Purchasing an annuity could provide you with a regular income throughout retirement. And rising annuity rates could help your pension savings go further.
An annuity is something you buy, often with the money saved in your pension, which then provides a guaranteed income. The annuity rate offered affects the income you’d receive and it can vary between providers.
If you’re nearing retirement, the good news is that annuity rates have increased. According to the Standard Life Annuity Rate Tracker, the average annuity rate for a healthy 65-year-old was more than 7% in June 2024.
Let’s say you have £100,000 to purchase an annuity. If you were offered a rate of 5%, you’d receive an annual income of £5,000. With an annuity rate of 7%, you’d receive £7,000. So, rising annuity rates could help you get more out of your pension savings.
The above figures provide an example of how an annuity could support your retirement, but several factors will affect the income you could receive. Rates can also vary between providers, so it may be worthwhile shopping around before you purchase an annuity.
Choosing an annuity could provide you with financial security
One of the key benefits of choosing an annuity is that you’ll receive a regular income that you know you can rely on. For some people, this security could provide peace of mind when they retire. As your money will no longer be invested, you will also be protected from market volatility.
If knowing how much income you’ll receive each month in retirement would make you feel more comfortable, an annuity could be right for you.
However, there are drawbacks to consider too.
Compared to other options, an annuity is less flexible. For example, you cannot take a higher income from an annuity to cover a period of increased outgoings. So, considering how your income needs may change in retirement could be useful.
In addition, your savings could remain invested with alternative options. While this means your money would be exposed to investment risk, it also provides an opportunity for your retirement savings to grow further.
It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of annuities before you purchase one, as it may not be possible to change your mind afterwards. We could help you assess how to turn your pension into a retirement income in a way that aligns with your goals and needs.
4 valuable questions to answer if you’re purchasing an annuity
1. Would you benefit from a joint annuity?
If you’re retirement planning with your partner, you might find that a joint annuity is valuable. A joint annuity would continue to provide an income for your partner if you pass away first. It could provide both you and your partner with peace of mind and ensure their financial security.
You’ll usually be able to decide how much of the income they’d receive, such as 60% of the full annuity. So, it might be worthwhile calculating how much they’d need to cover essential expenses and to maintain their lifestyle.
2. Do you want your income to rise in line with inflation?
Some annuities will pay out a static income for the rest of your life. This may be suitable for some people, but it’s often wise to consider the effect of inflation.
Inflation means the cost of goods and services rises. So, if your income doesn’t increase too, it’d gradually buy less. Let’s say you purchased an annuity in 2003 that provides an annual income of £30,000. According to the Bank of England, two decades later, you’d need an income of more than £52,500 simply to maintain your spending power.
So, choosing an annuity that will provide an income that increases each year could be valuable.
3. Do you qualify for an enhanced annuity?
Research suggests some retirees could be missing out on a potentially higher income by not taking out an enhanced annuity.
An enhanced annuity might offer you a higher income because of your medical history or current state of health. It may cover a wide variety of health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic asthma. Some lifestyles that could reduce your life expectancy, such as smoking, might also mean you’re eligible for an enhanced annuity.
Yet, according to a report in IFA Magazine, 84% of retired annuity holders who would likely qualify for an enhanced annuity do not have one.
4. What proportion of your pension do you want to use to buy an annuity?
Finally, you may want to consider how much of your pension you wish to use to purchase an annuity.
When accessing your pension, you can choose to mix and match your options to create an income that suits your needs. So, you might decide to use half of your pension to secure a regular, reliable income through an annuity. You may then flexibly access the remainder when you need to.
Get in touch if you’d like to discuss your pension and annuities
If you have questions about annuities or would like to arrange a meeting to talk about your retirement plan, please get in touch.
Please note:
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.