the options available to you, allowing you to make more informed decisions about your future.

Yes. Reeves is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing clients with the reassurance that we operate within the relevant regulatory standards and requirements. Please view our FCA Authorisation here.

No. Tax planning means using the reliefs and allowances that exist, in the way they are intended, to arrange your affairs sensibly. It is legitimate and widely used. It is not about artificial schemes, and we do not recommend those.

Yes. Your initial financial review is worth over £800, but it is provided completely free of charge and with no obligation. Whether you choose to become a client or not, you’ll leave with valuable insight into your finances. There is no cost and no pressure.

Yes. Your initial financial review is worth over £800, but it is provided completely free of charge and with no obligation. Whether you choose to become a client or not, you’ll leave with valuable insight into your finances. There is no cost and no pressure.

We consider tax across your wider plan, including how available allowances and tax-efficient wrappers could be used. The benefits depend on your individual circumstances and current legislation, which can change.

Yes. As an independent firm, we are not tied to any particular provider or product range. This allows us to consider solutions from across the market and base our advice on your circumstances and objectives.

Combining pensions can make your retirement savings easier to manage, but transferring isn’t always the right choice. Some pensions include valuable benefits or guarantees that could be lost. We’ll assess what you currently hold and explain the potential advantages and disadvantages before recommending whether consolidation is appropriate.

It depends on what you have and what you want from retirement. Consolidation can make your pensions easier to manage and plan around, but some are better left where they are because of valuable benefits, guarantees or features. Getting advice can help you understand which route makes sense for you.

It depends on what you have now and what you want from retirement. A transfer could offer greater flexibility, different investment choices or make your pensions easier to manage, but you could also give up valuable benefits or guarantees. We’ll weigh up both sides and help you understand whether moving genuinely makes sense.

There are several retirement income options available, including pension drawdown, buying an annuity, taking pension benefits as cash, or using a combination of approaches. You may also have other sources of income, such as investments, property rental or part-time work. We can help you understand which options may be appropriate for your circumstances.

It can help answer some of life’s bigger financial questions, from when you might be able to retire and how much you could afford to spend, to supporting family or passing on wealth. By modelling different scenarios, you can see the potential longer-term impact before making important decisions.

Our first priority is getting to know you. We will take the time to understand your current financial position, your future goals and any concerns or questions you may have. From there, we can assess your options and, where appropriate, develop a personalised financial plan. We will explain our recommendations clearly and ensure you understand the reasoning behind the advice you receive.

A financial adviser helps you understand your financial position, consider your options and make informed decisions about your future. This could include pensions, retirement, investments and wider financial planning, with recommendations shaped around your individual circumstances.

A financial planner helps you define your goals, understand your current financial position and build a plan to connect the two. They can also help you review and adapt that plan as your circumstances and priorities change.

We provide advice across a range of financial planning areas, with particular expertise in pensions, retirement planning and investments. Whether you are approaching retirement, already retired or planning ahead for the future, we can help you understand your options and create a financial plan based on your individual circumstances and goals.

The review considers your wider financial picture, including your pensions, investments and retirement plans. Rather than focusing on a single product, it is designed to help you understand how your finances work together and whether any improvements could help you achieve your objectives more effectively.

The review considers your wider financial picture, including your pensions, investments and retirement plans. Rather than focusing on a single product, it is designed to help you understand how your finances work together and whether any improvements could help you achieve your objectives more effectively.

The review starts with a conversation about your current financial position and what you want to achieve in the future. We’ll discuss your pensions, investments, retirement goals and any major plans you may have. Where appropriate, we’ll gather further information about your existing arrangements and help you understand your options moving forward.

The review starts with a conversation about your current financial position and what you want to achieve in the future. We’ll discuss your pensions, investments, retirement goals and any major plans you may have. Where appropriate, we’ll gather further information about your existing arrangements and help you understand your options moving forward.

We bring together investment planning, ongoing investment management and independent investment advice. We can help you create a strategy, manage your portfolio over time and ensure your investments fit within your wider financial plan.

Our free financial review is designed to help you understand where you stand financially and whether you’re on track to achieve your goals. We’ll look at your pensions, investments and retirement plans, helping you build a clearer picture of your current position and future options.

