Guide: Everything you need to know about annuities when creating a retirement income

30th January 2024

When you retire, you will often have a range of choices available to you about how you access your pension. One such method is an annuity, which could provide you with a reliable income.

If you’re not sure how annuities work or if they could be right for you, this guide explains the essentials you need to know. It could help you feel more confident making decisions about your pension and retirement income.

Read the guide to discover:

How an annuity works
The different types of annuities available
The advantages and disadvantages of choosing an annuity
Some key questions to consider if you think an annuity is right for you.

Download ‘Everything you need to know about annuities when creating a retirement income’ now to read about annuities and how they could create financial security in retirement.

If you have any questions about annuities and how they could fit into your retirement plan, please contact us.

What our clients say

My experience is that Fotis has been the most thoughtful, attuned and pragmatic of advisers. Most of all, I feel safe with Fotis; he is tuned into my way of life, and respectful of the anxieties that I have about investment risk. In my experience, Fotis has always sought to understand what matters most to his clients, and is positive, kind and genuine in his pursuit of the best options for all his clients, whatever their situation. I absolutely trust Fotis to act in my best interests.

Elisabeth Burgess Jones, Chair of North London Hospice, London

A client since 2005

Under Fotis' stewardship, our investments have grown steadily with a very good return and helped us purchase our ‘dream home’. Aside from his obvious talent in his field, Fotis is a thoroughly nice chap. He is trustworthy, thoughtful and empathetic. As a same-sex couple, he has treated us with the utmost respect from our first meeting. His support and know-how have seen us through demanding careers, family bereavements, two house moves and a serious illness. Quite the journey! Now his financial planning skills are supporting us in our early retirement. We are having a marvellous time. We scarcely sit still, France, Italy, the Norfolk Broads, Essex, Portsmouth! We can recommend Fotis without reservation and thank him for his continued efforts on our behalf.

Deborah, Essex (now retired in Norfolk)

A client since 2006

Fotis is an excellent adviser. He’s friendly, always has our best interests at heart and always makes time to understand our position. He’s so good I’ve even recommended him to my mum!

James, London

A client since 2016

In a world full of sharks and unscrupulous people, wanting to sell you the wrong products just to make themselves a quick buck, this is where Fotis comes into his own. Always there to provide the correct and honest advice with no pressure, he makes something which can be stressful, not stressful at all and in fact it becomes an enjoyable experience. Keep up the great work.

Ricky, Romford

A client since 2010

Having worked for 35 years and taking voluntary redundancy, I needed to know if all the pensions I had garnered over the years would allow me to retire before 65. Fotis wrote to all my pension holders and got final figures, gathered all the monies into one pot and presented me with options for my life going forward. For sure, I do not have to go back to work and can enjoy retirement without stressing about money.

Colin, Essex

A client since 2015

Fotis clearly explains each financial planning tool in layman's terms so that it is easily understandable. He understands both our needs and limitations extremely well and tailors the discussions accordingly. Fotis provides constructive advice and always suggests that we take some time to consider all the possibilities before making a final decision. He is very patient - even when some concepts need to be explained more than once.

Paul and Sian Stewart, Fords Management, Essex

Clients since 2007

We met Fotis some seven years ago through a networking event while he was developing his business. I have spent a great deal of my working time away from home (up to thirty-five weeks some years). We needed somebody local that we could trust. We have found Fotis to be honest, reliable, hardworking and very conscientious. His product knowledge, market awareness and skill with figures second to none. His planning and preparation are to be admired. A follower of Tottenham Hotspur and family man all provide ease of conversation. Fotis has his challenges with clients like me who have no attention span for figures!

Dennis and Coleen, London

Clients since 2014

Fotis met with us offering flexible times to visit us at home, coped with my partner's disability well, pitched the explanations at our level of understanding and provided us with plenty of information and time to make our minds up. He used plain English and visual examples but was very concerned to ensure we understood the decisions and choices open to us. He is easy to get hold of.

Celia Stapleton, Kent

A client since 2013

Fotis has shown consistently over a number of years that he can deliver excellent results in a very personable way in all areas in which he operates - we have been very impressed from start to finish.

John Lucas, Managing Director at CLP Insurance, London

A client since 2007

When considering the options I had when it came to receiving financial advice, I can honestly say I felt in safe hands with Fotis. He is very personable and trustworthy. I look forward to working with Fotis for many years to come.

Claire Pryke, Director at Chalk Media, Essex

A client since 2013

I was in need of professional guidance as I had recently started a new business. I wanted someone I could feel comfortable with: someone who could talk to me at my level and explain everything fully. I have never regretted my decision to choose Fotis. He puts my interests first and talks me through essential financial factors, allowing me to make those important decisions about my future with his guidance. He also guides me towards positive decisions which will ensure that, once I retire, I will have made good allowance for long-term needs. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Fotis to others in the same situation.

Linda, Dartford

A client since 2016

Very professional, no messing advice, sound forward planning program explained in easy, understandable steps and a good understanding of where I want to be financially in the future, with achievable goals again explained in a way I really do understand.

Jamie, Welling

A client since 2013

Our relationship with Sentient Wealth is relatively new but what we have experienced so far is an in-depth personal touch with a clearly articulated illustration and focus on our future financial health. We have been taken through a step-by-step journey in order to fully understand our needs and aspirations and then arrive at recommendations and the implementation of a realistic plan. We look forward to regular, on-going monitoring, feedback and engagement on how it is all going.

Peter, Petts Wood

A client since 2018

Fotis puts you completely at ease and grasps the nature of your concerns immediately. He is efficient and has a depth of knowledge so that you can question him about anything! Most importantly he is genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met.

Sian, Billericay

A client since 2007

Fotis is a no-nonsense, experienced, friendly professional. As a professional myself, it is the person you deal with rather than the organisation that counts. Someone who knows you and your financial affairs and works with you throughout your career brings the continuity that is essential for a successful relationship.

Thomas, Petts Wood

A client since 2007

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