How you manage your retirement planning will depend on various different factors. Firstly, it's safe to say that if you want to have enough disposable income to enjoy your retirement then it's vital that you don't rely on the state pension. Unfortunately, despite this provision that we're given in the UK, it really is only just enough to take care of your main expenditures, such as your food and utility bills - it won't cover much in the way of treats.

Work and pensions

If you're employed by a medium or large sized organisation, you will probably have the option to have a proportion of your salary taken every month and used as contributions for a work-based pension scheme. Usually your employer will also make a contribution on your behalf, and as with other types of pensions, you will usually get tax relief on these contributions. Even if you have a work based pension scheme, it's still worth considering setting up an additional pension plan if you want to enjoy life to the full once you've retired though. This is particularly relevant if you want to take an early retirement, rather than working all the way up to the government stated retirement age.

Wealth management planning means considering all angles

It's crucial that you bear in mind that as people live longer and longer, you're likely to need a pension that will support you for perhaps 20 or 30 years. Obviously, if you plan on taking an early retirement, then the amount of time you'll need funds for will increase accordingly. Of course the main thing to think about is the kind of income that you're going to want access to when you're older. Annuity rates are currently at an all time low, with rates falling due to the economic climate. There is no way that you can pre-empt what will happen when it comes to your time to give up work - so it's best to err on the side of caution and make plans for the worst case scenario.

As you can see, there's a lot to think about when it comes to retirement planning. There are different types of pensions, and a whole host of things you may want to do with your life after work. The best advice would be to make an appointment with a wealth management planning professional who can talk you through your options and help you do the maths, so that you can save for the old age of your dreams!