Read this if you want a long-term plan for your money and goals.
You’ve worked hard to build your savings, but you’re not sure if they’ll be enough, or how to draw on them without paying too much tax. This page explains how we plan your retirement income and what happens next.
There’s no single figure. What you need depends on the life you want, when you plan to stop work and what income you already have, such as the State Pension or a final salary scheme. A useful starting point is to add up what you spend now, then adjust for the costs that fall away and the ones that grow, like travel or care. A cash flow plan turns those numbers into a year-by-year picture, so you can see whether your savings will last and what to change if they won’t.
Last reviewed: October 2026
You’re five years from retirement and want to know if you can stop work earlier than you planned.
You have pensions from several old jobs and aren’t sure what they’re worth or where they all are.
You’ve sold a business or received an inheritance and want a plan before you make any big decisions.
You’re already retired but worried that rising prices are eating into the income you rely on each month.
You and your partner want to retire at different times and need a plan that works for both.
We talk through where you are now, what you want retirement to look like and what’s worrying you. There’s no charge and no obligation, and you’ll leave knowing whether we’re the right fit for you.
Your adviser gathers your pensions, savings and investments in one place and builds a cash flow plan. It shows your income year by year and tests what happens if markets or your plans change.
We walk you through the plan in plain language and set out your options, with the costs and risks of each. Nothing happens until you’re comfortable and have agreed the next steps in writing.
Life changes, and so do tax rules and markets. We meet at least once a year to update your plan, check your income is on track and adjust anything that no longer fits.
Most people can take up to 25% of their pension tax-free. It’s tempting to take it all on day one, especially if you have plans for it. But taking it at once isn’t always the best use of it.
If the money sits in a bank account, it stops growing and inflation slowly reduces what it can buy. Taking it in stages instead means part of every withdrawal is tax-free. That can keep your taxable income lower for longer.
The right answer depends on what you need the money for and when. Clearing a mortgage or helping family can be worth doing early. Your adviser will model both routes so you can compare them side by side.
We’ll also check how your choice affects other things, such as your State Pension, any other income and inheritance tax. Small decisions here can make a real difference over twenty or thirty years of retirement.
Once you start drawing taxable income from a pension, the amount you can pay into pensions each year usually drops to £10,000. If you’re still working or plan to keep saving, talk to us first.
We’ve helped families across Scotland plan their finances since 1975. As an independent firm, we’re not tied to any provider, so we can recommend what suits you rather than what we’re paid to sell. Your adviser stays with you over the years, and they’ll know your plans, your family and your goals. Our team includes chartered financial planners and specialists in pensions, tax and investment, so you get the right expertise at each stage of your retirement.
Independent financial planners since 1975
Not tied to any provider or product
The same adviser with you year after year
Karen Barlow specialises in retirement income planning for people approaching or already in retirement. She helps clients bring old pensions together, decide how and when to draw income, and plan for tax and inheritance. Clients value her clear explanations and the time she takes to understand what matters to them.
You can usually access a personal or workplace pension from age 55, rising to 57 from 2028. Your State Pension starts later, at an age set by the government, which you can check online. Being able to take money out doesn’t always mean you should. Drawing too early can leave less for later life and may affect how much you can save into pensions in future, so it’s worth planning the timing carefully.
Our first conversation is free, and we’ll tell you before any work starts exactly what it will cost. Fees depend on how complex your situation is and the level of ongoing service you choose. We’ll set everything out in writing, including any charges from the providers we recommend, so you can see the full cost before you decide whether to go ahead.
You can usually access a personal or workplace pension from age 55, rising to 57 from 2028. Your State Pension starts later, at an age set by the government, which you can check online. Being able to take money out doesn’t always mean you should. Drawing too early can leave less for later life and may affect how much you can save into pensions in future, so it’s worth planning the timing carefully.
Our first conversation is free, and we’ll tell you before any work starts exactly what it will cost. Fees depend on how complex your situation is and the level of ongoing service you choose. We’ll set everything out in writing, including any charges from the providers we recommend, so you can see the full cost before you decide whether to go ahead.
You can usually access a personal or workplace pension from age 55, rising to 57 from 2028. Your State Pension starts later, at an age set by the government, which you can check online. Being able to take money out doesn’t always mean you should. Drawing too early can leave less for later life and may affect how much you can save into pensions in future, so it’s worth planning the timing carefully.
Our first conversation is free, and we’ll tell you before any work starts exactly what it will cost. Fees depend on how complex your situation is and the level of ongoing service you choose. We’ll set everything out in writing, including any charges from the providers we recommend, so you can see the full cost before you decide whether to go ahead.
We provide independent advice that is tailored to your specific situation and financial goals.
Read this if you want a long-term plan for your money and goals.
Read this if you want your savings managed around your goals and risk.
Read this if you have several old pensions or want to plan your income.
Book a free, no-obligation call with one of our advisers. We’ll talk about where you are now and what you’d like retirement to look like, then explain how we could help and what it would cost.
