Contributing Member

Retirement Planning Event

We would like to invite you to attend one of our retirement planning events that we have been running for a year or two under the banner 'pre-retirement seminars'. Members have told us that the information provided would have been useful in advance of retirement, but that these events are also beneficial for members facing redundancy/early retirement. So, for this reason, we are now making these retirement planning events available to all members. If you have previously attended one of our pre-retirement seminars, there is no need for you to attend as the information would be duplicated.

Each event runs for two hours, and there is a choice of times and venues to make it easier to fit in with your working schedule and free-time (you may also want to bring along a partner). As these events are provided by the Fund for its members, there is no cost, although if you want to attend during work time, you'll need to seek permission from your employer.

What previous participants have said about these events

“Very informative, presented in a clear and easily understandable way. Not too technical.”
“Very useful. It has helped me concentrate my mind on my future and retirement options.”
“Thank you. A good presentation and helpful information afterwards.”

Who should attend this event?

It is entirely a personal decision, but the Fund feels that the content would be beneficial to those aged 40 and above. It is not an event aimed solely at those members that are due to retire within the next 6-12 months.

What does the event cover?

LGPS and the benefits it provides.
As a member of the LGPS, you‘ll need to understand what benefits are payable and from what age. We’ll tell you all about your Scheme and provide details of how you can maximise the benefits. We will also provide you with information on how to top up your benefits with additional regular contributions (ARCs) and additional voluntary contributions (AVCs).

Tax-free cash

You can potentially take all of your AVC pot as tax-free cash giving you a lump-sum which may get your retirement off to a great start (subject to HMRC limits).

Tax tips

Whatever stage of life you're at, the taxman still wants your money. We will share with you some top tax tips on how to keep as much as possible for yourself, before and during retirement.

Protecting your inheritance

Inheritance tax planning is becoming more and more important. There are some simple things you can do to limit or avoid paying inheritance tax which we will share with you.

Securing the best pension income for you

Many people with an AVC/FSAVC policy or previous pension rights don’t realise that at retirement you can shop around for the best pension income deal on the market. We’ll help you understand your options and the effect they can have on your income.

2012 Events

The next round of retirement planning events are due to be held 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th and 11th July 2012. If you would like to receive details of the events as soon as they are realeased please e-mail victoria.bennett@wolverhampton.gov.uk.