Our free financial review is designed to help you understand where you stand financially and whether you’re on track to achieve your goals. We’ll look at your pensions, investments and retirement plans, helping you build a clearer picture of your current position and future options.

A pension commencement lump sum is the tax-free cash you can usually take when you start accessing your pension. For many people, this can be up to 25% of their pension benefits, subject to their available allowances. While taking a lump sum can give you useful capital at retirement, it is important to look beyond the amount you can take. Taking cash reduces the amount left in your pension to provide future income, so we would always consider the decision as part of your wider retirement plan.

A private pension is a pension you arrange separately from the State Pension, such as a personal pension or self-invested personal pension. It can sit alongside workplace pensions and other savings to help fund your retirement. We can help you understand how your different pensions fit into your wider plans.

An annuity is a financial product that can provide a guaranteed income, typically during retirement, in exchange for a lump sum. Annuities can offer certainty, particularly if you want to know how much income you will receive each month or year. The income you’ll get depends on factors such as your age, health, pension fund and current annuity rates. There are different types of annuities, so choosing the right option requires careful consideration.

An independent financial adviser can consider options from across the market rather than being tied to a particular provider or limited product range. Their recommendations are based on your circumstances, goals and financial needs. Reeves Independent provides independent financial advice.

Asset management is the ongoing management of a client’s investments to keep their portfolio aligned with their goals, attitude to risk and stage of life. It includes monitoring performance, reviewing suitability, making adjustments when needed and providing regular reporting and oversight.

Cashflow modelling brings your income, spending, pensions, savings and investments together and projects them into the future. It helps you see how your financial position could change over time and whether your current plans are on track to support the future you want.

Discretionary Fund Management (DFM) is where a specialist investment manager makes day-to-day investment decisions and portfolio changes on a client’s behalf, within limits agreed through advice, allowing portfolios to be monitored, rebalanced and managed continuously without client approval for each change.

Estate planning is arranging your money, property and assets so they pass to the people you choose, as efficiently as possible. It brings together your pensions, investments, gifting, protection and inheritance tax planning. We handle the financial side, and where legal work such as a will is needed we can refer you to a trusted partner firm.

Financial planning is about understanding where you are today, what you want from the future and how your money can help you get there. It brings your savings, pensions, investments and wider finances together into a clear plan that can evolve with you over time.

Income tax is the tax you pay on most of the money you earn, such as your salary, income from a pension or profit from self-employment. Most people can earn a certain amount each year tax free before it applies. How much you pay depends on how much you earn and the allowances open to you, and planning well can help you keep more of it.

Investment management means looking after the money you have invested, for example in pensions, ISAs and bonds, so that it stays in line with your goals and attitude to risk. You’ll often see the terms investment management, portfolio management and asset management used to mean similar things.

Investment planning is the process of creating a clear strategy for your money based on your goals, timeframe and attitude to risk. Rather than choosing investments in isolation, it considers how they work together and fit with your wider finances. Your plan is reviewed regularly to keep it aligned with your life and goals.

Pension drawdown allows you to take an income from your pension while keeping the remaining funds invested. It can provide greater flexibility than a guaranteed income option, but your pension remains exposed to investment risk. We can help you assess whether drawdown is appropriate for your circumstances, how much income you may need and how your pension should be invested to support your plans.

Portfolio management usually refers to the mix of investments you hold and how that mix is managed over time, for example spreading your money across different types of assets.

It’s advice focussed on investing for and through retirement: building your money up beforehand, then adjusting the approach as you start to draw income so your plan suits your stage of life.

There is no set retirement age in the UK, so you can retire whenever your finances allow. Most personal and workplace pensions can currently be accessed from age 55 (but this is increasing to age 57 from April 2028 for people born on or after the 6th April 1973). The State Pension is separate and is currently available from age 66. Retiring before State Pension age means you’ll need sufficient income from pensions, savings, or investments to bridge the gap until your State Pension begins.

It is the amount of gains you can make each tax year before any capital gains tax applies. The allowance can change from year to year, so planning around the current position, rather than an old figure, matters. We will always work to the rules in force at the time.

Investment planning establishes your overall strategy, including what you are investing for and how your money should be structured. Investment management focuses on managing your portfolio within that strategy. We bring both together as part of your wider financial plan.

