Planning your retirement should give you confidence, not confusion. Yet many people reach their peak earning years with several pension pots from different employers or personal contributions, and no clear plan for how they fit together.

Since the Pension Freedoms reforms in 2015 and further changes in the October 2024 Budget, the rules have become more flexible but also more complex. That’s where we come in.

At Ifamax Wealth Management, we make pension advice straightforward. Whether you’re starting to plan for retirement, looking to consolidate pensions, or deciding how to take an income, our team will help you make informed, confident decisions that suit your goals and lifestyle.

Our Pension Services

  • Pension Planning – Set clear retirement goals and create a tailored roadmap to achieve them.

  • Pension Transfers – Assess whether transferring your pensions is in your best interest, ensuring you keep any valuable benefits. (Note: We don’t advise on defined benefit scheme transfers, but work closely with a trusted specialist who can.)

  • Pension Consolidation – Combine multiple pension pots into one manageable plan to simplify your finances and potentially reduce costs.

  • Pension Drawdown – Access flexible retirement income options while keeping the rest of your pot invested.

  • Annuity Advice – Explore guaranteed income options that provide financial security for life.

Our Six-Stage Process

  • Stage 1 – Discovery Meeting (Free) – Understand your values, goals, and current position.

  • Stage 2 – Diagnostics (Free) – Analyse your current arrangements against your goals.

  • Stage 3 – Investment Plan Meeting (Free) – Present recommendations and discuss options.

  • Stage 4 – Mutual Commitment Meeting – Finalise your plan and begin implementation.

  • Stage 5 – 45-Day Follow-Up – Check progress, provide your first valuation, and answer questions.

  • Stage 6 – Regular Review Meetings – Keep your plan on track as life and markets change.

Why Choose Ifamax for Pension Advice?

  • Over 20 years of experience in pension and retirement planning.

  • Chartered Wealth Planners with a commitment to the highest professional standards.

  • Holistic, whole-of-market advice that looks at your entire financial picture.

  • Clear, jargon-free explanations so you understand your options and feel in control.

  • FCA authorised to ensure the highest standards of conduct and transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It’s the process of setting your retirement goals and creating a personalised strategy to achieve them, taking into account your savings, future income needs, and lifestyle aspirations.

  • A personal pension is managed by a provider on your behalf. A SIPP offers more flexibility, allowing you to choose from a broader range of investments, ideal for those who want more control.

  • Merging several pension pots into one plan can simplify management, lead to possible cost savings, and provide a unified investment approach. We constantly check for valuable benefits before making recommendations.

  • A way to take income from your pension pot while keeping the rest invested. This can offer flexibility, but also carries investment risk; we’ll guide you through both.

  • An annuity allows you to exchange part or all of your pension pot for a guaranteed income for life. We’ll explain the options and help you decide if it’s right for you.

  • Our initial consultation is free. Ongoing fees are transparent and reflect the value of the expert advice and support we provide.

  • No, but we work with a trusted, specialist firm that can provide this service.

  • Pensions continue to offer:

    • Tax-relieved contributions

    • Tax-free growth

    • 25% tax-free lump sum (within limits)

    • Potential separation of business and personal assets

  • From April 2027, most pension assets will be included in your estate for IHT purposes.

    • Your executors usually pay the IHT bill, but beneficiaries can request the scheme administrator to pay their share directly from the pension.

    • If the IHT due is £4,000 or more, the scheme must do this if requested.

    • Some benefits remain exempt, including death-in-service lump sums, dependents’ scheme pensions, and payments to spouses/civil partners or charities.

    We’ll help you structure your pension to minimise unnecessary IHT exposure.

Take the Next Step

If you have £400,000+ in investable assets and want to partner with an experienced, Bristol-based financial planning team, book a call to start building your secure financial future.