Comparing + more

🔥 Join the 15,000+ people we have helped plan for retirement Get started →

Home › Retirement Planning
📈 Retirement Planning

Plan Your Retirement with Confidence

Making the right pension decisions could be worth tens of thousands of pounds over your retirement. Get free, expert guidance on drawdown, annuities, tax relief and building the retirement income you deserve.

  • FCA-regulated advisersFCA Advisers
  • Get Matched For FreeFree Matching
  • Takes 60 seconds to start60 Second Process
  • Rated 4.9★ online reviewsRated 4.9★ Online
Get Pension Advice →
Couple planning their retirement with confidence
15,000+
People Helped
FCA
Regulated Advisers
60s
To Get Started
4.9★
Online Rating
📋 Get your free advice

Start planning your retirement in 60 seconds

Answer a few simple questions and get matched with an FCA-regulated pension adviser who will help you make the right decisions for your retirement. Free, no obligation.

Why Plan Your Retirement with PensionHelper?

Retirement planning involves some of the most important financial decisions you will ever make. The difference between the right and wrong choice on drawdown, annuities, or tax strategy could be worth tens of thousands of pounds over your retirement.

We connect you with FCA-regulated pension advisers who will review your entire pension situation and create a personalised plan to maximise your retirement income.

Personalised Plans

Advice tailored to your pension pot, age, goals, and risk appetite. No generic recommendations.

Tax-Efficient Strategy

Maximise your pension tax relief and minimise tax on withdrawals throughout retirement.

Whole-of-Market

Access every pension provider and product in the UK to find the best options for you.

FCA-Regulated

Every adviser is independently authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Retirement Options

Retirement Planning Topics

Retirement planning covers many important decisions. Explore the key topics to understand your options and make informed choices.

Pension Drawdown

Flexible access to your pension pot while keeping it invested for growth.

Annuities

Guaranteed income for life in exchange for part or all of your pension pot.

Tax Relief & Efficiency

Understand pension tax relief, annual allowances, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies.

State Pension

Check your State Pension age, forecast, and how to maximise your entitlement.

Pension Contributions

How much to contribute, annual allowances, and maximising employer matching.

Retirement Income

Create a sustainable income plan combining pensions, savings, and State Pension.

Retirement Guides

Retirement Planning Guides

In-depth guides to help you understand every aspect of planning for retirement in the UK.

Pension Drawdown Guide

Flexible access to your pension

Annuities Explained

Guaranteed income for life

State Pension Guide

Your State Pension entitlement

Pension Tax Relief

Maximise your tax advantages

Early Retirement Planning

How to retire before State Pension age

How Much Pension Do I Need?

Calculate your retirement target

Pension Lump Sum

Taking tax-free cash at retirement

Pension Contributions Guide

How much to save each month

Salary Sacrifice Pensions

Save tax through your employer
Real Reviews

What Our Customers Say

Rachel H.
Rachel H.
Edinburgh • Retirement Planning
★★★★★
“Finally understand my options”

I had three old workplace pensions and no idea what to do with them. The adviser consolidated everything and created a drawdown plan that gives me much more income than I expected. Brilliant service.

Tom K.
Tom K.
Birmingham • Pension Drawdown
★★★★★
“Saved me thousands in tax”

I was about to take my whole pension as a lump sum. The adviser showed me how phased drawdown would save me over £12,000 in unnecessary tax. Worth every minute of the consultation.

Laura C.
Laura C.
Cardiff • Annuity Advice
★★★★★
“Peace of mind with guaranteed income”

At 67, I wanted certainty. The adviser found me an enhanced annuity that pays 15% more than a standard rate because of my health conditions. I now have a guaranteed income for life.

Mark D.
Mark D.
Liverpool • Retirement Planning
★★★★★
“Retired two years earlier than planned”

The adviser reviewed all my pensions, ISAs, and State Pension forecast. By restructuring my investments and using tax allowances properly, I was able to retire at 58 instead of 60. Life-changing advice.

Natalie R.
Natalie R.
Norwich • Pension Consolidation
★★★★★
“Made sense of five old pensions”

I had pensions scattered across five different providers with high charges. The adviser consolidated them into one low-cost plan and my projected retirement income increased by over £3,000 a year.

Chris B.
Chris B.
Sheffield • Self-Employed Pension
★★★★★
“Finally started saving properly”

As a self-employed plumber, pensions were always something I put off. The adviser set up a SIPP that saves me £2,400 a year in tax. Wish I had done this ten years ago.

Simple Process

How It Works

1

Tell us about yourself

Quick questions about your pension situation. Done in 60 seconds.

2

Get matched with an adviser

We connect you with an FCA-regulated pension specialist.

3

Receive your plan

Your adviser creates a personalised retirement plan at no cost.

Find the Right Retirement Plan for You

Retirement planning is not one-size-fits-all. Explore the topic that matches your situation.

Pension Drawdown Annuities State Pension Tax Relief Early Retirement How Much Do I Need? Lump Sum Contributions Salary Sacrifice Over 50s Over 55s Over 40s Self-Employed Couples Women Pension Gap Pension Pot Retirement Income Starting Late Pension Calculator
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

The earlier you start, the better. Even small contributions in your 20s and 30s can grow significantly thanks to compound interest. However, it is never too late to start. Many people begin serious retirement planning in their 40s or 50s and still achieve a comfortable retirement with the right advice.
According to the Retirement Living Standards published by the PLSA, a single person needs approximately £31,300 per year for a comfortable retirement, while a couple needs around £43,100 per year. This includes holidays, leisure, and running a car. Your actual needs depend on your lifestyle, location, and whether you have a mortgage.
Pension drawdown allows you to take money from your pension pot while leaving the rest invested. You can take up to 25% as a tax-free lump sum and then draw an income from the remainder, which is taxed as earnings. It offers flexibility but requires careful management to avoid running out of money.
Drawdown offers flexibility and growth potential but carries investment risk. An annuity provides a guaranteed income for life but with less flexibility. Many retirees use a combination of both. The right choice depends on your health, attitude to risk, other income sources, and how much control you want over your money.
For most people, yes. Pension decisions are complex and often irreversible. An FCA-regulated adviser can help you avoid costly mistakes, maximise tax efficiency, and create a sustainable income plan. If your pension pot is over £100,000, professional advice is particularly important.
The State Pension age is currently 66 for both men and women. It is scheduled to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and there are proposals to increase it further to 68 between 2044 and 2046. You can check your personal State Pension age at gov.uk.
Generally, no. The minimum pension access age is currently 55, rising to 57 from April 2028. Accessing your pension earlier is only possible in very limited circumstances, such as serious ill health. Be extremely cautious of anyone claiming they can release your pension before the minimum age, as this is usually a scam.
You can take 25% of your pension pot tax-free. The remaining 75% is taxed as income at your marginal tax rate. How much tax you actually pay depends on your total income in retirement, including State Pension, other pensions, and any other income. Careful planning can significantly reduce your tax bill.
If you die before 75, your pension can usually be passed to your beneficiaries completely tax-free. If you die after 75, your beneficiaries will pay income tax on any withdrawals at their marginal rate. Pensions are generally outside your estate for inheritance tax purposes, making them a highly tax-efficient way to pass on wealth.
Consolidating multiple pensions into one can reduce charges, simplify management, and give you better investment options. However, it is not always the right choice. Some older pensions have valuable guaranteed benefits that would be lost on transfer. Always get professional advice before consolidating your pensions.

Ready to Plan Your Retirement?

It takes 60 seconds. It costs nothing to get started.

Get Pension Advice →

15,000+ people helped • Rated 4.9★ online • FCA-regulated advisers