As you enter your golden years, the excitement of finally retiring may be tinged with some uncertainty. With the working days behind you, it’s natural to wonder if you’ve amassed sufficient resources and how best to utilise them.

Additionally, life can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Investing for income after retirement can seem a daunting task, but it is by no means impossible. With professional advice, careful planning and continuous monitoring of your investments, you can ensure that your savings last as long as needed. 

To help you navigate this new chapter in your life, here are some tips on investing after retirement to ensure your hard-earned savings continue to support you throughout your well-deserved rest.

KEEP AN EYE ON INFLATION

When it comes to investing after retirement, inflation should always be taken into account. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money over time, so it’s essential to consider this when making investment decisions. Investing in products such as index-linked annuities or government bonds can help protect against inflation risk and provide consistent income over the long term. 

CONSIDER DIFFERENT ASSET CLASSES

Investing in different asset classes can help diversify your portfolio and minimise risk. This could include equities, fixed income (such as bonds), property, cash or alternative assets. Different asset classes have varying levels of risk and returns, so it’s essential to understand the risks associated with each before investing.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT TAXES

Taxation rules change regularly, so it’s crucial to ensure you are up-to-date on the latest regulations to take advantage of potential tax breaks or benefits when investing after retirement.

CONSIDERATIONS TO CONFIRM CURRENT TAX ALLOWANCES FOR THE TAX COVERED
  • Income Tax: Depending on your total income, including pensions, investments and other sources, you may be liable to pay Income Tax. Keep track of your personal allowance, which is the income you can earn before paying Income Tax (other allowances are also available for specific income types such as dividends and savings income).
  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT): When you sell an investment or asset that has appreciated in value, you may be subject to CGT. However, there is an annual tax-free allowance for capital gains, so ensure you know the current threshold. Dividend Tax: If you receive dividends from investments in shares, you’ll need to consider dividend tax. There’s a tax-free dividend allowance, but any dividends above this threshold will be taxed.
  • Inheritance Tax (IHT): Proper estate planning can help minimise the impact of IHT on your loved ones. Make sure you understand the current IHT threshold and consider strategies such as gifting assets or setting up trusts to reduce potential tax liabilities. However, it is worth noting that trusts can be complex to understand, and must be set up correctly to gain the intended benefits.
  • Pension Contributions: Even after retirement, you can still contribute to your pension and potentially receive tax relief on those contributions, which is subject to the annual allowances and level of relevant earnings.. This can be an effective way to grow your pension savings while reducing your overall tax liability.
  • Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs): Utilising ISAs allows you to invest in equities, bonds and other assets without being subject to Income Tax or CGT on the returns. Maximise your annual ISA allowance to take advantage of these tax benefits.
REBALANCE YOUR PORTFOLIO REGULARLY 

Once you have created a well-diversified portfolio, reviewing and rebalancing it regularly is essential. This will help ensure that it remains aligned with your goals and the risk profile you are comfortable with.

NEED ADVICE ABOUT WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR MONEY IN RETIREMENT? 

Initiating your retirement planning and savings sooner is always advantageous. Your unique situation will influence the methods for saving and investing in retirement. By following these tips, retirees can ensure their investments last as long as needed. With careful planning and diligence, investing after retirement can be less intimidating and more successful. 

To discuss any of the issues raised in this article, please contact us.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028 unless the plan has a protected pension age). 

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. 

Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.

Personal circumstances differ and not all of this information is applicable to every client and/or their business, this information is general in nature and should not be relied upon without seeking specific professional financial advice.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate tax advice, estate planning, trusts or will writing.

The content in this article is for your general information and use only and is not intended to address your particular requirements. Articles should not be relied upon in their entirety and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute, advice.

Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of their particular situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of any articles.

Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent finance acts. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change and their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Pareto Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).