How can a flexible access drawdown calculator help me?
A flexible access drawdown calculator is a tool that helps you estimate how your pension pot could provide income once you start withdrawing from it. It can show you:
-
How much income you could take each year based on your pension size and chosen withdrawal amounts
- How tax could impact your withdrawals such as, if taking a lump sum pushes you into a higher tax band
-
How long your money might last under different withdrawal rates
-
The effect of growth or losses if your pension stays invested
These calculators are a useful starting point, but they only provide illustrations. They don’t account for your full financial picture, like other pensions, savings, investments, or your lifestyle needs.
That’s why speaking to an FCA-regulated adviser is so important. They can take the guesswork out of planning and build a withdrawal strategy that’s sustainable, tax-efficient, and tailored to you.
Very professional and friendly advice. Highly recommend this company to anyone who is not clear on what to do with your pension after retirement.
I had been slightly unsure about what to do or who to trust, especially in todays world of 'rip offs' and scams but now I feel more settled after a simple follow up call.
What are the benefits of pension drawdown?
Choose how much to take and when, giving you control over your retirement cash flow.
Take up to 25% of your pot tax-free and manage withdrawals to avoid paying more tax than you need to.
Any money left in your pension can usually be passed on to loved ones, often with favourable tax treatment.*
Is pension drawdown right for you?
Pension drawdown could be a good choice if you want flexibility and control over your retirement income, rather than being locked into a fixed product. It’s especially valuable if you’d like the freedom to adjust your withdrawals as your needs change.
Drawdown may suit people who:
- Prefer flexibility and control over a guaranteed fixed income
- Want their pension savings to stay invested, with the chance for growth
- Would like to pass on any remaining pot to their family, often tax-efficiently
- Are comfortable with some investment risk and reviewing their plan regularly
But drawdown isn’t right for everyone. Your income isn’t guaranteed, and your pot could run out if investments underperform or you withdraw too much. It also requires ongoing management to keep your plan on track. That’s why speaking to an FCA-regulated adviser is so important as they can help you decide whether drawdown, an annuity, or a combination of both is the best fit for your retirement.
Things to consider
- Your income isn’t guaranteed
Unlike an annuity, your pot could run out if markets fall or you withdraw too much. - Investment risk
Your money stays invested, so values can go up or down. - Ongoing management
Drawdown needs regular reviews to make sure your plan stays on track. - Inflation impact
Withdrawals may need adjusting to keep pace with rising costs.
Why expert advice on drawdown matters
An FCA-regulated adviser can help you:
- Avoid running out of money too soon by creating a sustainable withdrawal strategy based on your pot size, lifestyle needs, and life expectancy.
- Withdraw income in the most tax-efficient way helping you use your 25% tax-free cash wisely and structure withdrawals to minimise tax bills.
- Balance drawdown with annuities for security combining flexible access with the certainty of guaranteed income for essentials.
- Protect your pension savings for your family ensuring your remaining pot can be passed on tax-efficiently, so more goes to your loved ones.
How it works?
It couldn't be simpler, start by completing our online form so we can get a better understanding of how we can help.
We will use the information that you provide us with to match you with the best pension adviser for you.
You’ll hear from your local adviser shortly to book your free consultation with no pressure to proceed.
Why use our service?
Making decisions about your pension is important, and getting the right advice can make all the difference. Our service connects you with trusted, FCA-regulated advisers who are ready to help you navigate your pension choices.
- Free and impartial - There’s no charge for using our service — we’ll match you with a qualified adviser at no cost to you.
- Quick and convenient - It takes less than a minute to be matched with an adviser who understands your needs.
- Advisers near you - Our nationwide network means you’ll be connected with someone local, so you can choose how and when to speak.
Our expert adviser network
All of the advisers we work with are FCA-authorised and regulated.
Frequently asked questions
Pension drawdown (also called flexi-access drawdown) lets you keep your pension invested while taking income when you need it. Unlike an annuity, your income isn’t fixed so you choose how much to withdraw.
Yes. In most cases, you can take up to 25% of your pension pot tax-free before moving the rest into drawdown.
Yes, if you withdraw too much too quickly or if investments don’t perform well. That’s why advice and regular reviews are so important.
Any money left in your drawdown pot can usually be passed on to your beneficiaries, often in a tax-efficient way.
It depends on your circumstances. Drawdown gives you flexibility and growth potential, but your income isn’t guaranteed. Annuities provide certainty but less flexibility. Many people use a mix of both.
While it’s not always legally required, it’s strongly recommended. An FCA-regulated adviser can help you avoid paying unnecessary tax, create a sustainable withdrawal plan, and decide whether drawdown, annuity, or a combination works best for you.
* Rule changes in 2027 mean other gifting strategies may be worth considering with professional advice.
[2] According to research conducted by Royal London and ILC
(images for illustration/example purposes only)