Seeking pension drawdown advice from a financial adviser can be hugely beneficial when planning for your retirement. An adviser will guide you through the entire pension drawdown process as well as helping you access your benefits in the most tax efficient manner and providing appropriate advice about your investments.

What is pension drawdown?

Pension drawdown (also known as ‘income drawdown’ or ‘income withdrawal’) is when you take money out of your pension savings to pay out as a regular income. The remaining amount stays invested. Note that you can only move your pension pot into drawdown from the age of 55. (This is set to change to 57 on 6 April 2028)

Drawdown works by offering greater flexibility on how you receive an income during retirement. You can normally take up to 25% of your pension pot as a tax-free lump sum while the rest remains invested with the potential to grow. You do not have to take this all at once. Maximum tax-free cash will be frozen at £268,275 from 6 April 2024 unless you have a protected higher amount. 

How can you take money from your pension?

When taking money from your pension, you have two options - pension annuity or pension drawdown.

Offering a guaranteed income, a pension annuity is a financial product that can be purchased using your savings. With a pension drawdown, you withdraw a portion of your savings while the remainder stays invested - subjecting it to market fluctuations. You can allocate some of your pension to each and some choose to match their essential expenditure e.g. food, energy and housing costs with a guaranteed income.

Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, however, our expert advisers can offer expertise on both, ensuring you maximise your pension income in the long run.

Pension Drawdown Risk and Benefits

Pension Drawdown Benefits

1. Flexibility: Pension drawdown allows individuals to access their pension savings for income as needed, So you keep your options open if your circumstances change.

2. Investment Growth Potential: Funds that remain invested can continue to grow, potentially increasing the overall value of the pension pot over time.

3. Tax-efficient pension: The ability to withdraw a portion of the pension tax-free (up to 25% of the total pot) can be beneficial for managing overall tax liabilities in retirement.

Pension Drawdown Risks 

1. Market Volatility: Funds invested in the market can be subject to fluctuations, meaning the value of the pension pot can decrease, potentially leading to insufficient funds later in retirement.

2. Longevity Risk: You may outlive your pension savings if withdrawals are mismanaged or if you live longer than expected. Excessive withdrawals or poor investment performance can increase the risk of running out of money.

3. Regulatory Changes: Future tax rules or pension regulation changes could impact the benefits and rules around drawdown, affecting income stability.

Individuals considering pension drawdown should assess their personal circumstances, seek financial advice, and develop a sustainable withdrawal strategy to maximise benefits while mitigating risks.

How can Ascot Lloyd help you with pension drawdown?

If a pension drawdown is something you want to add into your financial plan, our independent financial advisers can help. Our independence means we have access to all investment products on the market, enabling us to offer unbiased advice and create a bespoke financial plan for your needs.

When it comes to pension drawdowns, our advisers can assist with the following:

  • Outlining your pension drawdown options and tax implications
  • Calculating a sustainable drawdown rate
  • Assisting with the pension drawdown process

Important - Investment involves risk. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you originally invested. Bear in mind that tax rules can change and their impact on you will depend on your circumstances.

Looking for more pension drawdown advice?

Book a free call with our team of advisers for expert pension drawdown advice and how to add it to your retirement plan.

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Frequently asked questions

How much should I drawdown from my pension?

Although you can withdraw a 25% tax-free lump sum, this amount may not be sustainable for your retirement plans and is dependent on several factors.

When calculating your pension drawdown rate, the following needs to be taken into consideration:

  • Total pension savings
  • Other income or savings
  • Required monthly income
  • Health and Life expectancy
  • Inflation rates and market volatility
  • Overall performance of your investment(s)
  • Any legacy requirements

Can I transfer my drawdown pension to another provider?

You can transfer your pension drawdown to another provider. However, be wary of potentially high exit fees and a loss of guaranteed benefits.

Some notable benefits of transferring your pension drawdown include greater investment options, the potential for lower maintenance fees, as well as the advantages that come with pension consolidation.