Retiring early
Three questions to answer before you retire early...
When you’ve been working towards an early escape from the rat race, the word ‘enough’ becomes incredibly important. Before you make the leap, you need to have the answer to the following three questions:
Do you have enough?
Early retirement means less time to save and more time to spend. Will your retirement fund sustain the life you want?
Have you had enough?
Are you sure you’re ready to hang up your boots, or are you just burned out? Early retirement can feel exciting, but it’s important to be certain you’re not simply reacting to a stressful period at work. Consider whether a change of pace, role or environment could give you what you’re looking for without fully stepping away.
Do you have enough to do?
Going from a high-pressure role straight into full retirement can feel disorientating. Think carefully about how you’ll fill your time so you don’t feel a lack of purpose. Hobbies, volunteering, travel and looking after the grandkids can give structure to your time.
There’s more to early retirement than having enough money saved. It’s about ensuring you’re financially ready, emotionally ready, and have a plan to fill the days.
What you need to think about
Early Access to funds
Pensions aren’t accessible until you’re 55 (rising to 57 by 2028). Make sure you have other investments like ISAs or general investment accounts to bridge the gap.
Tax efficiency
Taking large sums early can trigger avoidable tax bills. Work with your adviser to structure withdrawals carefully.
Healthcare costs
Retiring early can mean missing out on employer benefits like health insurance. Build potential costs into your plan.
Longevity risk
Early retirement means your money must last longer. Use cashflow modelling to stress-test your plan against different scenarios.
Inflation-proofing
Ensure your investments are structured aiming to keep pace with rising costs over a longer retirement.
Social and emotional readiness
Plan how you’ll replace the routine and social interaction that work provides.
The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.
The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.
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When it comes to growing wealth, time is on your side. From your first investment to your first home, we’ll help you make the most of your income.
Growing Families
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Business Owners
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High-Net-Worth Individuals
You’re earning big – now it’s time to make it count! We help high earners cut tax and grow wealth. From pensions to early retirement, we keep your plan and goals in focus.
Nearing Retirement
The light is at the end of the tunnel, and after years of working hard and saving for retirement, you’re on the final stretch.
Retired People
Whether you’re on the final stretch or already retired, smart planning now can mean more freedom later. Let’s help you build a plan so your money can help you with the life you want, for as long as you need it to.
Professional Athletes
We help elite professional athletes aiming for their peak earnings to provide security for a lifetime. From protecting your income to planning life after sport, we make sure the money you earn now keeps working for your future.
Sole Trader
Whether it’s making sure you’ve set enough aside for tax, planning for time off or thinking further ahead towards retirement – you need an adviser to handle the stuff you don’t have time for.
Established Families
Whether you’re helping your kids take their next steps, thinking about retirement, or figuring out how to pass on your wealth without giving a large amount to HMRC, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Meet our people
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