Pension advisory service

We offer clear, personalised advice to help you make confident decisions and secure a sustainable income for life.

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Expert guidance for your retirement from Redwood Financial

Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial tasks you can undertake. Your pension is more than just a pot of money; it is what will support your lifestyle, independence, and peace of mind for the rest of your life.

At Redwood Financial, our Pension Advisers provide clear, thoughtful pension advice to help you build your ideal future. Our role is to understand your individual circumstances and explain your options so you can make informed decisions to make the most of your money.

Contact us to arrange a complimentary 10-minute telephone meeting or explore our free pension planning webinars.

What is a pension advisory service?

Pension advisory is a service offered by financial advisers to help you use your pension savings in the most effective way.

That includes how and when to access your pension, how much income you can afford to take and how long it’s likely to last. Crucially, it provides advice on how your choices affect income tax, inheritance tax and capital gains tax, to ensure you maximise your pension pot and protect your legacy.

Because pensions are complex and the decisions are often irreversible, professional advice and estate planning are important for your reassurance and protection against costly mistakes.

Do I need a pension adviser?

Many people seek pension advice to help make the most of their money or are worried about making the wrong decision, particularly as retirement approaches.

It is up to you whether you decide to use a Pension Adviser, but you are required by law to take regulated financial advice if:

You are transferring a defined benefit (final salary) pension worth more than £30,000
Your pension includes safeguarded benefits, such as guaranteed income rates

Even where advice is not legally required, it is strongly advisable. Pension decisions affect not just your income today, but your financial security for decades to come, as well as your family’s future.

When should I seek pension advice?

In our experience, it’s never too early to seek pension advice. But it’s particularly important if:

You will retire in 5-10 years
You are considering taking tax-free cash
You wish to consolidate multiple pension pots
You have received a defined benefit transfer offer
You have had a major life change, such as divorce or illness

Simply put, the earlier you seek advice, the more options are open to you.

Our pension advisory service

Our Pension Advisers have decades of combined experience and have helped thousands of happy clients. We offer advice across all pension options, including:

Flexible income through pension drawdown
Guaranteed income through annuities
Fixed-term income solutions
Lump-sum withdrawals
Blended approaches combining income security and flexibility

From our very first meeting, we will guide you carefully and clearly at every stage, explaining your choices in plain English and helping you understand the implications before you commit.

We are strictly regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for your complete peace of mind.

Pension option	How it works	Advantages	Considerations
Flexible income through drawdown	Your pension remains invested, and you take income as needed.	A good option if you want flexibility and control over how and when you take income, and are comfortable with investment risk.	Your income isn’t guaranteed, and poor investment returns or taking too much too soon could mean your pension runs out. Regular review is essential.
Guaranteed income through annuities	Your pension is converted into a secure income for life or a fixed term	Good if you prefer certainty, as there is no investment risk.	You give up flexibility, and once set up, it’s usually not possible to change your mind later.
Fixed-term income solutions	A guaranteed income is paid for a set period, with a value remaining at the end	This can be ideal if you want a guaranteed income for a set period while keeping your longer-term options open.	There’s no lifetime guarantee: income is guaranteed only for the agreed term, and future income will depend on the rates available at that time.
Lump-sum withdrawals	You withdraw a lump sum directly from your pension and are taxed accordingly. You can take up to 25% of your pension tax-free once you reach pension age (currently 55 years, rising to 57 from April 2028).	If you need access to cash for a specific purpose, such as clearing debt or funding a major expense, this can be beneficial.	Large withdrawals can result in high tax bills and reduce the income available later in retirement – the main risk being that you run out of cash.

There is no single “best” pension solution. The right approach depends on your income needs, health, family situation, attitude to risk, and long-term plans. Rest assured, our advice is always personal, never off-the-shelf.

Should I take my tax-free cash lump sum from my pension?

Under the Pension Reform Act of April 2015, you can take up to 25% of your pension tax-free once you reach pension age, which is currently 55 years, rising to 57 from April 2028. While it might seem tempting to blow it all and take yourself off on a world cruise, it’s important to consider your position very carefully.

Taking your pension in this way can give you a real boost in the early years of your retirement, when your spending is likely to be higher.

