Thinking about retirement can feel a bit daunting, can’t it? There are pensions, savings, and all those “what ifs” floating around. But the good news is: getting organised doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can build a clear picture of where you stand and start shaping the retirement you’d really like.

At Little Green Owl Financial Planning Ltd, we love helping people take the stress out of planning. Here are the basics to get you started.

 

1. Gather Everything Together

First things first: know what you’ve got.

• Dig out your pension statements (from past and present jobs).
• Make a note of any ISAs, savings, or investments.
• Don’t forget property or other assets you might want to factor in.

It’s a bit like tidying out a cupboard—you might be surprised by what you find!

 

2. Picture Your Retirement Lifestyle

What does your ideal retirement look like? Is it more holidays? Time with family? Finally getting round to those hobbies? Once you’ve got a vision in mind, you can think about the money you’ll need to support it.

• Everyday essentials: bills, food, insurance.
• The fun stuff: travel, hobbies, treats.

Having even a rough idea of these costs gives you something concrete to work with.

 

3. Don’t Forget the State Pension

It’s worth checking your State Pension forecast—it could form a handy part of your income. You’ll find out:

• How much you’re on track to get.
• The date you can claim it.
• Whether you’ve got any gaps in your National Insurance record.

Sometimes filling those gaps early can boost what you’ll get later.

 

4. Think About When You’d Like to Retire

Not everyone stops work at the same time. Some people like to go all in, others prefer a gradual step back. The timing makes a difference to how much income you’ll need, and when.

• Drawing money earlier might mean paying more tax.
• Delaying withdrawals can give your pension pot more time to grow.
• Phasing retirement can give you more flexibility.

 

5. Put the Safety Nets in Place

Retirement planning isn’t just about income—it’s about peace of mind too. It’s a good time to check:

• Have you made a will and set up lasting powers of attorney?
• Do you have cover in place for loved ones, or plans for future care if you need it?

Getting these things sorted can take a huge weight off your shoulders.

 

6. See the Power of Cash Flow Planning

This is where working with a financial adviser can really make a difference. With cash flow planning, we can:

• Map out your income, savings, and spending year by year.
• Show you visually how long your money could last.
• Test different scenarios, like retiring earlier, taking more holidays, or helping children financially.
• Give you clarity and confidence about what’s truly possible.

Instead of guessing, you’ll see the bigger picture—and make decisions with peace of mind.

 

7. Get a Helping Hand

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Working with a financial planner can:

• Bring all your pensions and savings into one clear plan.
• Make sure your retirement goals are realistic (and achievable).
• Save you from avoidable tax pitfalls.
• Adjust your plan as life changes.

That’s where we come in. At Little Green Owl Financial Planning Ltd, we’re here to guide you through the process and give you confidence about the future.

 

Final Thoughts

Retirement should be something to look forward to—not worry about. By pulling together the basics, picturing the lifestyle you want, and using cash flow planning to test out your options, you can head into this next chapter with clarity and confidence.

🌿 Ready to see how your retirement could look? Get in touch—we’d love to help.

Please note:

• This newsletter is for general information only and does not constitute advice.
• The value of investments and any income from them may go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invest.
• The information is aimed at retail clients only.

• Pension consolidation is not for everyone and can come with risks. It is important to carefully assess each pension’s features and seek professional advice.
• The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Cashflow planning.