Areas of Advice

Money purchase pension reviews

Lighthouse+ can review clients’ existing money purchase pension plans, such as personal pensions, retirement annuity contracts or any type of occupational pension.

The FSA’s review of this area recently found that almost one case in every six failed to justify the transfer recommended and it is continuing to monitor this area. The procedure we use is tested against their findings and our advice follows their guidelines.

Final salary pension reviews

Individuals may wish to review their final salary pension situation because of ill health, restricted spouse’s pension or a high attitude to investment risk. They may have concerns about the solvency of the employer or need advice because the employer is offering an incentive to leave the scheme.

We can provide an independent transfer value analysis report showing the critical yield if full benefits are provided, and the yield against the benefits should the sponsoring employer be unable to pay and recommendations.

Retirement options

Sometimes clients may wish to access the funds for a purpose other than retirement. Whatever the scenario, we can provide a detailed suitability report advising the most appropriate route, taking into consideration all the options.

Annuities

Annuities are generally relatively low value and can be time-consuming. However, in certain instances you may have to give advice on annuities to long-standing clients or retiring members of group pension schemes. We can do this for you, providing a professional report to your clients and taking on the liability associated with the advice.

Pensions and divorce

We can assist you if a client has received a credit as a result of a pension sharing order. Credits can be through money purchase or final salary pension schemes and individuals may have the right to remain in the scheme, or may be required to transfer out of the scheme.

Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes

If you have clients who are, or intend to become, non-UK resident, you must include Qualifying Recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPs) in any review. We can do this for you, recommending a transfer to a QROPs where appropriate.

Specialist areas

Lighthouse+ can assist with specialist pensions advice, such as a member-directed pension scheme (eg a SIPP or SSAS) where commercial property is involved, or if a scheme member is approaching age 75 and wishes to review their options.

We also provide advice on employer Funded Retirement Benefit Schemes (EFRBSs), of increasing interest to high earners following the changes to the tax relief on pension contributions.

Marketing campaigns

Lighthouse+ may be able to assist you with marketing campaigns that you are planning on conducting. If you would like to discuss any plans you have, please contact us on 0845 872 3999.