Pensions

Pension Advice – Secure Your Financial Future

Independent Pension Advice in Swindon & Nationwide

Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. Whether you are building your pension savings or nearing retirement and exploring your options, having the right pension strategy in place can ensure financial security and peace of mind.

At Mather & Murray Financial, we offer independent pension advice tailored to your unique circumstances. Our Swindon-based pension advisers provide expert guidance, but we also serve clients nationwide through our regional advisers in Bristol, Brighton, Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Oxford, Reading, Bournemouth, Cheltenham, and Gloucester. We can also arrange virtual or in-home appointments at your convenience.

Why Pension Planning Matters

A well-structured pension plan ensures that you can:

Retire comfortably and maintain your standard of living after you stop working
Maximise tax efficiency with tax relief on contributions and structured withdrawals
Protect your family by ensuring financial security for loved ones
Avoid running out of money by planning strategically so your savings last throughout retirement

With increasing life expectancy, many people will spend 20 to 30 years in retirement. That is why early planning and ongoing reviews are crucial.

Understanding Pension Planning – Two Key Stages

1. Accumulation – Building Your Pension Savings

During your working years, the focus is on growing your pension through:

Workplace pensions and auto-enrolment
Personal pensions and self-invested pension plans (SIPPs)
State Pension entitlements
Tax-efficient savings strategies

For a detailed breakdown, visit our Funding Your Pension page.

2. Decumulation – Taking Retirement Income

Once you reach retirement, the focus shifts to how you withdraw your pension in the most tax-efficient way. This includes:

Annuities, which provide a guaranteed income for life
Pension drawdown, allowing flexible withdrawals while keeping your money invested
Lump sums, offering tax-free cash and structured withdrawals

For more information on these options, visit our Options at Retirement page.

These two stages are closely linked. The way you build your pension now affects the options available in retirement, which is why planning ahead is crucial.

Common Pension Questions You Need to Consider

When do I want to retire?
How much income will I need in retirement?
Am I on track to achieve my retirement goals?
Do I need to adjust my contributions or investments?
How can I make my pension withdrawals as tax-efficient as possible?
What happens to my pension when I die?

If you are unsure about any of the above, our independent pension advisers can help.

Book a free consultation today to discuss your pension options.

Defined Benefit (Final Salary) Pensions – Should You Transfer?

If you have a defined benefit (final salary) pension, you may be considering a pension transfer to access flexible benefits. However, these pensions offer valuable guarantees, and transferring is a complex decision that requires specialist advice.

For more details, visit our Defined Benefit Pensions page.

Regular Pension Reviews – Are You on Track?

A pension is not something you can set and forget. Your circumstances change, tax rules evolve, and investment performance fluctuates. Annual pension reviews ensure that: