Most pension schemes set an age when you can take your pension, usually between 60 and 65. In some circumstances you can take your pension early. The earliest is usually 55.
Mate, I’m in a similar situation to you. I’m 55 in October and I’ve worked out what I need to withdraw from my pension pot. Things I need to pay off plus a new account I’m opening which will have a few thousand in it to cover household emergencies and holidays.
Work out what you need to cover your bills and food etc and go from there.
Make a list.
Be mindful though that only 25% is tax free.
Yes it is just the future between now and 67. My daughter has gone through it with me and she thinks I am okay. I just feel with inflation etc I may struggle a bit
Go online or speak to PensionWise. They offer a very good service and it’s free too.
Honestly though, it is just a matter of weighing up what you have to spend on outgoings and take it from there. Don’t withdraw more than you need…but then again you can always put it back in again.
Not necessarily, though - I started drawing a reduced workplace pension (local government) at 53 after retiring early - the amount was increased yearly to a full pension two years later …
It’s a big decision, Aytee and the worry is if you are planning it out correctly. If you are, and you arrive at a workable plan then you have no need to be concerned. be cautious and if you are at all worried then get some advice from PensionWise mate (not from Omah)