Mark is 58 years old and works as a Senior Manager at a manufacturing firm. He has accumulated £520,000 across four pension arrangements, alongside £40,000 held in ISAs and £18,000 in cash savings. He owns his home outright with no mortgage.
Mark’s objectives are to retire at age 60, generate a net retirement income of £36,000 per year, provide financial support to his two adult children towards property deposits, and reduce his exposure to inheritance tax over the long term.
When Mark first came to Strive, he felt reasonably confident about his savings — but he had no idea whether he could actually retire at 60 or what income was sustainable. His pensions were scattered, unmanaged, and invested at random risk levels. He was worried he’d “run out too early” or retire too late.
What We Did
1. Full Financial Review
We analysed all pensions, savings, income, spending, and future plans. Mark had no clear retirement strategy — just pots of money going in different directions.
2. Cashflow Modelling
We built a detailed lifetime plan showing:
• When he could afford to retire.
• How long his money would last.
• The safest withdrawal strategy.
• The impact of gifting, market dips, and lifestyle changes.
For the first time, he could see his financial future instead of guessing.
3. Pension Consolidation & Investment Strategy
Mark held four pensions with inconsistent risk levels and high charges. We consolidated them into one modern, diversified solution with:
• Lower fees
• A clear risk-aligned strategy
• Regular rebalancing
• Sustainable drawdown planning
4. Retirement Income Strategy
We structured withdrawals to:
• Keep him under higher-rate tax
• Maximise tax-free cash
• Protect long-term sustainability of the plan
5. Early Lifetime Gifting Plan
With a strong surplus identified, we helped Mark gift £5,000 each to his two children, falling under the gifts from surplus income exemption (he will do this every year until he is 75). Which they then put into their pensions, and they are both higher rate tax payers, gaining 40% income tax relief, and allowing one of them to be entitled to free nursery hours (worth £6,000).
Reduces IHT. Zero stress.
The Result
✓ Mark can retire at 60 — with total confidence.
His new plan shows he can maintain his lifestyle comfortably to age 95+.
✓ Withdraws £3,000/month tax-efficiently.
We structured the income so he stays in the basic tax band.
✓ Consolidated and simplified pensions.
From four scattered pots to one clear strategy.
✓ Reduced future inheritance tax liability.
Smart gifting and restructuring mean more of his wealth goes where he wants.
✓ No more financial guesswork.
He now checks in annually (or whenever he fancies a catch up) with Strive, knowing his retirement is secure.
Your Next Step
If you want the same clarity Mark received, we can show you exactly what retirement looks like for you — and how to get there with confidence.
Book your free initial call with Strive Financial Planning.
The value of pensions and investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
This is an illustrative example only and does not represent a real client. Individual outcomes will vary. Inheritance Tax/Estate planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Ltd 15/12/2025