However, you need to ensure you have enough retirement income remaining in your pension for your later years. Also, if your pension includes certain guarantees, you will be giving them up. And if you take money out of your pension, you’re not only losing that amount, but the interest the money would have generated if it had remained invested.

A Pension Adviser can help you determine whether taking tax-free cash supports your overall retirement plan.

An example

Mike has a £100,000 pension pot and withdraws his 25% tax-free allowance (£25,000) when he turns 55. Based on an average annual growth of 5%, in 10 years’ time, his remaining pension would be around £122,000.

If Mike had left the £25,000 invested in his pension when he reached 65, it would have grown to around £162,000, of which around £40,000 would be available as tax-free cash.

How much money can I put into my pension pot?

The amount you can pay into your pension and still receive tax relief on contributions is governed by your pension annual allowance, which for 2025/26 is £60,000 (or 100% of your earnings, if lower).

The old lifetime allowance (which capped the total value of your pension at £1,073,100) was abolished in April 2024. There is no longer a limit on how large your pension pot can grow, and no lifetime allowance tax charge.

However, in its place are new limits on tax-free benefits, such as the lump sum allowance and the death benefit allowance. These changes are another good reason to seek advice from a professional, to ensure your pension savings remain tax-efficient.

How much can I safely take from my pension?

There is no universal “safe” withdrawal rate. The right level of income depends on a few factors and your financial priorities. Do you want to make the most of cash in early retirement while you’re fit and well, or do you want to save it to cover later life care or to leave a greater inheritance for loved ones?

The other factors to consider are your age, health, spending patterns, and life expectancy. Then there are external factors such as inflation and investment performance to consider.

At Redwood Financial, we use detailed cashflow modelling to help you understand how different withdrawal levels may affect your future, including best-case and worst-case scenarios.

Ongoing advice, estate planning and regular reviews are essential to ensure your retirement income is enough for life.

Income tax on pension withdrawals

Whether you are taxed on pension withdrawals depends on whether your total earnings (including private and state pensions) exceed the personal allowance. If it does, you will pay income tax.

However, with the right financial advice, it is possible to structure your tax allowances to maximise your returns and reduce, or even eliminate, your tax liability.

Start planning your retirement with Redwood Financial

Call us on 01489 877547 to discuss your needs, or fill out our contact form to request a call back.

Frequently asked questions about pension advisory services

How much does pension advice cost?

At Redwood Financial, our fees are transparent, fair, and agreed with you in advance. We typically work on a fixed-fee basis, tailored to the complexity of your situation and the advice required. We will never proceed without your agreement, and there are no hidden charges.

Should I buy an annuity?

An annuity is where you use your pension to buy a regular income that’s paid to you for life or a fixed period. While flexible drawdown is very popular, an annuity can be a good option if you prefer stability and the knowledge that you can cover essential living costs without running out of money. In many cases, a blended approach works well, combining guaranteed income with flexible access to remaining funds.

Should I transfer my defined benefit pension?

Defined benefit pensions provide valuable, guaranteed income for life, and so the decision to transfer them should never be made lightly. At Redwood Financial, we can help you weigh up your decision. We will always remind you what the pension is there for: to provide you with a decent standard of living throughout retirement. Remember that if the transfer value is £30,000 or more, getting professional advice is a legal requirement.

Do I have to take income from my pension?

The simple answer is no. If you do not need income immediately, say, you are still working or have other sources of income like rent, it may be best to leave your pension untouched. That way, you can benefit from continued growth, the ability to limit inheritance tax and more flexibility in later life.

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Simon B.

Im very pleased with the promptness and quality of the work Redwood does for me. I’m confident in my future thanks to them.

Jude S.

Wonderful support from a "family feel" business

Martin & Jayne C.

Really sound advise from Steve and his team- very professional with every step explained clearly with our best interests in mind. Would not hesitate to recommend them.We have just had a follow up signing meeting with Steve and his lovely staff along with our sons. Everything was explained to them in language that was easy for them understand - they were made to feel very at ease and encouraged to ask questions at ever point.

Janine B.

Neil D.

Easiest planning ever.

Anne G.

I have been taking Ken Bannister's advice for financial planning for many years through his different enterprises and am now very happy to continue to do so with Redwood. As a company I have found them to be extremely helpful, knowledgeable and very clear in everything we cover, with excellent communcation. For estate planning Stephanie has given me confidence that my inheritance plans are well in place for future generations. To sum up, friendly and professional!

