What Happens Next
- You tell us the basics. Approximate pension value, your age, and what you want help with.
- We match you to a regulated firm. One FCA-regulated adviser suited to your situation.
- You have the conversation. No cost, no obligation, and no commitment to act on anything they say.
What A Pension Adviser Actually Does
Most people have a rough sense that they should probably speak to someone about their pensions, and no clear idea what that conversation involves. In practice a regulated adviser does four things.
Builds the full picture
Every pension you hold, what each is worth, what it is invested in, and what it is costing you. Most people are surprised by at least one of those answers.
Tells you where you stand
What income your pensions could realistically produce, when, and whether that matches the retirement you have in mind. This is arithmetic, not opinion.
Recommends what to do about it
Consolidate or leave alone. Change investments or stay put. Contribute more, or draw differently. A recommendation you can hold them to, in writing, because they are regulated and accountable for it.
Tells you when to do nothing
Sometimes the right advice is that your existing arrangements are fine. A good adviser will say so. Some older schemes carry guarantees that would be expensive to give up, and a regulated adviser is obliged to check before recommending any change.
Common Questions
Is the first conversation really free?
Yes. The initial conversation is at no cost to you. If you go on to take formal advice, the adviser will set out their charges clearly in writing beforehand and you decide whether to proceed.
How do I know the adviser is legitimate?
Every firm we introduce to is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check any firm yourself on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk.
How much do I need to have to be worth advising?
There is no universal threshold, but advice tends to pay for itself where there is a meaningful pot to plan around. Tell us roughly what you have and we will be straight with you about whether it is worth your time.
Will I be passed to lots of companies?
No. Your details go to one FCA-regulated firm. We do not sell enquiries on to multiple advisers.
What if I do not know what my pensions are worth?
That is common and not a problem. Bring what you have and the adviser will help you establish the rest.
Am I obliged to act on the advice?
Not at all. You can take the recommendation away, think about it, or do nothing.
Important information
Pensions Advice UK is a trading name of GAP GNX Limited (Company No. 12013134). We are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and we do not provide financial advice. We introduce enquiries to FCA-authorised and regulated advice firms. Nothing on this page is a personal recommendation.
The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in future. This page is not tax advice.
Free and impartial guidance on your pension options is available from Pension Wise, a government service from MoneyHelper, for anyone aged 50 or over. You can also seek independent regulated advice.
By submitting your details you consent to being contacted by an FCA-regulated advice firm about your pension. See our Privacy Policy.
