
This content was reviewed and approved by Tamlin Russell.
Explore your retirement options: make the most of your pension choices, savings and income.
Do you know what your options are when the time comes to retire?
Our latest Wealth and Wellbeing Research Programme report reveals a lack of retirement knowledge among Gen X (those aged 44-59), who are now the closest to retirement. Of the UK adults we surveyed*:
Choosing what to do with your pension is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make, so understanding your options has never been more important.
As you approach retirement age, you'll need to consider your pension options and how best to turn your savings into a reliable income. You’ll usually be able to access 25% of your pension pot tax-free. If you decide to do this you’ll need to decide what to do with the remaining 75%. Here are a few options for you to think about:
When choosing what to do with your pension savings, some decisions may be irreversible or contain levels of certainty or risk. We’d recommend you get expert help and financial advice.
The earliest age at which you can begin receiving your State Pension payments is based on your date of birth:
Date of birth | State Pension age | Approximate year you qualify |
Before 6 October 1954 | 65 or under | Already reached |
6 October 1954 - 5 April 1960 |
66 | Between 2020-2026 |
6 April 1960 - 5 March 1961 |
Gradually rises from 66 to 67 | 2026-2028 |
6 March 1961 - 5 April 1977 |
67 | 2028-2044 |
6 April 1977 - 5 April 1978 (proposed) |
Gradually rises to 68 | From 2044 onwards (not yet law) |
After 6 April 1978 (proposed) |
68 | 2046 or later (subject to change) |
The State Pension is regularly reviewed, so some of this data is subject to change.
Get impartial retirement & pensions advice
Make your pension work harder. Speak to one of our friendly advisers today and have a commitment-free chat about your retirement plans.
Getting advice on your pension could see you significantly better off. By taking advice on your pension, you'll be able to:
When reviewing the best options for you, your adviser will look at the most tax efficient way for you to take money from your pension. Paying less tax will mean you’re better off.
At LV= we’ve been specialising in providing trusted and regulated retirement advice for over 25 years. Our expert advisers will get to know you and find out what you want your retirement to look like. They’ll help shape your options to help you meet your goals and enjoy a safe, secure retirement.
Learn more about how our pension advisers can help you plan for retirement and get your pensions ready for the retirement you want to enjoy. Browse our extensive collection of pensions and retirement guides, or request a call back from one of our friendly advisers today.
Alternatively you can find an adviser by using unbiased.co.uk.
In the UK, there are three main types of pension, each offering tax benefits and helping you to save for retirement.
The State Pension is paid for by the government based on National Insurance contributions paid throughout your working life. Workplace Pensions are set up by your employer and include contributions from you, your employer and the government (via tax relief) – you can have multiple workplace pensions, or choose to consolidate into a single pension.
Finally, the Personal Pension is commonly set up by the self-employed or those wanting to boost their savings separately.
The 4% rule (also known as the ‘safe withdrawal rate’) is a common guideline for withdrawing a maximum percentage of money from a pension that ensures your savings last for at least 30 years. Retired financial advisor William Bengen determined that if a person took less than 4.2% of their pension in their first year of retirement, and then continued (adjusting the amount for inflation), there is a 90% chance that their savings would last for 30 years.
It's a general rule and may not suit everyone, especially in today’s economic climate so seek independent financial advice before making any decisions on your retirement.
There is no limit to the number of pensions a person can hold in the UK, and many savers collect multiple workplace pensions from changing jobs, as well as personal pensions such as SIPP or stakeholder pensions.
Consolidation, where multiple pensions are combined into a single pension, is popular due to its simplicity, however it’s worth weighing up how it affects the fees you pay. You also want to consider how it could impact any benefits (such as final salary scheme perks) and protected tax-free amounts.
It’s possible, but requires careful planning to make sure it lasts. It depends completely on your expected lifestyle, spending and other sources of income, and assumes no outstanding debts or significant unexpected costs.
You won’t receive your State Pension until at least 66-67, so you will need to rely on savings, investments or other sources of income until then. Inflation and market performance can impact your pension pot, even if you withdraw cautiously so it’s worth seeking independent financial advice from an expert.
*LV= surveyed 4,000 nationally representative UK adults via an online omnibus conducted by Opinium in September 2024.
View the Autumn/Winter 2024 Edition of the LV= Wealth and Wellbeing Research Programme.