Now there is possible relief in sight. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is poised to clamp down on greedy managers by insisting they cannot charge more than one per cent of the value of the pot, but the change will not come into force until next March at the earliest.
So, anyone cashing in or transferring out of their pension today could still have their pocket picked. The move will make it easier for people to drop their pension if they are getting a poor deal or make full use of their new pension freedoms to cash in their pot without penalty.
Before you take any action on your pension you should seek advice from a financial adviser to see how you may be affected. This could help you avoid the pitfalls of being overcharged for moving your money to a better position. You will also receive advice on the most tax-efficient position you can achieve. A simple review will also allow you to compare the benefits you are likely to receive from your current plan and the other options that are available to you.
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.
What should you do if you are an expat and are considering a retirement transfer? Mindful of Brexit’s impending reality, do you make an expat retirement transfer as soon as possible or, fearful of restricting yourself and missing out on any possible opportunity, do you hang on to see what the future holds and wait until after March 31 2019.
Living in Germany brings a few challenges for the expat. Not only do you have to negotiate the language and the culture you also have to get to grips with the German insurance system, which to anyone whose experience of insurance has largely been confined to the UK can seem incredibly complicated.