v AVAILABLE ON ALL DEVICES v 17th July 2025 • The HERALD • Page 71 ASK A PROFESSIONAL Helen Sparks Mortgages & Financial Services Offering professional advice since 1985 Mortgages Residential Life Time Equity Release Buy to Let – first time landlords Property Portfolios Help to Buy Insurance Buildings & Contents Insurance Life Assurance Critical Illness Income Protection YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Some forms of buy to let mortgage are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 023 8084 4108 enquiries@helensparks.com Helen Goodall T/A Helen Sparks Mortgages & Financial Services is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of First Complete Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority any other investment vehicles you own. Understanding this will help you plan e ectively for your future nancial needs. Checking your State Pension Regularly requesting a State Pension forecast will enable you to track what you’ve accumulated over the years. You can request this information online, by phone or via post, provided you’re aged 16 or over and at least 30 days from reaching the State Pension age. Assessing Defined Benefit Pensions Defined benefit pensions, often called ‘ nal salary’ or ‘career average’ schemes, provide a retirement income based on your salary and tenure within the scheme. ese schemes are typically found in the public sector or older workplace pension arrangements. Your provider should send you an annual bene t statement. Evaluating Defined Contribution Pensions De ned contribution pensions work di erently, accumulating a pot of money you can use for retirement income. e value of this pot depends on contributions from you and your employer, investment returns and tax relief. Your annual statement will estimate your pot’s value at retirement and potential income options, such as an annuity. is concludes Part One of our Guide, Part Two to follow next month! READY TO TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS IN YOUR RETIREMENT PLANNING? Secure your nancial future by taking proactive steps in your retirement planning today. If you need expert guidance or want to explore your pension options further, we are here to assist you. Contact us to con dently navigate this crucial journey, ensuring that your retirement plans meet your long-term goals. Let us support you in making informed decisions for a secure and comfortable retirement. Pop in to our o ce in Hythe Village, call: 02380 80848410 or email: michael@oysterfinancialplanning. co.uk Guide to Planning and Preparing for Retirement (Part One) Continued from page 70
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