To consolidate or not to consolidate, is that your question?

 

You’ve probably worked for a few companies over the years and have gathered a workplace pension or two along the way.

You may have also been paying into a separate private pension, or Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), as they’re often referred to.

Now, the question arises: “What should I do with these?”

As the days pass by and your retirement date gets closer, you might find yourself pondering the idea of whether you should consolidate your pensions into one.

In this week’s article, we’ll explore our top three pros and cons of pension consolidation to help you decide.

Pros of pension consolidation: 

Easier to manage

Having your pensions consolidated into one pot makes it much simpler and more convenient for you to manage. You don’t have to navigate multiple websites or deal with endless amounts of jargon-packed paperwork, therefore reducing the overall complexity of your financial affairs.

In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, juggling work, kids, and the potential need to assist aging parents, finding time to manage multiple accounts with administrative tasks can be challenging. So, combining your pots will allow for easier and more effective monitoring of your overall financial health.

Lower fees

Having multiple pension accounts can come with various charges, ranging from administration fees to investment management and platform charges. So, by consolidating, you are effectively eliminating many of these fees, allowing you to have more money going directly into your pension than coming out for external fees.

Through pension consolidation, you may become eligible for additional benefits or even lower overall costs. Given the rising cost of living, this option not only makes sense financially but also ensures more of the money you contribute goes towards boosting your retirement savings.

Improved visibility 

By having just one consolidated pension statement to review, you’ll have a clearer picture of your overall retirement savings. This makes it easier to know if you are still on track to reach your financial goals or where any changes may need to be made.

Cons of pension consolidation: 

Loss of benefits

Before consolidating, you need to first review the terms carefully in each of your pension plans.

Some may offer unique benefits that are specific to that particular scheme, such as guaranteed annuity rates or specific insurance provisions. And by consolidating these, you may lose these valuable perks, potentially impacting the amount of income you receive during your retirement years or potentially leaving you with less of a safety net.

It could cost you in exit penalties

Certain pension plans may impose exit penalties or charges when you transfer funds out. It’s important to be mindful of any potential costs linked to consolidation and proceed with caution to avoid any unexpected expenses.

If you leave before reaching specific milestones or age thresholds set in your existing plans, you may miss out on benefits tied to those milestones. Understanding how consolidation aligns with any unique benefits provided by your current pension plans before deciding to leave the scheme is crucial.

It isn’t always the best choice

While the prospect of consolidating your pension can have benefits (such as more investment options and lower fees), it’s crucial to understand that it could also go the other way. It’s not always guaranteed that you’ll end up in a better financial position after the transfer.

It’s a good idea to consult with a professional before making any moves to fully understand the implications of transferring your pension plan. If your existing pension funds are growing at a rate that satisfies you, taking the time to carefully assess whether a transfer makes sense for your financial goals is important.

Talk to the experts

Managing your pension can be complex; after all, it’s about safeguarding your hard-earned money. That’s why we’re here, as your local experts to help. You’ve probably spent a lifetime saving for your retirement and building a substantial fund, so you deserve the best chance at securing your retirement funds.

Just as you’d hire an electrician for your home’s electrical work, seek professional advice for your pension to get clarification and help to put those worries behind you. Our role is to advise and support you in your decision-making process, ensuring that you make informed choices for a secure and comfortable life.

If you’re ready for a one-to-one chat, whether it’s about advice on pension consolidation or pensions in general, simply tap here to connect with our local team today.

Joslin Rhodes Pension & Retirement Planning – Real Advice, For Real People