It is the amount your estate can be worth before any inheritance tax is due. There can also be an additional allowance where a home is passed to direct descendants. Because these figures can change from year to year, we plan to the rules in force at the time rather than to an out of date number.

The Lump Sum Allowance is the limit on the amount of pension benefits you can normally take tax-free over your lifetime. For most people, the current standard allowance is £268,275. It applies across your pensions rather than giving you a separate allowance for each one. Previous pension benefits you have taken can also affect how much allowance you have left. Understanding your position before taking benefits is important, particularly if you have several pensions or any form of protected allowance.

It is the amount most people can earn each year before income tax starts to apply, often called the personal allowance. The exact figure can change from year to year and can be affected by your circumstances, so we plan to the rules in force at the time rather than to an old number.

Wealth management brings your investments, pensions and wider financial planning together in one coordinated approach. Rather than treating each part separately, we align them around your goals and review the plan as your circumstances change.

We believe financial advice should be personal, straightforward and built around your individual goals. Our experienced team takes the time to understand what matters to you and develops a financial plan designed to support you now and in the future. We also believe in building long-term relationships with our clients, providing ongoing advice and support as circumstances, priorities and financial needs change.

Compare the figure with the retirement you want. If there’s a gap, a free review with the Reeves Team can help you weigh up which option suits you. 

In short: Asset Management = managing investments. Wealth Management = managing a client’s overall financial life, including investments.

The initial advice fee applies if you decide to go ahead with our recommendations and covers putting that advice into place. The ongoing fee covers continued advice and ongoing access to our team and regular reviews to help keep your financial plan aligned with your circumstances and goals.

You can usually take money from a private or workplace pension from age 55, rising to 57 from 6 April 2028. Your State Pension starts at State Pension age, which is 66 and rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028. 

Usually earlier than people expect. Planning ahead of a sale, a retirement or passing on wealth gives you far more options than acting after the event, when many choices have already closed.

Usually earlier than people expect. Much of what makes estate planning effective needs time to work, so planning ahead gives you far more options than leaving it late. It is rarely too early to get your affairs in order and give your family clarity.

Usually earlier than people think. Several of the most effective steps, particularly gifting, work best when there is time for them to take effect. Planning ahead gives you far more options and far more control than leaving things until late.

Before you commit to any chargeable work. We’ll set out the fees that apply to you in writing, so you can understand and agree the cost before deciding whether to go ahead.

We recommend ours, as it answers the two questions most people have: how much could I have, and when could I retire? The one we would recommend trying alongside ours is MoneyHelper’s pension calculator, which forecasts the likely pension income you’ll get when you retire. 

Reeves Independent is a financial planning and advice firm specialising in helping clients make informed decisions about their pensions, investments and retirement. We take the time to understand each client’s individual circumstances, goals and priorities before providing advice tailored to their needs.

In the UK, regulated investment advice can only be given by firms and advisers that are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Reeves Independent is FCA authorised and our Advisers are qualified to advise you on your investments.

We work with individuals and families at different stages of their financial journey. Many of our clients come to us when they are approaching retirement, have accumulated pensions and investments, or want greater clarity and confidence about their financial future. If you are unsure whether financial advice is right for you, our team will be happy to discuss your circumstances and how we may be able to help.

Wealth management can suit people who want their finances considered as a whole rather than in isolation, particularly when planning for retirement or later life. We start with your circumstances, priorities and goals, then shape the service around you.

We think that after hearing what we can offer, you will see the benefits to coming onboard as a Reeves client and decide to proceed with our recommendations. If not, you are free to walk away.

Financial planning is not a one-off event. Your circumstances, goals and the wider financial environment can all change over time. Where ongoing advice is appropriate, we can continue to review your financial plan and help ensure it remains aligned with your needs and objectives.

We cannot give a guaranteed figure, as it depends on your circumstances and on rules that can change. What we can do is help you understand the likely position and plan sensibly around it.

Wills, powers of attorney and trusts are legal work, so they sit with a solicitor rather than with us. What we do is the financial planning around them. Where you need that legal work, we can introduce you to one of our partner firms, and of course you are free to use your own solicitor if you prefer.