Rosanna V.

The incredible team at Redwood are nothing short of fantastic! Sorting out finance things can be so overwhelming and Redwood have made it easy and accessible to understand -dare I say enjoyable! Thank you all so much for all the care and time you take with all of us clients, you are all miracle makers!

Wendy G.

I was recommended Redwood Financial Services by a friend some years ago. I have used them for financial advice as well as Estate planning too.They do not make me feel foolish, when I ask questions about my finances or when dealing with my Will. Nothing is too much trouble. They are so patient.I have recommended them to friends and family.

Terri S.

Always professional, friendly and tolerant!

Darren S.

Fantastic service, from face to face meetings to phone calls and email help. Can't recommend Redwood enough, Justine is superb.

Margaret G.

I have been with Redwood for over thirty years and have always had full confidence in their services. The markets may have fluctuated over the years but Redwood's finance knowledge and controls has meant that my finances have always been in safe hands.

David C.

Have used the Redwood services for a many years and have always found their staff professional and helpful. You are treated as a person (not just a number) and they explain the pros & cons in a straightforward manner. Would recommend them.

Nicki S.

Redwood have supported us for a number of years now and we continue to be very happy with the service they provide. They listen carefully to our needs and their advice is clear and concise. They are highly responsive and we feel like we are in very safe hands.

Janet G.

Very pleased with Redwood Financial. Ken has been our advisor for many years & always explains things very clearly. The office staff at Redwood are very friendly & helpful. I am very happy with my investments

Barry S.

Excellent customer service would recommend

Doug “cloudstuff” C.

We really value the breadth of experience and expertise that Redwood Finance bring to support our specific needs and options surrounding important decision making. Whether it’s savings and pension matters or estate planning, wills and trusts, you know they’ll equip you and guide you with practical understandable advice. Financial SatNav.

Chris W.

Redwoods have patiently helped us prepare our financial affairs through changing government schemes, keeping us advised of up-to-date requirements and influences. With a family trust and IHT to negotiate, we are fully confident in Redwood's service.

David G.

With Helena's poor state of health we needed to urgently review our estate planning especially with impending changes in inheritance tax on April 2027. Having started the search for advice we liked the clear approach in the Redwood webinars. As we have traveled along the estate planning pathway set out by Redwood we have been pleased with all the staff attention to detail and pleasant approach especially Steve, Lisa, Justine and Chloe. They have set out options and advice clearly and we are happy to recommend them.

Henrietta V.

So professional and so interested in all their clients as individuals. A really lovely, efficient, knowledgeable bunch, and super human beings at that! Highly recommend. Thank you for sorting our future out!

Mark P.

Fantastic organisation and great people

Tina T.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with this independent financial advisory firm for many years, and I can confidently say they have been exceptional every step of the way. From the very beginning, their approach has always felt genuinely personal—they take the time to understand not just the numbers, but my goals, concerns, and long-term aspirations.Jasmine and the team are truly outstanding. They are approachable, knowledgeable, and consistently go above and beyond to ensure everything is clear and tailored to my situation. No question ever feels too small, and their guidance has always been thoughtful and reassuring.What really sets them apart is the combination of professionalism and care. Over the years, they have helped me achieve great financial outcomes, always with a steady, well-informed strategy that gives me confidence in the future. It’s rare to find a team that balances expertise with such a strong personal touch.I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jasmine and the team to anyone looking for trusted, long-term financial advice.

Glen H.

The help and advice that Redwood Financial Services has given us now over a number of years has been absolutely first rate. Not only the service but the professional yet friendly manner all the team have treated us has been award winning - we feel like they are our friends not just our advisors. The culture Jasmine and Steve have instilled in this company is what others should aspire too. For Amy organising us, Claire updating us and Nicola doing our annual review a huge thank you.

Robert E.

We have been associated with Redwood for over ten years, dealing with a wide range of aspects concerning our finances. They have advised us on pensions, estate planning and investments. Throughout all this time we have found them to be totally professional, helpful and friendly. We have absolute confidence in the team and know that they are always ready to help us with any advice or questions that arise. Particularly useful are the review meetings, which guide us on the performance, future legislation and our future requirements. No hesitation in recommending Redwood Finacial!

Brenda S.

