Cash may not be king

There are a number of downsides to taking too much cash from your pension, especially if you are doing it earlier than expected. However, around one in ten (10%) planning to retire this year expect to withdraw their entire pension savings as one lump sum, risking a significant tax bill and an impact on their future retirement income.

The findings[1] are part of unique annual research – now in its 11th year – into the financial plans and aspirations of people planning to retire in the year ahead and shows that, in total, one in five (20%) retiring this year will risk avoidable tax bills by taking out more than the tax-free 25% limit on withdrawals.

Two thirds planning on retiring early

However, they are not necessarily spending all the cash – the main reason given by those taking all their fund in one go was to invest in other areas such as property, a savings account or an investment fund (71%). Interestingly, around two thirds (66%) of people are planning on retiring earl