Continuum Wealth

Not only does carry forward enable you to boost your contributions, but it also allows you to benefit from tax relief on those contributions—something that can make a substantial difference for higher earners.

Beyond the immediate division of property, assets, and savings, one of the most significant concerns during a divorce is the impact on long-term financial security—particularly with regard to pensions.

As you approach retirement, it's crucial to consider the most effective ways to fund your golden years. Two common strategies are equity release and downsizing. Both have their merits and can significantly impact your retirement lifestyle. 

A purchased life annuity in the UK is a financial product designed to convert a lump sum into a guaranteed, regular income for the remainder of the annuitant's life. This type of annuity is often purchased with savings or proceeds from investments and is separate from pension annuities.

A Group Personal Pension is a type of defined contribution pension scheme provided by employers to help employees save for retirement. It operates similarly to individual personal pensions but is arranged collectively by an employer for their workforce.

Without proper guidance, retirees risk either withdrawing too much too early—leaving themselves short of funds—or being overly cautious and not enjoying the lifestyle they worked so hard to afford. Pension advisers offer professional insight to strike the right balance.

One attractive feature for many retirees is the option to withdraw a portion of their pension as a tax-free lump sum. This provides the flexibility to access up to 25% of your pension pot without facing tax liabilities.

An annuity is a financial product designed to provide a regular income, typically for the rest of your life or for a fixed period, in exchange for a lump-sum payment. It’s often used as a way to convert part or all of your pension pot into a stable source of income once you retire.

Calculating pension contributions involves understanding several key components: your type of pension scheme, the total amount of contributions made by you and your employer, how your investments grow, and how tax relief can boost your savings.

Making regular pension contributions is vital for long-term financial security, especially as people are living longer and relying more heavily on their personal savings during retirement.