Older couple in their home looking at paperwork weighing out retirement options.

Retirement Income Options

Understand your options and create an income you can rely on throughout retirement.

Planning how to take an income from your pension can feel complicated, with different choices, risks and tax considerations to weigh up. We help you understand your retirement income options and build a strategy around your needs, goals and future.  

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Your Pension , Your Future

Your retirement savings can provide an income in several different ways, but the right approach depends on your circumstances and how you want to live in retirement. From flexible pension withdrawals to guaranteed retirement income, each option has benefits and considerations. We take the time to understand your priorities, assess your pension arrangements and explain your choices clearly, so you can make informed decisions about turning your savings into a sustainable retirement income. 

Three Key Income Options

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Flexible Income

Take an income from your pension while retaining flexibility over how much you withdraw and when, but money stays invested so open to market volatility. This can suit changing spending needs throughout retirement. 

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Annuities Income

Create certainty with an income designed to continue for life. Guaranteed retirement income can provide reassurance that essential expenses will remain covered.

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A Blended Approach

Combine different retirement income options to balance flexibility, security and long-term sustainability, giving you greater control while protecting your essential income needs.

How we can help you plan

Understand Your Needs

We start by understanding your lifestyle, financial commitments, retirement goals and plans for the future, helping us establish what your income needs to achieve. 

Review Your Pensions

We assess your existing pensions, savings and investments, considering their value, features, charges and potential role in creating your retirement income. 

Explore Your Options

We explain the different retirement income options available, including flexible withdrawals, guaranteed income and combinations of approaches, clearly outlining the advantages and risks. 

Build Your Strategy

Together, we develop a retirement income strategy designed around your circumstances, balancing immediate income needs with the need to make your money last. 

Keep It Under Review

Retirement planning doesn’t stop when you start taking an income. We can review your strategy as your circumstances, spending needs and financial markets change. 

Your Retirement Income Options

  1. Pension Drawdown

    Keep your pension invested while taking an income as needed. This offers often offers flexibility, although your income and remaining pension value can fluctuate with investment performance.

  2. Lifetime Annuity

    Use your pension savings to purchase a guaranteed income for life. An annuity can provide valuable certainty, particularly when covering essential retirement expenditure.

  3. Investment Income

    Use a portfolio of investments to generate retirement income alongside your pension. This can offer flexibility and growth potential, but investment values and income are not guaranteed.

  4. Part-Time Work

    Continue working part-time or take on consultancy work to supplement your pension income. This can provide additional financial flexibility while keeping you active and engaged.

  5. Property Income

    Rental income from a property can provide another source of regular retirement income. We can consider how this fits alongside your pensions, investments and wider financial plans.

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Independent

Whole of market

Over 4,500 clients

Across the UK

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Client Story

From 10 pensions to a clearer retirement plan

Discover how Louise reviewed her existing arrangements, explored drawdown and planned for the retirement income she wanted.

FAQs

Questions people ask us

How much money will you need for retirement?

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.

How much is the State Pension?

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.

What are my retirement income options?

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.

Is guaranteed retirement income right for me?

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.

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