Pension Drawdown – Take Flexible Income From Your Pension, On Your Terms

An individual or couple in their 60s looking relaxed at home or in a garden, reviewing a tablet or paperwork — ideally smiling or appearing reassured about their finances.

When it comes to retirement, you don’t need to take your whole pension as a lump sum or lock it into an annuity. Pension drawdown offers a flexible alternative, allowing you to keep your money invested while drawing income as and when you need it. But with greater flexibility comes greater responsibility — and that’s where advice is crucial.

Pension drawdown can be a powerful tool if managed correctly. We’ll help you understand how it works, whether it suits your retirement goals, and how to structure your withdrawals in a way that’s sustainable and tax-efficient.

Here’s what we cover:

1. Understanding Your Options
We’ll walk you through the full range of income options available at retirement — including flexi-access drawdown, annuities, and taking tax-free cash. Most pensions allow up to 25% of the pot to be taken tax-free (though some may offer more under specific conditions), and we’ll confirm how this applies to your plan.

2. Creating a Sustainable Income Plan
We help you calculate how much income you can draw each year without running out too soon. This includes stress testing your plan against different scenarios, such as market downturns, inflation, and longer life expectancy.

3. Managing Investments in Drawdown
Because your pension remains invested, the choice of funds is key. We’ll help you select an investment strategy that balances the need for income with the need for long-term growth — tailored to your risk appetite and retirement goals.

4. Tax Planning and Withdrawal Strategy
We structure your withdrawals to minimise unnecessary tax, taking into account your other income sources, personal allowances, and future plans. This may involve spreading withdrawals over tax years or using ISAs and other accounts in tandem with your pension.

5. Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Drawdown isn’t a one-time decision — it needs regular reviews. We’ll meet with you periodically to check how your pension is performing, whether your income remains sustainable, and whether any changes are needed based on your circumstances.

Pension drawdown gives you freedom — but without a plan, it can quickly become a risk. Our role is to give you the structure, clarity, and confidence to enjoy your retirement income without guesswork or fear of running out.

Pension drawdown isn’t right for everyone. We'll take the time to assess whether it's suitable based on your income needs, attitude to risk, and long-term goals. Our advice is always tailored, thorough, and in your best interest.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested.