Annuity or Drawdown? How to Choose in 2026
Should you buy an annuity or keep your pension invested in drawdown? A plain-English comparison, plus how to combine the two.
Retirement Pasta
Smart retirement guides in the UK
Retirement Pasta
Smart retirement guides in the UK
Category Planning Retirement
Pensions and Inheritance Tax from April 2027: What the New Rules Mean
Updated: September 2026 A major change to the way pensions are treated for inheritance tax is coming in April 2027. At the moment, many unused pension funds can be passed on outside your estate for inheritance tax purposes. This has…
Lasting Power of Attorney: A Step-by-Step Guide for the UK
A Lasting Power of Attorney lets people you trust make decisions for you if you cannot. Here is how to make one, what it costs and why it matters.
Voluntary National Insurance: Is It Worth Topping Up Your State Pension?
Filling gaps in your National Insurance record can add about £358 a year to your State Pension. Here is what it costs, when it is worth it and the deadlines.
Habits that help people save money in retirement
If you search Facebook groups about retirement, you’ll see the same question come up again and again: “What habits or changes have helped you save more in retirement?” The answers are refreshingly practical. Most people aren’t chasing complicated hacks. Instead,…
Why the month you retire matters more than you think
Most people spend years planning when to retire, but few stop to consider which month might be best. Yet the month you choose can have a surprisingly big impact on your finances, tax efficiency, mental well-being, and long-term retirement satisfaction.…
The £50,000 pension mistake most people make – and how to avoid it
When it comes to taking your 25% tax-free lump sum from a pension, many people rush into it without understanding the full impact. In this video summary, Toby Hines, a UK Chartered Financial Planner, explains why taking that lump sum…
Is it too late to open a pension at 55 or older in the UK?
If you’re 55 or over and wondering whether it’s too late to open a pension — the answer is no, it’s not too late. In fact, starting a pension later in life can still offer valuable tax benefits and income…
How the New Tax Year Affects Your Retirement Planning (2026/27)
The 2026/27 tax year is here. See the allowances for income tax, pensions, ISAs, dividends, capital gains and inheritance tax, plus a checklist.
What is the difference between a SIPP and a SSAS?
If you’re planning for retirement in the UK and looking into private pensions, you’ve likely come across two key terms: SIPP and SSAS. Both offer control, flexibility, and tax benefits, but they serve different purposes depending on whether you’re saving…
