Guides

Inheritance tax, pension and financial planning guides

Jargon-free guides on inheritance tax, pensions, and the decisions that come with wealth. Written to inform, not to sell.

All guidesInheritance taxPensions and retirementTax planningChoosing an adviserRetirement and life
A man reading in an armchair beside a sunlit window and a bookcase
Pensions and retirement

Tax-free pension lump sum: how the 25% works in 2026/27

You can usually take 25% of your pension tax-free, up to £268,275. See when you can take it, how the rest is taxed, and how to avoid emergency tax.

11 min readPensions and retirement

How much do I need to retire in the UK? The 2026 numbers

A comfortable retirement costs £45,400 a year for one person and £62,700 for two. See the pension pot you need, with worked examples for 2026/27.

10 min readPensions and retirement

Pension consolidation: when combining your pensions works, and when it doesn't

The case for merging old pension pots, the situations where it backfires, the pensions you cannot move, what it usually costs and how to go about it.

5 min readPensions and retirement

SIPP vs SSAS: how the two pension wrappers compare

Where each pension structure shines, how a SIPP and a SSAS differ, who each tends to suit, and what the difference means for business owners.

6 min read

Reading is a good start. Advice is better.

When you're ready, we'll connect you with a vetted, fully independent adviser.

Find your adviser

We call you back within one working hour (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).

Our guides are for general information only and are not financial advice. IFA Connect is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. For advice on your circumstances, speak to an FCA-regulated independent financial adviser.