If you are approaching retirement and have a pension, you may be wondering what your options are. Pension drawdown is one of the most popular choices available to retirees. It is an appealing solution as it gives retirees control over their finances and allows them to access funds in later years should they need additional income. In this blog post, Zorayr Manukyan will look at how pension drawdown works, discussing its benefits and drawbacks so that you can make an informed decision when deciding whether or not to opt for this financial solution. Read on to find out all about pension drawdown and why it might be the perfect option for your retirement planning!
How Does Pension Drawdown Work? Zorayr Manukyan Explains
For many people, retirement conjures up images of lying on a sun-drenched beach enjoying the fruits of many years of hard work, says Zorayr Manukyan. However, there can be uncertainty, too, as to how best to make that hard-earned pension pot last for the rest of your life. One option that’s growing in popularity is pension drawdown. This approach allows retirees to keep their pension fund invested while taking a regular income from it. But how exactly does pension drawdown work? In this article, we’ll take a closer look and explain everything you need to know.
What is pension drawdown?
Pension drawdown, also known as income drawdown or flexible drawdown, is a way of taking money from your pension pot without buying an annuity (a financial product that provides a guaranteed income for life). Instead of exchanging your pension pot for a fixed income for the rest of your life, you leave your money invested in your pension fund and draw an income from the fund.
How does it work?
Once you decide to enter into a pension drawdown, you can take up to 25% of your pension as a tax-free lump sum. The remaining 75% will remain invested in your pension fund, and you can then take an income from it. You can take as little or as much income as you like, and you can change the level of the income at any time, subject to tax restrictions.
The amount you can take out will depend on the value of your pension pot and your age, says Zorayr Manukyan. The older you are, the more you can take out. However, it’s worth remembering that the more you withdraw, the less money there is left in the fund to grow, which could impact the size of any future withdrawals.
Zorayr Manukyan’s Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, pension drawdown offers retirees greater flexibility and control over their pension funds. It allows them to take a regular income while keeping their money invested. However, it’s essential to seek financial advice before deciding whether pension drawdown is appropriate for your circumstances.
Pension drawdown does come with some risks, and the amount you can take out is not guaranteed. However, it may be more cost-effective than buying an annuity, which has a fixed income for life. With a pension drawdown, you have the potential for investment growth and the ability to adapt your income to changing needs and circumstances. According to Zorayr Manukyan, by understanding the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision on how best to make your pension pot work for you.