If you are thinking about transferring out of a Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, it is important to understand the considerations and risks.
A Defined Benefit Pension Scheme protects you from certain risk factors that are inherent within a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme.
However, there are many benefits to a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme.
Considerations
Transferring your Defined Benefit Pension Scheme is an important decision. It is also individual to your personal circumstances.
There are many factors to consider before you do. The most important of which we have listed below:
Risks
If you are considering transferring your funds out of a Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, there are a number of risk factors you need to be aware of.
It is not possible to ‘undo’ a transfer.This is irreversible and cannot be changed.
The benefits of the scheme are non transferable.Therefore, you will be giving up many guarantees. Such as, a guaranteed spousal income, inflation proof income and more. Also, you may not be able to gain the same benefits through the purchase of a future annuity.
Outside of a Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, your fund is susceptible to the usual investment risk.
You might not be able to obtain the same level of life cover to replace your Defined Benefit Pension Scheme’s benefits.
If your Defined Benefit Pension Scheme is protected by the Pension Protection Fund, you will lose this protection.
Once you’ve received your Statement of Entitlement, the transfer will need to be completed within 3 months. Otherwise a new transfer value will need to be obtained. The figure may be lower than the original and there may be a charge for this.
Transferring a Defined Benefit Pension Scheme can take time.As a result, your fund and the transfer value may increase or decrease during this time.
If you pass away within 2 years of making the transfer, your death benefits included in your pension plan may be included in your estate. Therefore, liable for inheritance tax.
Outside of a Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, you risk running out of funds early. This is because you can not know how long you will live for.
A Defined Benefit Pension Scheme is run by its trustees. This requires very little input from you. However, with a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, it will often require your input, for annual reviews and investment updates.
Your eventual pension may not stay in line with future inflation. Also, it may be less value overall.
If you would like to look at the other options available for retiring soon, please visit our Pensions page.
The following will give you further insight into this service.
Case Study
Pension Review
Mr C had just retired. He wanted to reorganise his finances to suit his and his wife's retirement plans. It was time for a pension review. This Case Study shows the type work and planning we carried out for Mr & Mrs C in their pension review.
Mr S had an underperforming pension that was continually making a loss despite market growth. A pension review gave him a solution. This Case Study shows the type work and planning we carried out for Mr S in his pension review.
I have been delighted with the friendly, professional and personal service I receive from Choice Financial Solutions. It was particularly important to me after a significant change in personal circumstances to have the confidence that I was getting expert advice from someone who knew me and the family and could tailor solutions to best fit with us. The yearly meetings with John are very valuable as it is important to me that I can get advice from someone I trust and know I can reply on, and on the occasions where I have contacted John with a query or concern I have always had a prompt and efficient reply… That is why I am still a client!
Sarah SEast Wellow
Excellent service from start to finish.
AndrewHavant
We have been using Choice since they started business. John Quaif is always clear and honest, qualities that have endeared him to us. If there is an issue he’s quick to deal with it and does so having full regard for the client’s perspective. In a way that’s an even more powerful confirmation of the principles underpinning the company. John took over management of our pensions and rapidly kicked things into shape, so we are indebted to him! The review sessions are always well prepared and informative. And the up to date market information is always fascinating! So far, John has managed to preserve the personal touch despite the growth of the company. This is certainly important to us.
PaulSouthampton
First class service from John Quaif. Proactive, responsive and professional at all times.
Eric WTunbridge Wells
Thank you for the recent visit and the advice that you provided. It is reassuring to see that the money we have invested is working for our future needs. We would like to express out thanks for your work on our behalf over the past few years. Choice Financial Solutions have provided an excellent professional service and clearly have their clients’ interests at heart.
David & DebbieKent
Very happy with the friendly service. Good to have meetings at home, making it more comfortable. Felt at ease with the whole process. Thank you!
Joan BFareham
A very professional and helpful service. Extremely responsive and excellent at keeping us up to date. There is no pressure when discussing the various investment options and definitely customer focussed.
Bruce MBrockenhurst
Excellent service from John Quaif and the team. I would not hesitate to recommend.
Julie GIsle of Wight
We have always been listened to and our wishes met. Our investments are long term and give reliable performance.
Alan ESouthampton
15 years of excellent service and counting.
Jim BChandler’s Ford
Outstanding service and great attention to detail has left me feeling very confident and secure in relation to my financial planning. Highly recommended.
Brian WSurrey
Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
Jeremy GBrighton
Excellent service - always.
Pamela BWinchester
In a complex and difficult market we feel we are in safe hands.
Robert NSouthampton
Excellent service.
Mark HSouthampton
Having had interaction with several financial services companies over a number of years, it’s reassuring to find a trustworthy and diligent firm which really delivers a great service, not just the statutory minimum, but genuinely informative reporting and advisory communications. My returns have been better than expected and I feel that, as the client, I’m actually more important than simply their percentage. Well done Choice and John Quaif.
Martin BNewport IOW
Good, professional service, straightforward with no frills or hidden charges. Recommended.
Antony BSouthampton
I have worked with John at Choice for many years, and always found him to be wonderful to deal with. Nothing is ever too much trouble and the help and guidance received has always been way above what I expected.
Tony DBournemouth
Choice Financial Solutions were extremely helpful and informative at every step of my dealings with them.
