There are so many ways in which The Pensions Office might be able to help.

Some of the most important areas of planning are outlined elsewhere on this web site so, here, we list key issues with a very short comment about each of them:

•  Higher tax free cash
   (for pension benefits in an employer’s - or ex-employer’s - pension scheme). 
    Usually much higher, in fact!
  
•  Higher death benefits
   (for pension benefits in an employer’s - or ex-employer’s - pension scheme). 
   Again, usually much higher, in fact!
  
• Choice of beneficiary for the death benefits
  (most important, for pension benefits in an employer’s - or ex-employer’s – 
   pension scheme although also important for those with personal pensions).
  
• Control over your pension fund’s investments
  (either take charge of your own portfolio or follow ongoing advice from The Pensions Office)
  
• The ability to take a tax free lump sum but defer taking a pension until a later age
  (perhaps particularly useful if you are using the lump sum to repay debts?)
  
• Structure your future retirement income according to your personal needs and circumstances
   (don’t assume your future pension benefits must fit into the first type of annuity you are offered)
  
• ‘Last minute’ tax and pension planning
  
• Planning the best time to take your basic state pension entitlement
  (it might be worth deferring taking these benefits, depending on your needs and circumstances)

In summary, if you are nearing retirement and you want guidance about the best use of your pension benefits…..