Merge pensions for save charges?

dunstonh

I am not sure about it yet but I am yet to be convinced that I need to spend thousands more each year for an IFA to look after my finances for me when that will be a significant % of my annual spend and presumably, being retired, I have time to research it all myself.

Its choice.  You either DIY or use an IFA (avoiding an FA).    This thread hasn't got into that. So, I don't see that as an issue here.

I actually already have some small share holdings in an AJ Bell account (but not in a pension wrapper).

A good place to start looking.

Pat38493

One other question that springs to mind here - is it allowed to do a partial transfer of a pension fund whilst keeping the fund open e.g. could I transfer the existing balances of my Aegon pension to somewhere else whilst still keeping it open for future contributions?

Albermarle

Pat38493 said:

One other question that springs to mind here - is it allowed to do a partial transfer of a pension fund whilst keeping the fund open e.g. could I transfer the existing balances of my Aegon pension to somewhere else whilst still keeping it open for future contributions?

You need to check their T's & C's/call them. Some allow it and some do not.

 I guess because I am quite interested in financial matters and although I'm not an accountant, I spent quite a few years implementing IT financial systems and I know my way a bit around debits and credits and so on, it's not completely outside my skillset to learn about it.

For sure you do not need to be an accountant or an IT specialist to DIY investing, although a lot of the regular forum contributors are keen on spreadsheets.
Being reasonably numerate helps, as does a rational understanding of risk vs reward and not being too much the nervous type. Plus some commitment to do some reading about investing and related tax issues.
You don't have to delve in to deep if you do not want to. The internet has made investing more accessible with some ready made products, to take some of the legwork and costs out.