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  11. The Pension Planner

The Pension Planner

Independent Financial Adviser  4th Floor, Victoria House, Chelmsford, CM1 1JR
First meeting at adviser's own cost
With ever changing legislation, retirement options can be at best confusing. Take advice from retirement specialists at The Pension Planner.
We can advise you on
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Annuity purchase
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Auto enrolment
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Defined benefit
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Pension consolidation
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Pension drawdown
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Pensions & divorce
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Pensions & retirement planning
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Pensions review
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Pensions transfer
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SIPPs
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Stakeholder
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Ethical investments
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ISA / Unit Trusts / OEICs
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Investing for income
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Socially responsible investments
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Unit trusts
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Lump sum
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Regular savings
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Estate planning
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Employee benefits
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Group Pension/Stakeholder
Make an enquiry Request a call back Recommend to a friend
Response rating
9.3/10
phone Show number
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FCA authorised
Last authorised 13th September 2021
Meet our advisers
MR Marvin Watson DipPFS
Adviser

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of investment products and the application of the investment advice process.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of an ability to analyse financial protection planning issues.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK taxation system, and the ability to analyse the taxation treatment of individuals and trusts during the investment advice process.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry, including regulation, legislation and the Code of Ethics.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of an ability to analyse pension and retirement planning issues.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, mortgage products, repayment options and the giving of mortgage advice.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of investment products and the risks involved.

To achieve the CertPFS (DM) and individual needs to pass 2 diploma units in Regulation and ethics and Discretionary Investment Management

MR Shane Kao DipPFS
Adviser

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the various pension products, the pension tax regime and retirement needs.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the Government’s simplified pension taxation regime which came into full effect on 6 April 2006 (A-Day). Eight tax regimes for pensions were reduced to one, radically affecting planning and transactions.

Fellowship of the CII is universally regarded as the premier qualification for those working in the insurance industry. This shows a commitment to continuous professional development.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of financial protection plans.

To achieve the CertPFS (DM) and individual needs to pass 2 diploma units in Regulation and ethics and Discretionary Investment Management

Having achieved the IFS Level 6 Diploma in Financial Advice, advisers can go onto to achieve this recognisable benchmark of quality and ethical practice for financial services professionals, elevating financial planning and advice in the public eye to the same standing as other Chartered professions. The holder must demonstrate a combination of experience, financial qualifications, ongoing educational activity (continuous professional development) and ethical behaviour.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of recent pension reforms and how the changes impact at-retirement advice.

This exam accesses understanding of the financial services industry including regulation and legislation.

This exam accesses understanding of the financial services industry, and its regulation, products and processes.

This exam accesses understanding of protection, savings and investment products.

This exam accesses understanding of identifying and satisfying client needs.

MR Nicholas Pratt, Dip PFS
Director

This qualification assessed the knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry together with types of mortgage products and repayment options and the giving of mortgage advice.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of an ability to analyse pension and retirement planning issues.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the different types of equity release products, risks to the consumer associated with equity release and application of suitable equity release solutions according to the circumstances of different customers.

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: the basic structure of the tax system and self-assessment; the main taxes on income and capital that may be charged on individuals, the self-assessment system and how tax liabilities are computed; impact of residence and domicile on an individuals liability to UK tax.

To achieve the CertPFS (DM) and individual needs to pass 2 diploma units in Regulation and ethics and Discretionary Investment Management

This qualification helps advisers develop and demonstrate their financial planning capabilities.

MR Andrew Hursthouse BA(Hons)Financial Services
Director

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the various pension products, the pension tax regime and retirement needs.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK taxation system, and the ability to analyse the taxation treatment of individuals and trusts during the investment advice process.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of an ability to analyse pension and retirement planning issues.

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the: process of decumulating pension funds and the main issues for clients and advisers; main choices facing members of pensions schemes during decumulation; features, risks and tax treatment of the secured pension option; features, risks and tax treatment of the unsecured pension option; features, risks and tax treatment of phased retirement; features, risks and tax treatment of the alternatively secured pension option.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, mortgage products, repayment options and the giving of mortgage advice.

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the: main tax and legal frameworks that govern the accumulation phase of building up retirement benefits under registered pension schemes; features of defined contribution and defined benefit pensions; choices faced by early leavers and use of transfer value analysis; State retirement benefits available, including the risks and suitability of contracting out of the State Second Pension.

To achieve the CertPFS (DM) and individual needs to pass 2 diploma units in Regulation and ethics and Discretionary Investment Management

This exam accesses understanding of the financial services industry including regulation and legislation.

