Seven pension tips to get you retirement ready

What are the main items to put on your to-do list in the latter stages of saving and investing for retirement? To tackle this topic Kyle is joined by Craig Rickman, personal finance editor at interactive investor. Craig shares seven key considerations to bring your retirement plans into sharper focus. In the episode, Kyle and Craig discuss the following:Firming up your pension plans (00:59)The merits of consolidating pensions (04:53)ISAs, the state pension, and boosting pensions in the run-up to retirement (06:51)Keeping money invested, buying an annuity, or doing both? (13:58)Reducing risk (or not) in the run-up to retirement and ideas for building a defensive buffer (18:09)‘Bucket’ strategies of multiple portfolios for different time frames (25:14)The 25% pension tax-free lump sum: take it all at once or in stages? (26:13) On The Money is an interactive investor (ii) podcast. For more investment news and ideas, visit www.ii.co.uk/stock-market-news.Important information:This material is intended for educational purposes only and is not investment research or a personal recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument or product, or to adopt any investment strategy. The value of your investments can rise as well as fall, and you could get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The investments referred to may not be suitable for all investors, and if in doubt, you should seek advice from a qualified investment adviser. SIPPs are aimed at people happy to make their own investment decisions. Investment value can go up or down and you could get back less than you invest. You can normally only access the money from age 55 (57 from 2028). We recommend seeking advice from a suitably qualified financial adviser before making any decisions. Pension and tax rules depend on your circumstances and may change in future. If you are in any doubt about the suitability of a Stocks & Shares ISA, you should seek independent financial advice. The tax treatment of this product depends on your individual circumstances and may change in future. If you are uncertain about the tax treatment of these products, you should contact HMRC or seek independent tax advice. Interactive Investor Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.