Our association with Redwood Financial began, several years ago, from tentatively attending a presentation at a local hotel about options on making a will. Steve and his daughter, Jasmine, were incredibly impressive in presenting the information, exemplified with various family case studies. These were fictional, but highlighted how complex it could become to create wills which suited every need. Thus, we started our relationship with this company and promptly updated our wills. This led onto Estate Planning and setting up Trusts for our sons.We were so pleased with the clarity of explanation and transparency of fees that my husband felt completely confident in placing his pension planning with Jasmine.Our sons are now looking to make their own wills and will use Redwood Financial, with the confidence of having a family based business to inform them. Finding a company that offer a personalised, professional approach is like finding a hen's tooth in today's big corporate environment. At Redwood, you have the best of both worlds; an individualised relationship but with access to the best performing platforms/ investors which enable our family to feel that we have made sound decisions. With opportunities for regular revues, you can adjust your planning for changing circumstances. Trusting Redwood Financial is one of the best decisions we have made.

Paul K.

Another excellent Annual Review Meeting with Ken Bannister of Redwood Financial. Redwood provide a first class service. Redwood staff are all highly motivated and make their customers feel valued as individuals. It is a pleasure to deal with this Family Business.

Peter N.

Superb financial advisers (family based).Put their clients totally to the forefront of their business, with excellent service and communication. Regular client events ensure involvement and openness with their own business and the financial providers they use. Very family finance orientated with long-term & generational planning at the forefront. I totally recommend a discussion with them so they can show what they can achieve.

Trev L.

Very Good[Ed to original review]I have been working with Redwood Financial for approximately seven years now, from my initial assessment at a presentation through personal meetings, conferences and social events. Redwood has something which, in my experience, is a rarity these days: humanity and family values. Thank you so much, Redwood, for helping to bring peace of mind to the next stage of my life so that I can separate key signals from the noise. Thank you to the WHOLE team because we rise and fall as a TEAM. 🙏🙏#GodBless #31stMay2025[Update: 17022026: Thank you, Redwood, for your continued great support and care in furnishing our familial needs. Steph and Justine epitomise your care, and teamwork continues to shine through. 🙏]

Mary C.

My annual review with Ken was as always elegant

keith S.

I was recommended Redwood by a friend. I needed some Will & Estate planning and found them 1st class for both the information supplied and the service.

Graham J.

We attended the Redwood client conference last Friday. It was the usual excellent informative day with brilliant guest speakers. If anyone is looking for a professional and friendly financial advisor Company then I would highly recommend Redwood. They continue to deliver high levels of service for their clients including the best possible financial returns.

John G.

All very good. Everything was explained in detail . Everyone is very pleasant and try to make it a good experience. They even provide tea / coffee and biscuits as well as a designated parking place. Excellent.

peter B.

We discovered that we needed Trust Wills through the excellent Redwood seminar program, and found a world unknown to us. Engaging them to produce our new wills, we were very impressed by their depth of knowledge and attention to detail.The quality of the staff is unusually high and their interpersonal skills are outstanding, extending to Roxy, our springer, being present at every meeting. They all love her and she shows it. Lovely to see.We give the highest recommendation for Redwood to solve your age related issues, e.g Wills and Trusts, Pensions, Estate planning and Investments.Our special appreciation goes to the magnificent Justine, who steered us with ease through the complexities of the signing stage for completion.Love to all,Hazel, Peter and Roxy

Colin E.

This is a company who takes a personal interest in your investments. Well recommended.

Robin B.

Redwood Financial have provided reliable, prudent and very well-informed advice and support for my investments and pension for several years and I have found them to be professional, conscientious and exceptionally diligent in their approach to every aspect of their services. Their financial advisors have an exceptionally broad understanding of their brief and a comprehensive product and market knowledge which results in a tailored approach to individual financial requirements. The team around them, maintaining client relations and process administration, is delightful, hugely competent, motivated and client-focussed which makes any and all interactions easy, efficient and assured. Highly recommended.

Mike B.

I worked with Steve and the team at Redwood recently for estate planning. They were very helpful, provided clear information, and enabled me to make the best decision for my future. Nothing was too much trouble - they made a complex subject easy to understand.Highly recommended!