Mr Ben Farrell
Independent Financial Adviser

The Diploma enhances knowledge in core areas such as regulation, investment principles, risk, taxation and personal financial planning using real-life scenarios to develop the essential skills to apply this technical knowledge in practice

What our clients say
Highly Recommended We have had the pleasure of working with Nicholas as our professional adviser since he took over the management of a complicated investment portfolio back in 2008, at this point in time we had very little faith in the financial services sector and our previous financial adviser caused there to be an element of mistrust initially with the whole advice process and management. I am pleased to say that through Nicholas`s hard work and determination he has fully restored our confidence in employing a financial adviser, always being at hand and regularly updating us on the performance of our investment portfolio we could not ask for anything more from Nicholas and The Pension Planner, we have a greater understanding of how our monies are being looked after and have seen impressive growth on our investments year on year without fail. We have placed all of our trust in our adviser and he hasn't let us down once during the last 8 years and we very much look forward to our regular client reviews which are a great opportunity to ensure our financial planning and longer term objectives are on track, not to mention a good catch up about our families over a coffee and biscuit! We look forward to many more years of working with Nicholas and his firm and couldn't recommend their professional services highly enough.
Maureen, Trust Pilot Review
Professional Pension Advice That Even I Could Understand. Having heard the tales from my ex colleagues about the time it takes and the problems faced in arranging an annuity through our pension scheme I started the process 8 months in advance. The company scheme was a trust based scheme and engaged the services of The Open Market Annuity Service so I contacted them for a quotation; the replies I received indicated that they could not give me a quotation until I had retired - what a waste of time. At this point I looked around for an independent financial advisor who was registered by the FCA and thankfully found The Pension Planner who was only 15 mins from home. The reviews on TrustPilot and Vouched For gave comfort that my choice was a good one. During the initial meeting with Nick Pratt we examined the various options for my 4 pension schemes plus of course the State pension. Even though this is an initial meeting it was still quite in depth. We concluded that an annuity at this time was not in our best interest. My wife and I decided to combine the three defined contributions schemes into a new pension scheme and then use the drawdown route to take a monthly income; as the remainder is still invested it will be increasing in value (based on past performance). We have engaged The Pension Planner to monitor the performance of the new scheme to ensure it is still providing the best option for our needs as time progresses. Throughout the process both Nick, Steve and the team have provided a professional service and explained the process and options in a way that the non financial person can understand. I have no hesitation in recommending The Pension Planner to anyone who is looking to sort out their pensions either well in advance of or at retirement (indeed I have done so to my ex work colleagues).
John, Trust Pilot Review
Pre-retirement pensions advice I've never consulted a Financial Adviser before so this was a very new experience. I found Andrew Hursthouse very easy to talk to, very knowledgeable and helpful with his follow up advice. I'd recommend Pension Planner to people like me approaching retirement, who've given little thought to pensions and financial planning. I'll happily go back to Andrew to seek financial advice in future.
Dianna, Trust Pilot Review
About us

We truly value our clients and take pride in the work we do. We ensure delivery of the promises we make, and have a strong emphasis on client service. It is these fundamental qualities, along with our expertise, knowledge and experience that sets us apart from the others. We build long lasting and trusted relationships with our clients and provide financial advice throughout the country. Our careful attention to detail along with a friendly, plain English approach, ensures our clients value us as much as we do them. The Pension Planner is truly independent therefore we can utilise companies throughout the whole financial market. This enables us to offer personalised solutions, in our informative yet friendly, relaxed manner. To add even better value for our clients we have developed The Pension Planner online. This allows us to deliver the same high-quality advice and solutions via computer and telephone communications which saves time and therefore enables us to pass the saving back to you. Those that use this service can expect the very best service and outcomes but at a 25% reduction in our usual price <url hidden> We are proud to hold a 5 star rating on Trustpilot, so please take a look at what our existing clients have to say about us. <url hidden>

Our services

We help many clients each year plan their retirement strategies through our discounted Pension Planner online proposition. Whether they are coming up to retirement and requiring an income, or a number of years away and looking to put plans in place to retire in the comfort they desire. This at distance advice saves us time and therefore money and we pass these savings straight back to you.
When you contact The Pension Planner, one of our highly qualified advisers, or trained specialists will answer your enquiry. Our approach ensures that you are offered advice that is expertly tailored to meet your exact requirements. The same advice but at a reduced price.

Where to find us
Head office address: 4th Floor, Victoria House, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JR
Preferred clients
Minimum wealth (income/assets)
£50,000
Minimum pension value
£20,000
Minimum mortgage value
£0
Special offers
Choose an Unbiased exclusive special offer:
Offers terms
Advice methods
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    Telephone
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    Online (Live chat, video, email)
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    Face to face
Make an enquiry Request a call back Recommend to a friend
Response rating
9.3/10
phone Show number
check
FCA authorised
Last authorised 13th September 2021

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