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  • For the most suitable deal at and in retirement

    The value of pensions and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

    Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change.

    The choices available at and in retirement allow solutions to be tailored to individuals’ own circumstances and aims. Our service can help you make the right choices for you. It is important that options are assessed because some decisions cannot be revised once made, and, because different providers offer different deals. Getting the most suitable deal at retirement could significantly increase your pension income.

    Choices

    In the past, pensions did not come with too many options at retirement. For many, it was simply a matter of accepting what was provided (usually because the scheme operated with prescriptive rules and didn’t allow the retiree to exercise any choice).

    With today’s pensions, there is a world of choice. For some, it will still make sense to take the benefits on offer from an employer’s scheme. But for an ever growing number, it is now up to ourselves to decide how we want our retirement benefits.

    This choice is welcome in that it provides the opportunity to select options which offer the most suitable terms or provide a different way to take your benefits. But, with choice can come complexity, so it is important to take time to assess your options. Our expertise and personal service can help. If you are approaching retirement and want an expert on your side, just get in touch and we will guide you all the way.

    Traditional Solution

    Conventional annuities provide a guaranteed income in return for a capital payment. With pension annuities, the income is guaranteed to be provided throughout life. So, no matter how long you live, your annuity income will continue to be paid.

    This guaranteed income is attractive to many people and conventional annuities are still the most popular choice for UK retirees. The contract terms are fixed at the outset and cannot be changed. Aside from any other considerations, this means that it is vital to shop around for the right deal before you buy. Keystone clients benefit from a research service, so this work is taken care for them.

    The annuity rates on offer (which determine the starting income) vary a lot between providers. And, with niche providers now providing enhanced rates for certain groups of people, the difference in rates is getting wider.

    Flexible Solutions

    Some of the advantages of conventional annuities are also their pitfalls. For example, it is only because changes cannot be made that guaranteed terms can be offered. However, because changes cannot be made, conventional annuities do not provide flexibility. With retirement now lasting longer and longer and with changing demands to cater for, there has been a significant growth in flexible solutions.

    Flexible retirement products provide the opportunity for continuing investment growth. They can be used to pay out any tax-free lump sum available and yet defer income. Alternatively, income can be drawn directly from your pension fund. They can also be used to provide death benefits to your dependents.

    There is so much choice in fact that this page would not be long enough to cover it all! But rest assured, our retirement service can assess all suitable options and provide clear information on any recommendations. As these flexible solutions allow changes and can be adapted over time, we will provide an ongoing service to make sure you continue to have the most appropriate solution and have access to the right terms at all times.