For many people facing retirement, deciding what to do with their pension lump sum is one of the biggest financial choices they will ever make in their lives.
We often hear the comment from Officers and Staff that their lump sum will be the largest sum of money they’ve ever had – and that many are still uncertain as to exactly what to do with all of it.
Retirement seminars
If you’re approaching retirement and haven’t made a decision on what to do with your lump sum yet, we would recommend you attend one of our pre-retirement seminars. You’ll hear from financial experts who can guide you through all the ins and outs of the Police Pension Scheme, and help you fully understand the implications of all the decisions you may be facing.
Investing
Many others who receive a lump sum are looking for places to invest their money and secure a healthy financial future for themselves, and, in most instances, their families. There are a vast array of options available from the stock market to the high street bank account and each have their different strengths and weaknesses, risks and rewards.
Investing with Metfriendly is a medium risk option with the potential for higher rewards than cash-based deposits option, and has regular annual rewards. Metfriendly has two investment products that are worth considering – the ISA and the With-Profit Bond.
ISA
The ISA makes sense as the first port of call for any significant lump sum investment as it allows you to shelter up to £20,000 each tax year from the taxman. Our Stocks and Shares ISA attracts annual bonuses and a final bonus on encashment. Our ISAs usually pay out higher annual bonuses than our other products as they attract minimal tax liabilities for Metfriendly – and we can pass this tax saving on. Any capital gains you earn are also tax-free.
With-Profit Bond
After using your annual ISA allowance you may consider investing in our With-Profit Bond. There is no maximum limit on investments and they attract annual bonuses and a final bonus on encashment. Like the ISA it should be seen as a medium to long-term investment. And also, like the ISA, your money will be invested in our With-Profits Fund – a mixture of government and corporate bonds, equities, commercial property and cash.
Mortgage
When receiving a pension lump sum it is certainly true that many people take the opportunity to pay off some, or all, of their mortgage. Make sure you get quality mortgage advice to help you decide whether this is right for you.
