Alternatives to Pensions: SIPP and Pension Plans

When it comes to saving for retirement, there are many different pension options that you may not even be aware are available to you, from state pensions, to workplace pensions, to self-employed pensions, to self-invested personal pensions. If you are eligible, by deferring your state pension you can even earn greater pension payments once you decide to withdraw.

With so many non-exclusive options and rules to follow for when you can access your savings, managing your pensions can be complicated. If you find yourself having difficulty managing all of your pensions, consider making a pension transfer to consolidate your pension savings.

It can be tough finding the most effective strategy for saving for your retirement. Since not everyone is eligible to receive state or company pensions, it’s a good idea to start investigating alternatives to pensions and planning how you will receive your retirement income.

What is a self-invested personal pension?

The form of personal pension plan authorized by the UK government that enables individuals to choose their own investments from the entire range of securities that have been authorised by HM Revenue and Customs is known as a self-invested personal pension.

An alternative to national pension schemes, with a self-invested personal pension, you have more influence over how your pension account is invested or earns interest. The best option for you will depend on a number of variables, including your risk tolerance, the returns you’re seeking, the length of time you have until retirement age, and your willingness to lock the money away. Before setting up a SIPP, it is advisable to seek professional assistance if you are unsure about the type of product to select.

You can choose and manage your own investments with a SIPP, or you can hire a financial adviser to do it for you. You are in charge, so you can modify and expand your investments whenever you like. Comparatively speaking, SIPPs can provide a significantly wider range of options for how to save money.

How do I retire without a pension?

If you are unable to participate in an employment pension plan, you’re self-employed or you aren’t interested in setting up a SIPP for yourself, there are several SIPP alternatives you should consider to make your 50s retirement savings work for you. If you are self-employed, you have the option of opening a self-employed pension, which is eligible for a 25% boost without making a claim to HMRC, meaning that for every £100 you pay in, the government adds £25. If you’re a higher rate or additional rate taxpayer, you can claim back up to 45% through your annual tax return.

For directors of a limited company, your employer contributions may be considered a business expense and could potentially offset the company’s corporation tax. This funding comes from pre-tax income and you may not be liable for employer national insurance. Common alternatives to pension plans pursued by those planning for income retirement are real estate, stock and shares investment, and ISAs.

Are savings better than pensions?

Another way for you to start planning effectively for your retirement is to open a savings account and start making regular payments to that account. An alternative to SIPP, an Individual Savings Account is among the most popular methods that people save money for the future (ISA). Many people use ISAs to prepare for big life changes, like retirement or to purchasing a home. There are several ISAs, including lifetime, cash, stocks and shares, and innovative finance ISAs. If you choose the latter, you won’t be able to access your ISA assets unless you’re purchasing a home, 60 years of age or older, or terminally sick. A lifetime ISA can also be purchased with cash or stocks and shares.

Is buying property better than a pension?

While it isn’t an option that is accessible to many people, real estate investments can also be lucrative alternatives to pensions for high earners. Before retiring, you might be able to pay off your mortgage, sell the house, downsize, and take advantage of the proceeds. Alternately, you may rent the house out and add a sizable monthly income to your state pension. However, the real estate market can be unpredictable and come with additional expenses that you could find burdensome, especially if you’re a landlord. For instance, you might be subject to capital gains tax if you own a second house.

Is a rental property a good investment for retirement?

While renting out property can be a good way to earn income through retirement, be aware that investment in rental property is not truly a passive means of earning income. Independently owning, letting and managing residential property requires a lot of time, attention and sometimes further investment. If you don’t want to or can’t manage the property, you can hire a business to take care of the daily upkeep, but expect to pay a significant percentage of the income that you make in gross rent to cover rent collection and repair demands.

Can I legally opt out of pension?

You can opt out of your workplace pension scheme by requesting an opt-out form from the pension provider. If you inquire for the pension provider’s contact information, your employer is required to supply it. You must fill out and sign the opt-out form for the pension plan before sending it to your employer (or the address given on the form).

A pension scheme opt-out typically lasts up to three years. In the event that you later meet the requirements and have opted out, your employer is required to automatically re-enroll you in the plan. You have the option to opt out of auto enrollment for a further three years if you are still not ready to enroll in the plan or to resume making contributions. You can always talk to your employer about joining the program if you change your mind. Although you are always welcome to reapply for the program, your employer is only required to respond to your request once every 12 months.

What is a better investment than property?

The stock market has historically seen greater growth than the real estate market, making it a better place to invest your money, but real estate, on the other hand, is typically regarded as a safer investment than stocks, since stocks tend to be more volatile in value compared to real estate.

FAQs

What are SIPPs?
The form of personal pension plan authorized by the UK government that enables individuals to choose their own investments from the entire range of securities that have been authorised by HM Revenue and Customs.

What alternatives are there to traditional pension schemes?
If you are not eligible to receive state or workplace pensions, you may want to consider setting up a personal or self-employed pension plan, or begin investing in an ISA.

Is a rental property a good investment for retirement?
While renting out property can be a good means for generating steady income, managing property is often time-intensive.