Pension Review in Greenwich

Whether you’re consolidating multiple workplace pensions, checking performance and fees, or planning retirement income, we help Greenwich clients review pensions clearly and confidently. From professionals commuting via North Greenwich and Maze Hill to long-term residents around Greenwich Park, we’ll organise your plans, highlight options, and connect you with regulated financial advice where required.

What a Pension Review Covers

• Locate & organise: Find lost workplace schemes, confirm providers, policy numbers and current values.
• Charges & performance: Compare ongoing fees, historic returns, and risk profiles.
• Investment strategy: Check asset mix vs. time horizon (e.g., lifestyling or target-date funds).
• Contributions: Assess current contributions, employer match, and annual allowance usage.
• Consolidation: Review pros/cons of combining pots to streamline admin and costs.
• Retirement options: Compare drawdown, annuity, UFPLS, and phased retirement.
• Beneficiaries: Update expressions of wish and nomination forms.

When Should You Review?

• New job / changed employer: You may have new pension choices or a legacy pot to consider.
• Market volatility: Check risk level still suits your time frame.
• Approaching retirement: Typically 2–10 years out, to plan income and tax position.
• Life events: Marriage, children, property moves, or inheritance can impact your plan.
• High fees or poor service: Persistent underperformance or high charges warrant a review.

Consolidation — Pros & Cons

Potential advantages: simpler admin, clearer visibility, and possibly lower total fees. Potential disadvantages: loss of valuable guarantees (e.g., guaranteed annuity rates), exit penalties, or reduced investment choice. We’ll help you weigh this objectively before any decision.

Your Step-by-Step Review

1. Discovery: You share plan details (or we help you gather them) plus goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
2. Data & documents: Values, charges, fund factsheets, and scheme benefits are collated.
3. Options summary: Consolidate vs keep separate, adjust investments, change contributions, or plan retirement income.
4. Implementation: Paperwork and provider liaison handled; transfers or fund changes completed.
5. Ongoing check-ins: Optional periodic reviews to keep things aligned with your goals.

Tax & Allowance Snapshot (General Info)

Pension decisions can affect tax. Key concepts include annual allowance (with possible carry-forward), money purchase annual allowance if you’ve flexibly accessed benefits, and lump-sum tax-free amounts available at retirement. We’ll ensure you receive regulated financial advice where it’s legally required or in your best interests.

Local Considerations in Greenwich

• Multiple small pots: Common among commuters with several past employers; we’ll map and prioritise.
• Ethical/ESG options: Many schemes offer ESG funds; we can flag choices to discuss with an adviser.
• Blended households: Coordinating two partners’ pensions, ISAs, and property plans for efficient retirement income.

Documents We’ll Usually Need

• Recent pension statements (values, scheme names, policy numbers)
• Charges/fund factsheets and any guarantee details
• Contribution history (you and employer)
• Photo ID and proof of address

How We Work

We provide clear information and introductions. When regulated pension advice is required, we introduce you to an FCA-authorised financial adviser who can assess suitability and make a personal recommendation.

Useful Links

Contact Us · First-Time Buyers · Remortgages · Life & Income Protection

Pension Review — Greenwich FAQs

Should I consolidate my pensions?

Consolidation can simplify admin and reduce fees, but it may forfeit guarantees or trigger exit charges. It’s case-by-case and often needs regulated advice.

How often should I review my pension?

At least annually, and after major life changes or market shifts, to check risk, fees, and contributions remain appropriate.

Can I move a workplace pension to a private plan?

Often yes, but suitability depends on costs, investment choice, and any valuable employer or scheme benefits you’d lose.

What is drawdown vs annuity?

Drawdown keeps funds invested while you take income flexibly; an annuity converts funds into a guaranteed income. A regulated adviser can explain trade-offs.

Will changing funds affect my tax?

Fund switches inside a pension don’t usually trigger capital gains tax. However, withdrawals and contribution limits have tax implications and need advice.

Ready to Get Your Pension Reviewed?

Talk to our Greenwich team about locating pots, reviewing charges, and planning retirement income. Send an enquiry and we’ll outline your options and introduce a regulated adviser where needed.