Retirement and me: Mortgage free couple on state pension and their ‘worst mistake’ | Personal Finance | Finance (2024)

FAQs

Should I overpay my pension? ›

If you can afford to do so, paying extra money into your pension can be a financially savvy move. You'll not only benefit from government tax relief on the amount you save but your pot will hopefully be boosted by investment gains over the long term (although there are no guarantees).

Yes, in fact there is a good chance that your pension already includes some property investment. It is generally seen as a safer way to invest your savings than the stock market, and spreading your money across different investments lowers the risks.

Yes. Financial institutions cannot discriminate based on age. You are entitled to the same mortgage terms as anyone. Pension income qualifies the same as any other income.

Personal and workplace pensions. When you can take money from your pension pot will depend on your pension scheme's rules, but it's usually after you're 55. You may be able to take money out before this age if either: you're retiring early because of ill health.

If your company is in a volatile sector or has financial troubles, it may be worth taking a lump sum. But for most individuals, these are unlikely scenarios. If you have a pension plan, you should also know that it is risky to take a loan from your plan and will probably cost you more in the long term.

It's typically smarter to pay down your mortgage as much as possible at the very beginning of the loan to avoid ultimately paying more in interest. If you're in or near the later years of your mortgage, it may be more valuable to put your money into retirement accounts or other investments.

Pension loans are unregulated in the United States. Lump-sum loans as an advance on your pension may result in unfair payment plans. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) warns customers of taking out loans against their pensions. Most pension plans are protected if you are forced to file for bankruptcy.

You can use the money you've invested in a retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, to help purchase a home. And in certain situations, it's even possible to withdraw funds from a retirement account without paying the 10% early distribution penalty.

A qualified plan may, but is not required to provide for loans. If a plan provides for loans, the plan may limit the amount that can be taken as a loan. The maximum amount that the plan can permit as a loan is (1) the greater of $10,000 or 50% of your vested account balance, or (2) $50,000, whichever is less.

Carrying a mortgage into retirement allows individuals to tap into an additional stream of income by reinvesting the equity from a home. The other benefit is that mortgage interest is tax-deductible. On the downside, investment returns can be variable while mortgage payment requirements are fixed.

Do most retirees still have a mortgage? ›

In 2022, researchers found that just over 40 percent of homeowners older than 64 had a mortgage, a jump from roughly 25 percent a generation ago. Ultralow mortgage rates were a big driver of the increase, said Jennifer Molinsky, project director of the center's housing and aging society program.

Some strategies call for having 10-12 times your final working year's salary, or specific multiples of your annual income that increase as you age. Consider when you want to retire, goals, annual salary, any expected annual raises, inflation, investment portfolio performance, and potential healthcare expenses.

On average for a comfortable retirement, an individual will spend £43,100 a year, whilst the average couple in retirement spends £59,000 a year. This means if you retire at 55 with £300k, an individual will run out of funds in approximately 7 years, and a couple in 5 years. So, on paper, it doesn't look like enough.

For most pension schemes, it is not possible to access your pension until you are at least 55. You can, however, transfer to a new provider at any time. But if you're 55 or older, you can move your pension into your bank account. Even then, though, it is unlikely to be a good idea to take all of your pension in one go.

You won't get the entire amount

If you take the money as a plan distribution before age 59½, you'll owe the IRS a 10% early withdrawal penalty. You'll also owe ordinary income tax in the year you receive the distribution.

The earlier you cash your pension in, the higher the risk of being left short in older age. Unless you use it to buy an annuity, the money you take out will not provide a guaranteed income for life. Once you have cashed in the money, it will no longer grow (unless you reinvest it)

While it's not against the law to access a pension before the age of 55, doing so isn't recommended for two main reasons. You'll be charged up to 55% tax on the amount you request to withdraw. This will significantly impact how much of your pension you'll end up receiving.

Disadvantages: Limited Control: In a defined benefit plan, the retiree has little control over the management of the fund and the investment decisions made on their behalf. Investment Risk: Pension funds are subject to investment risk, and the returns may not be guaranteed.