What is a SIPP?
A SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) is a type of UK-government-recognised personal pension scheme which allows clients and their financial adviser to choose from a wide range of investments that match the member’s individual circumstances. Therefore, a client can freely choose how their money is invested.
How does a SIPP work?
With the help of a financial adviser, a SIPP allows you to decide what type of investments to invest in depending on your risk appetite and timeframe until retirement.
It is likely you would have received UK tax-relief on your contributions to UK pensions when you were a UK resident. Alternatively, you may be a member of a UK Group Scheme or a Final Salary Scheme wishing to transfer to a SIPP so that you can choose your investment strategy, or so you can decide when and how to take your benefits.
It is essential that you start to plan for your retirement as early as possible so that you are able to live comfortably in the knowledge that your lifestyle needs are covered. This will mean careful consideration of your pension fund throughout your working life.
A SIPP gives you control of your pension, whereas most members of a company pension scheme have very little control and almost no idea where their pension money is invested. Also, with many of the UK's largest companies closing their final salary schemes to all members, a lot of individuals are now having to look at taking their pensions into their own hands.
Indeed, there are many reasons why SIPPs are becoming increasingly popular. Some of the key features include:
Control
A SIPP allows the individual along with their financial adviser to decide on the type of investment depending on their risk profile and timescale to retirement.
Flexible Investment
A wide range of investments are available including stocks and shares, unit trusts, investment trusts and OEIC's. You can sit down with your adviser to discuss your needs and what solutions are available to you. However, it’s important to explore options that diversify your portfolio whilst also offering the greatest prospect of growth for as little risk as possible.
Charges
SIPP trustee fees tend to be fairly affordable on an annual basis, sometimes as low as a few hundred pounds per year. Funds, other collectives and shares are generally available via platforms or offshore wrappers, allowing access to a whole range of assets at lower charges than individuals can achieve.
Consolidation
There are a number of people who have several small pensions that they have either forgotten about or the funds are not growing as they should. The National Association of Pension Funds and the Trades Union Congress believes that an average UK person changes jobs eleven times during their career. A SIPP can consolidate all these pensions into one, allowing for easier management and better control.
Taking Benefits
Members of a SIPP can take income drawdown, meaning that an income can be taken from the fund (subject to certain limits) whilst leaving the remainder of the fund to grow in value. An annuity need not be purchased. The benefits taken each year can vary depending on your individual circumstances and give real flexibility to match your income requirements.