Welcome to Dungannon’s #1 Financial Advice Service.

The Pros And Cons Of Investing In Pensions.

We all age with time, hence ensuring that there is a plan in place to secure one’s financial future is essential. Pension plans are one of the ways that one can use to save for retirement. However, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. It is for this reason that the pros and cons of pensions will be discussed below. This way, one can view their options and see if it is the right option for them.

Advantages.

• It Offers Tax Relief.

One of the main pros of pensions is that one can enjoy tax relief on their contributions. An example of this is that when paying into an occupational or public services pension scheme, the employer will take the contributions from the salary before the tax is deducted. The only tax that you will pay will be on your payroll, meaning that your pension contribution will not be taxed. Also, if you are in a personal pension plan, you will need to pay the income tax on your earnings before you make your contribution. However, the pension provider will thereafter, claim the tax back from the Government. If you are an additional rate taxpayer, your tax return will enable you to claim your difference. A higher rate taxpayer can also use their tax return or phone the tax office to request the variance.

Dungannon’s Leading Financial Advisors

• Guaranteed Income.

One can get a steady or fixed income after retiring if they took a deferred plan, or get it immediately after investing if they have an immediate plan. All this is based on how one invests. Therefore, one will have a financially independent life after retiring.

• Compound Interest.

The earlier one starts investing in a pension, the more they will benefit from the compound interest. It means that you will be earning gains on your previous gains hence the more the years invested, the more the money you will get.

Disadvantages.

• Lack Of Access.

One of the main disadvantages of pensions is that there is no access to it. Pension freedoms may have improved things a bit, but one is still not allowed to access their funds until they get to the retirement age, which is 55 in many countries.

• It Can Be Very Complicated.

Many people find pensions to be too complicated. This is because it has so much going on in it. When you get to the retirement age, you will have an option to take up to 25% of your pension as a tax-free lump sum. However, this will reduce the amount that remains to provide regular income. Also, you will be asked if you want to take out an annuity or not. If you do, you will need to say if you will take it out with your pension provider or someone else. Most people do not like annuities due to their rates being quite low right now. If you decide to take out an annuity, you will also be required to determine whether it is single or a joint one. Also, you will need to choose if you want a level or an increasing one. Alternatively, you can opt to draw an income from the pension fund while it still remains to be invested. As seen, there are a lot of decisions that come with pensions that one should make, and some people find it a bit overwhelming for them.

Financial Advice in Dungannon

Pensions can be a great way to invest in one’s future since they will ensure that the standard of living is maintained as it was before retirement. With the above pros and cons, one can decide whether this is a path that they are keen on taking or opt for something else. With all these, you will be able to make the right decision for you and your future.

Financial Advice: NewryPortadownArmagh