Pensions & Retirement Planning

Independent Pension Advice to Help You Retire Confidently

Clear, practical guidance so you understand what you have, what it means, and what’s possible. Retirement shouldn’t feel like guesswork — we help you turn scattered pensions and savings into a plan that actually makes sense.

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Why clients choose Need Financial Planning

Clients come to us because they want clarity, honesty and proper support — the kind you only get from a firm that truly puts people first.

Independent advice you can trust

We’re not tied to any pension or investment provider — our recommendations are based purely on what’s right for you, not on sales targets or incentives.

Straightforward, honest conversations

No jargon, no pressure, no judgment. Just clear explanations so you feel confident making decisions about your pension and future.

Local advice, rooted in community

We’re local, accessible and easy to speak to, providing continuity and direct communication with the same adviser as your needs evolve over time.

Plan, Test and Visualise Your Financial Future

One of the biggest questions people ask is whether they’re on track for a comfortable retirement. Cashflow modelling gives you a clear, visual answer. It shows how your income, spending, pensions, tax and savings could play out year by year — so your decisions are based on evidence, not uncertainty.

See how long your money may last under different scenarios.
Test retirement ages, spending levels and one-off goals such as gifting or home improvements.
Understand the tax impact of taking income in different ways.
Stress-test your plan against market dips or unexpected costs.
Explore sustainable withdrawal strategies that protect your long-term security.
Review and refine your plan each year (or twice yearly) with your adviser.
Gain clarity and confidence before making any major financial decisions.

This short video demonstrates how cashflow modelling works in practice, using real figures to help you visualise the long-term impact of each financial choice.

Retirement & investment planning for Broadstairs, Thanet and wider Kent

How we help with your pensions and investments

Whether you're building your retirement pot or deciding how to take income, our service is designed to give you clarity, confidence and a clear financial strategy that evolves with you.

Initial Pension Review & Strategy Planning

Reviewing your existing pensions and advising on the most suitable structure for your future goals.

Investment Portfolio Design

Building a diversified portfolio aligned to your goals, risk level and time horizon.

Tax-efficient Income Strategies

Structuring your withdrawals sensibly to help minimise unnecessary tax.

Pension Consolidation

Reviewing and, where appropriate, combining old pensions to simplify your planning.

Cashflow Modelling

Forecasting your long-term financial position to help you plan with confidence.

Ongoing Reviews & Guidance

Annual or twice-yearly check-ins to ensure your plan evolves as your life does.

Your Journey With Us

From your initial consultation to your ongoing support, our process is structured, transparent and designed to give you clarity and confidence at every step.

1

Initial Consultation

An in-depth conversation about your current position, what you’d like to achieve and any questions you have – all at no cost to you.

2

Information Gathering

We collect details about your pensions, personal circumstances, goals and financial position.

3

Analysis & Modelling

We analyse your pensions and prepare cashflow modelling to map your long-term financial picture.

4

Recommendations

We present your options based on your goals and risk appetite, clearly explaining the considerations.

5

Implementation

If you choose to proceed, we take care of the paperwork and put your strategy into action.

6

Ongoing Support

Scheduled reviews throughout the year, plus access to your adviser whenever questions arise.

James Brown

DipFA CeMAP CeRER

Financial Adviser

James specialises in helping clients understand their pensions and build clear, confident retirement strategies. He takes a balanced, personable approach, making sure every recommendation is properly explained and aligned with your goals, risk level and long-term plans.

Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or already drawing income, James takes the time to understand your situation in detail and provide straightforward, evidence-based advice you can trust.

“Finding a financial adviser you can trust is difficult but look no further. I have found James at Need FP to be absolutely straightforward and thoroughly open with me. He has always listened and acted upon my requests and guided me financially. This family-based local company is one that I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending to anyone.” – Andy Howland

Ready to feel clearer about your retirement?

Whether you're reviewing old pensions, planning ahead or deciding when to take income, we're here to help you make confident, well-informed decisions about your financial future.

Book your free consultation Calculate your retirement income

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to move or consolidate my pensions? ⌄

Not always. Some pensions are worth consolidating if it reduces fees, improves investment choice or makes reviewing your plan easier. Others are best left where they are. We review each one carefully and explain the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

How do you charge for pension and investment advice? ⌄

We don’t charge anything for your initial consultation. If you decide to move forward, our initial advice fee is a percentage of the pension fund we’re advising on:

3% on the first £100,000
2% on amounts between £100,001–£300,000
1% on amounts between £300,001–£500,000

The above is subject to minimum initial fees of £715 when setting up a new product, £1,430 when advising on 1–3 products, or £2,145 when advising on 4+ products.

For ongoing advice and portfolio reviews, we charge an annual percentage based on the value of your investments. Your ongoing service package and fees are fully explained and agreed with you before any work begins.

When should I start taking my pension? ⌄

It depends on your health, income needs, tax position and other assets. Taking pension income too early can reduce your long-term security, but delaying might mean using other savings. Cashflow modelling helps reveal the most sustainable approach for you.

Can you tell me if I'm on track for retirement? ⌄

Yes. By reviewing your pensions, savings, spending and goals, we build a personalised projection showing how your finances could look each year into the future. This clarity helps you understand whether you're on track, ahead or need to adjust your plans.

What is cashflow modelling and why is it useful? ⌄

Cashflow modelling visually maps your income, spending, pensions and investments over time. It helps you understand how long your money is likely to last, how different life events could impact you and what decisions may improve your long-term security.

Is my money safe if I get financial advice? ⌄

We only recommend regulated products and providers covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). As with all investments, values can rise and fall, but our role is to match your plan with the right level of risk and ensure it remains suitable over time.

Can I contact you outside of my review slots? ⌄

Yes, of course. Your adviser is available whenever questions arise. You never have to wait for your review meetings — if something changes or you need guidance, simply get in touch.

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

IMPORTANT: With investments, your capital is at risk. Pensions and investments can go down in value as well as up, so you could get back less than you invest.

Need Financial Planning Ltd is registered in England and Wales no. 10901658. Registered office, 123 High Street, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1NQ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Need Financial Planning Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register https://register.fca.org.uk/ under reference 977136. If you wish to register a complaint, please write to [email protected] or telephone 01843 228800. A summary of our internal complaints handling procedures for the reasonable and prompt handling of complaints is available on request and if you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or by contacting them on 0800 0234 567.