Case Study

Building a confident path to retirement.

Andrew Ball
Guided by Andrew Ball, Chartered Financial Planner

Client profile

John, a 55-year-old marketing manager, approached us with a familiar concern: how to retire comfortably and confidently at age 65. With multiple pension pots and no consolidated strategy, he was unsure whether he was financially on track – and whether big lifestyle decisions, such as downsizing, would be necessary.

Initial position

John held a combination of pension arrangements, including a defined benefit scheme from an earlier employer and a few defined contribution schemes accumulated throughout his career. While he had built up a reasonable level of retirement savings, he had no clear plan and was uncertain about what his future income might look like.

Their objectives

John’s main priorities were:

  • Understanding when he could realistically afford to retire
  • Ensuring a comfortable lifestyle without unnecessary compromise
  • Simplifying his pension arrangements and reducing ongoing complexity

Our approach

We conducted a full review of John’s financial position, including his existing pensions, savings, income needs and lifestyle goals. We helped him assess the income he would need to maintain his current standard of living, and discussed how that might change in later life.

We also explored the full range of retirement income options, including annuities, drawdown, and phased retirement, helping John to weigh up the pros and cons of each based on his circumstances and attitude to risk.

Strategies implemented

To simplify and strengthen his retirement plan, we recommended:

  • Consolidating his pension pots into a single arrangement, reducing fees and making ongoing management easier
  • Introducing a tailored investment strategy, with a focus on growth over the remaining working years, and a planned shift towards more secure holdings as retirement approached

 

This gave John a clear, practical roadmap for the decade ahead.

Interested in the outcome?

Simplifying the complex

Using detailed cash flow modelling, we showed John how different decisions, such as retiring earlier or later, or downsizing his home, would impact his financial future. These visual projections helped him feel more informed and in control, transforming uncertainty into clarity.

The outcome

John now has a well-structured, flexible retirement plan that supports his long-term goals. With his pensions consolidated and an investment strategy in place, he can look ahead with greater certainty and peace of mind.

Client reflections

John described feeling relieved and more confident following the planning process. Knowing that he has a clear path to retirement, and that his lifestyle is financially achievable, has allowed him to stop worrying and start looking forward to the next chapter.

When you're ready, so are we

Planning for retirement can feel uncertain without a clear strategy. Like John, we can help you take control of your pensions, simplify the path ahead, and retire on your own terms.

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