NOW: Pensions, like all pension providers, is not allowed to give you advice about your pension. If you want to find out more about how your pension works and your options for retirement, the following organisations offer free, impartial information and guidance about pension savings.
- MoneyHelper can help with questions about workplace, State or personal pensions. Visit moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement or call 0800 011 3797.
- Pension Wise offers guidance about your options for retirement. Visit moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pension-wise. If you’re over 50 you can book a phone or face-to-face appointment by calling 0800 138 3944.
- Citizens Advice has information about all types of pension. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk or call 03444 111 444 for a face-to-face appointment.
Financial advice
The organisations we’ve listed here don’t give independent financial advice – specific advice tailored to you which recommends what you should do. You can only get this kind of advice from a regulated independent financial adviser. You’ll have to pay for independent financial advice and it can seem expensive, but it could be money well spent if it gives you a better retirement income.
Help with finding independent financial advice
The MoneyHelper service has information about choosing independent financial advisers and a directory of independent financial advisers that specialise in retirement. Visit moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/taking-your-pension/find-a-retirement-adviser or call 0800 138 7777.
The Personal Finance Society (PFS) has a What we do for the public section that also includes a directory you can search by postcode and filter to find independent financial advisers that specialise in retirement planning. Visit thepfs.org/about-us/what-we-do/for-the-public/
You’ll need to check the qualifications of any independent financial adviser you’re thinking of using. They must be qualified to Level 4 (or above) of the Qualifications and Credit Framework and have an up-to-date Statement of Professional Standing. You should also check whether they are on the official register of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) which regulates independent financial advisers in the UK. You’ll find this at fca.org.uk/firms/financial-services-register.
The information here is general. It doesn’t constitute financial or professional advice, nor does it take your specific circumstances into account. We recommend you take independent financial advice before making any decision which could affect your pension. We do not accept liability for any loss or damage arising out of you using, or relying on, this information.