Steve

I have been with Redwood for nearly 15 years and have found Steve, Jasmine, Nicola and the wider team to be both knowledge and extremely helpful. I would highly recommend them as a totally professional team committed to providing high quality advice and guidance and always with my best interests at heart.

James T.

I contacted Redwood to discuss consolidating my pensions. Also I knew Ken Bannister from previous experience. I am delighted with the progress made to date. I have had excellent meetings with Ken where everything is explained to me clearly and in terms I understand. The communications from Kayleigh and the reports being sent to me are also excellent quality and informative. Very pleased with progress to date.

G A.

Excellent advice as always, thank you Ken.

Robert A.

Thank you Ken for your excellent advice, much appreciated.

graham S.

Thankyou for your efficiency, knowledge and Professionalism.

Colin E.

I moved to Redwood Financial to manage my Pension Portfolio in April 2023 following the retirement of my previous adviser who introduced me to them. Their services have been excellent, their advice sensible and clear and their charges competitive. My position as an Owner Director of a lLmited company makes my position slightly different to the mainstream and they have understood my requirements and worked with me to create a sensible retirement plan. I would highly recommend them.

Andrew B.

Nicola reviewed our investments in a pension and some ISAs, held by my wife and I. She has recommended some changes which we expect to give better returns. Everything was well prepared and explained to us. We remain very happy with the advice and support from Nicola and the Redwood team.

Fiona W.

We have been very impressed by the professional and knowledgeable service from Redwood. All the staff have been exceptional and clearly want to provide excellent customer service

Deborah H.

Redwood have supported my family and I for many years and their service and support in all issues is amazing.I cannot recommend the team enough especially if you are unsure of what you need to do regarding wills , trust funds, savings and pension advice.Thank you Redwood team for being such great friends and I hope this will continue for many years to come

Graham S.

We had reached our 70's and realized that we needed to ensure our estate was not open to possible extra taxation costs and security for our direct family. We attended a Redwood seminar and decided to take further advice. They were very proffesional, patient and understanding. They treated us with respect and kept everything in simple laymens terms.

tim D.

Steve and his team did a fantastic job sorting out a new Will and Power of Attorney for myself, in addition to setting up a Trust Fund after the death of my wife. They were sympathetic throughout the process during a difficult time and I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending them for similar work.

Kathy C.

I really cannot recommend Redwood Financial enough. All members of the team were so friendly and helpful and Steph did a sterling job guiding us through all options and ensuring we were happy with our decisions. The information provided throughout the process was clear and concise and the provision of the Will Commentary is brilliant - it will make life much easier for those who have to look after our affairs when the time comes.Thanks Redwood Financial for a fabulous service.

Peter J.

We've just had an annual review of our finances with Nicola. Excellent experience all round. Thoughtful, patient and knowledgeable replies to our questions, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Very professional

Graham A.

The Redwood Team is a close knit, customer oriented, responsive team,who know their customers personally, enabling them to better understand the customers' needs. I feel that my adviser understands our needs and makes good suggestions around that.

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Dealing with Jasmine and her firm has been an absolute pleasure. Practical, sensible and kind advice, in sometimes difficult circumstances, with total efficiency and dedication. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone else who needs some help with their financial circumstances.

Excellent friendly service with positive advice. Made us feel relaxed and at ease with sorting out our pensions. Everything taken care of and explained in detail that was easy to understand. Would recommend.

Practical down to earth advice, no pressure, and very supportive. I now have a set of plans in place that have ensured my estate will be well managed in the future in the way I would wish it to be, for the benefit of my family.

I cannot thank the staff at Redwood enough, especially Sophie as she has been so patient and caring to my needs. I have found them to be highly professional and efficient in executing their often delicate and personal work. Would highly recommend their services.

Throughout our dealings with the firm, all the representatives we have dealt with have been very courteous, patient and friendly, which has made the experience a pleasure; in fact, nothing has been too much trouble for them and at no stage have they made us feel inadequate in asking too many or too simple questions, or in requiring too obvious explanations.

Steve Blofield and his team are excellent! Friendly and helpful advice is readily at hand and has opened my eyes to the importance of estate planning. A brief phone conversation is always followed by a comprehensive email. This firm deserves its awards and excellent reputation.

Jasmine Lambert

Jasmine was awarded the British Young Practitioner of the Year in 2018. She is a qualified Chartered Financial Planner and full member of Society of Will Writers.