If you have a pension, do you know how much you have saved or more importantly, what level of income will it produce for you in retirement? Firstly, have you reviewed those old pensions from past employers? If the answers “I’m not sure”, then follow these top tips about, questions to ask about your pension before retirement.

How many pensions have you got?

First of all, let’s start with the state pension. If you have been making national insurance contributions you will be building up your pension entitlement. Click on this link to find out when you will be entitled to a state pension and the level of pension you are likely to receive.

Remember, state pensions are always under review and may change in the future.

If you are earning more than £10,000 per year from a single employer then you will have been automatically enrolled into a workplace pension through auto-enrolment. So, check your payslip to see the level of contributions that you and your employer are making.

You may have old pensions from previous employers. Look through your paperwork and make sure that the pension company is aware of your current address. If you cannot find the paperwork try contacting your old employer directly or use the government’s online pensions tracing service.

It is estimated that around £400 million is sitting in pension accounts that people have forgotten about.

Could you live on a state pension?

The full state pension is at present, £230.25 per week. You are entitled to this new state pension if you are due to reach your retirement age after the 6th of April 2016 and have made at least ten years of national insurance contributions. In order to receive the full amount you will need 35 years of contributions.

For most this level of income will not be sufficient to enjoy retirement to the full, so having a decent amount of savings to supplement the state pension is important.

What type of pension do you have?

There are two main types of Pension scheme. Defined Benefit (DB) or Defined Contribution (DC).

Defined Benefit, is sometimes known as a final salary scheme. This is where your employer guarantees a set income for life, based on your years of service and salary. It is usually increased annually to take into account inflation. The inflation link is why some will call this the “gold standard of pensions”.

Defined Contribution, is also known as a money purchase scheme. The contributions are invested and the performance of the investments determines the amount you get in retirement. Generally, you have to save up a larger sum for a decent retirement income with this type of pension.

How much have you saved?

A Defined Benefit statement will show you how much you will receive annually in retirement.

A Defined Contribution statement will show you the current value of your fund. From the age of 55, these savings can be used to buy an annuity, take out a lump sum or a combination of the two.

How much should you be saving?

Most people underestimate how long they will live in retirement. So it is not surprising that most people underestimate how much they will need to save.

The best way to find out is to sit down with an independent financial planner and create a plan. This way you can also consider other options like moving to a smaller house.

How Anstee & Co can help you think about questions to ask about your pension.

As independent financial advisers, we can work with you to create your own retirement plan. As we are independent our financial advice is unbiased. Also, we look at all the options available, unlike some financial advisers who only work from a limited panel.

Why not arrange a meeting today with one of our financial planners to find out how we can help you. Meetings can also be arranged at a time that is convenient to you. The first meeting is at our expense and is without obligation. Why not give us a call today?

Our Head Office is located located at-

• Kettering, Northamptonshire

Also, our financial advisers live and make use of meeting rooms in the following locations-

• Bedford, Bedfordshire
• Market Harborough, Leicestershire
• Northampton, Wellingborough and Thrapston, all in Northamptonshire.

Finally, if you have any though or comments about this article, “Questions to ask about your pension before retirement.”, then please let us know.

The information contained in this newsletter is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. No action should be taken based on this article alone. Anstee & Co. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).