Pension Wise can explain the options for taking money from a defined contribution pension. Preparation helps the conversation focus on the questions that matter to you.
Before the appointment
- Find the latest value of each defined contribution pension
- Ask providers about guarantees or special features
- Check your State Pension forecast
- List other savings, investments, income and debts
- Think about when you might stop or reduce work
- Write down the three questions you most want answered
Useful questions to write down
- What are the main ways this type of pension can be accessed?
- How could different withdrawals be taxed?
- What scams or warning signs should I watch for?
- Which questions should I ask the provider before doing anything?
- Which parts of my situation need regulated advice?
Take notes in your own words.
After the appointment, write a short action list while the conversation is fresh. Keep “find out more” tasks separate from decisions to act.
What the appointment does not do
Pension Wise explains options and next steps but does not recommend a specific product or tell you which option is best for you. Where you need a personal recommendation, use an FCA-authorised adviser.
Where Pension Helper may add value afterwards
You may still have a question about your own figures, retirement timing, pension access, deferral or how several pensions fit together. Pension Helper can check whether fixed-fee personal guidance or an illustration is suitable.