switch fund for stakeholders 13 July 2004 at 4:26PM edited 30 November -1 at 1:00AM in Pensions, Annuities & Retirement Planning 6 replies 2.5K views

halcyon_drift

is it possible to have a share funded stakeholders pension for say the first 15 years and then change it to cash funded for the remainder period or do you have to stick with what you originally choose? not got a pension as of yet, nor had the chance to speak to anyone, so any info would be greatly appreiciated. dont wanna look like a totally nitwit when i go to speak to an advisor, do I

Halcyon

dunstonh

Most providers offer a range of funds to cover various risk areas. Some have an automatic switch as you get closer to your selected retirment date. Others require you to do it manually (or you pay an IFA to do it at specific times).

Who is the pension provider?

halcyon_drift

i havent even started researching providers yet, but thank you for the quick response anyway, twas just the answer i was looking for.

halcyon

isasmurf

As I understand it, the Government has proposed that all Stakeholder Pensions bought from next April do something like this, i.e. gradually transfer the funds to 'safer' investments as you approach retirement age. I believe they call it 'lifestyling'.

Pal

Lifestyling will be the default option for those who do not want to choose their investment funds, but you will be able to opt out of it and choose your own funds if you think you know what you are doing.

dunstonh

They made similar noises when stakeholder was launched but not every provider has one.

Personally, I would prefer to build my own portfolio of funds and then move them over myself as I get older.

This adds another thing to be aware of that some providers do not make free switches or limit you to a number of free switches. In addition, charges on Stakeholders will be up from April and, although this hasnt been confirmed yet, it is believed that Stakeholders purchased prior to then will maintain their lower charges and be ringfenced.

Milarky

charges on Stakeholders will be up from April and, although this hasn't been confirmed yet, it is believed that Stakeholders purchased prior to then will maintain their lower charges and be ringfenced.

That's a bit of good news, then, it is borne out as you suggest?