Contact

News & Insights

Final salary pensions – why now is a good time to cash in

So instead of waiting until she was 60 (over 10 years away) for a guaranteed annual pension of £15,000, Mrs Dee decided to transfer out of her final salary scheme and move the £600,000 (40 times her £15,000 guaranteed annual pension) to a QROPS.

Why did she transfer from her final salary scheme?

Mrs Dee’s main reasoning was that she wanted the flexibility to be able to leave her pension to whomever she wanted after her death – her children and husband. Under the final salary scheme her husband would have received just half of the £15,000pa. When she reached 55, Mrs Dee also wanted to be able to access her pension, if required, and to be able to take out varying amounts if and when she wanted. This was made possible by cashing in her final salary pensions.

The demand for transferring workplace pensions into private arrangements has shot up since new pension freedoms were introduced two years ago, and the temptation to switch has grown in the last year as final salary pension transfer values have soared to record levels.

The reason pension transfer values have soared is because rock bottom interest rates and gilt yields mean Pension Members are being offered a multiple of their promised income at retirement. This is usually between 20 and 25 times, but since the vote for Brexit, multiples of 30 or above are not untypical.

These record transfer values will not last if interest rates rise

Act now and you too can take advantage. Before you start taking your pension, speak to Blacktower. Opportunities like this don’t come along more than once in a lifetime!

Disclaimer: The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice. You should seek advice from a professional regulated adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Most British expats in Germany decide to stay

St Mary's ChurchNew figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have given a more accurate idea of the number of Britons living in Germany (and vice versa) and also show that many UK expats in Germany have made the decision that they will stay.

The report was compiled as part as a series and published as a response to the need for data on the British lives that will be most affected by Brexit. It included statistics on where British expats live and work, how long they’ve lived there, and what sort of employment they most often take on.

Read More

Custodial Sentence for Pensions Fraudster

PrisonAn investigation by The Pensions Regulator has for the first time resulted in an immediate custodial sentence for the perpetrator of professional pensions fraud, after William Bessent, an accountant who used his position as the trustee and administrator of a pension scheme to steal his clients’ savings, was sentenced to 40 months in prison. He pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges, making prohibited employer-related investments, and separate charges of acting as a director while disqualified.

The landmark case, being heard at Preston Crown Court* will also hopefully result in the return of stolen funds. On July 5 the courts will seek to obtain a confiscation order in order to make Bessent repay the remainder of the money he owes; he has so far repaid £80,000 but owes a further £200,000.

Read More

Select your country

Please select your country of residence so we can provide you with the most relevant information: