Make proper plans to use your pension pot wisely. Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd

Blacktower Financial management (International) Ltd can take the stress out of making the right decision

Since the Pensions Freedom Act came into force in the UK April 2015 there has been a huge outflow of money from defined benefit pension schemes and personal pensions. Many people have taken advantage of the new flexibilities by having control of their own pension pots.

It is true, it is becoming increasing difficult to transfer from some schemes now, as hurdles have been put in place by some providers.  These hurdles also ensure that individuals are not transferring their pots to unauthorised schemes.  They also double check that the advice the are receiving about the pension transfer is from a qualified Advisor.

For you the pension holder it is quite an easy process.  If you contact a qualified IFA like myself then we can do all the hard work for you, here are the steps that you need to take:

·         Contact the IFA

·         Complete a letter of authority

·         4 – 8 weeks later the IFA should have all the information available for you to make your decisions.

The IFA should complete various forms with you including a Fact find and attitude to risk questionnaire and should be able to provide you with a detailed report on all the pros and cons of transferring your pension and give you all the options available to you now and when you intend to take the benefits.

You should not wait until you are ready to retire to find out what your options are.  There are many cases where pension pots built up in the UK years ago are now sat dormant and invested in old funds that are not managed as well as some other funds that are available now.  Reviewing your pension pot during the early years on a regular basis can make a huge difference to the size of fund you have when you come to retire.

There is no cost to you to find out about each of your pension pots, normally a provider will allow you to apply for a transfer value once each year free of charge. They often charge for a second or subsequent application within a 12-month period.

I would strongly recommend you find out about your pension pot now, you have nothing to lose and you will be better placed to start planning your retirement.  I have been involved with pensions now for nearly 30 years and can categorically state keeping on top of your own provision will pay you dividends in the long run.

In today’s financial climate it is essential you do everything you can to make sure your money is safe and secure and what you want to transpire in the future has the best chance of happening.  If you need advice or if have any questions regarding the above you can contact me, Keith Littlewood DipPFS on 657 684 094 or email keith.littlewood@blacktowerfm.com

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

Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain