In April of this year, individuals approaching retirement will no longer have to buy an annuity with their pension savings and will instead have the option to withdraw their pension (in part or in its entirety) as a lump sum, to be spent or invested as they see fit. Despite this increased financial flexibility, many individuals still feel more comfortable with the idea of buying an annuity that will pay them an agreed income at regular intervals. “For me, I find it hard to budget so I’d prefer to receive a monthly income,” said one passer-by questioned by Morningstar.co.uk this week. Others, however, welcomed the freedom to make their own choices but were concerned by the onerous task of making such an important decision on their own.
Those approaching retirement should ask themselves: What are my retirement needs? Do you wish to withdraw a lump sum at any point or have a regularly paid income? If you require a lump sum, keep a proportion of your portfolio in low-risk liquid assets which prioritise capital preservation. If you need a regular income, why not use part of your pension pot to buy an annuity – it is the only financial product that guarantees a lifetime income.
When buying an annuity with your pension pot it’s paramount to shop around for the best rates. Talking to a financial adviser can help you make the best decision for you and your family.