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SIPP

Unlock the Power of a SIPP - Take Control of Your Pension with Callaghan Financial Services
When it comes to retirement planning, one size no longer fits all

With rising inflation, volatile markets, and ever-changing tax rules, more people than ever are looking for a pension solution that offers both flexibility and control. This is where a SIPP – or Self-Invested Personal Pension – could be a game-changer.

At Callaghan Financial Services, we specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of personal pensions and make informed choices about their retirement. Whether you’re a UK resident or an expat abroad, a SIPP could give you the control and investment freedom you’ve been looking for.


What is a SIPP?

A Self-Invested Personal Pension is a type of UK government-approved personal pension plan that gives you the freedom to choose and manage your own investments within your pension wrapper. Unlike traditional personal pensions that restrict you to a provider’s own funds, a SIPP opens the door to a much wider range of investments.

With a SIPP, you’re in the driver’s seat. You can choose what to invest in, when to buy or sell, and how to structure your portfolio - within HMRC rules, of course.


Who is a SIPP for?

SIPPs are most suitable for individuals who:
  • Want to take control of their pension investments.
  • Have experience or guidance in investment decision-making.
  • Are not satisfied with the limited fund choices offered by standard pension plans.
  • Are UK-based or expats with UK pension benefits.

They can be especially attractive to professionals, business owners, and expats looking to consolidate multiple pensions into a single, manageable and transparent scheme.


Key Benefits of a SIPP

1. Investment Choice
With a SIPP, you can invest in:

  • UK and overseas shares
  • Unit trusts and OEICs
  • Investment trusts
  • Commercial property
  • Gilts and corporate bonds
  • Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

This freedom lets you diversify your portfolio and tailor your strategy to your goals, whether you’re aiming for long-term growth, income, or capital preservation.


2. Pension Consolidation
Many people accumulate multiple pensions over their working life. SIPPs offer the perfect opportunity to consolidate them into one pot, making your retirement planning clearer, more efficient, and potentially more cost-effective.


3. Tax Benefits
Like other pensions, SIPPs offer generous tax relief:

  • Personal contributions attract 20% tax relief (higher or additional rate taxpayers may claim more through their tax return).
  • Investments grow free from capital gains tax and income tax.
  • You can take 25% of your SIPP tax-free when you access it (usually from age 55, rising to 57 in 2028).


4. Estate Planning
SIPPs can be passed on to your beneficiaries, often outside your estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. If you pass away before age 75, your SIPP can usually be passed on tax-free.


5. Flexible Access
Once you reach pension age, you can access your SIPP in various ways:

  • Flexi-access drawdown (take income as you wish)
  • Annuity purchase
  • Lump sum withdrawals
  • A mix of the above

This flexibility allows you to tailor withdrawals to your lifestyle needs and tax position.


Things to Consider

SIPPs aren’t suitable for everyone. Some key points to keep in mind:

1. Investment Risk
Unlike standard pension plans with default strategies, with a SIPP you’re responsible for your investments – which can rise and fall. If markets underperform or you make poor choices, your retirement pot may be smaller than expected.

2. Charges
SIPPs may come with higher costs depending on the provider and services you choose. These may include annual fees, dealing charges, and admin fees for property or complex assets.

3. Regulation and Rules
SIPPs are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and HMRC rules on tax relief and pension access must be followed carefully. Unauthorised withdrawals can incur hefty tax charges.

4. Professional Advice Recommended
Unless you are a confident investor, it’s essential to seek professional advice. A well-advised SIPP strategy can outperform a DIY one - and avoid costly mistakes.


Can I Transfer My Existing Pension to a SIPP?

Yes - and it’s one of the most common reasons clients come to us at Callaghan Financial Services.

You may be able to transfer:

  • Defined contribution pensions
  • Personal pensions
  • Workplace pensions (money purchase schemes)
  • Some legacy pensions and AVCs

However, defined benefit (final salary) pensions require extra caution and regulation. Transfers from these schemes are only advisable in certain cases and must follow strict FCA rules.

Already have a SIPP but no adviser?
We can also take over the management of your existing SIPP and provide active, tailored advice to keep your investments aligned with your long-term goals.


Why Choose Callaghan Financial Services?

At Callaghan Financial Services, we pride ourselves on clear, expert guidance that puts your interests first. Whether you’re based in the UK or overseas, we offer:

  • Independent financial advice tailored to your situation.
  • Pension consolidation strategies to simplify your finances.
  • Ongoing investment monitoring to help maximise your returns.
  • Transparent fees and no hidden costs.
Experience with international clients and expat pension needs.

We’re not tied to any one provider, so we can compare the best SIPP options on the market for you. And if you’ve already started your SIPP journey but feel abandoned by your previous adviser, we’re happy to step in and support you moving forward.


Final Thoughts

A SIPP offers incredible freedom - but with that freedom comes responsibility. It’s not just about opening a pension account; it’s about managing it with skill, discipline, and a clear plan.

That’s where we come in.

Let Callaghan Financial Services help you design the retirement you deserve - with the investment freedom of a SIPP, backed by our ongoing expertise and personal service.

Correct at time of publication. Subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

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