A study of the retirement market by Saga Insurance has shown that equity release schemes are being used by many people to help boost finances in retirement, helping them do the things they want to do with their time.
Contrasting with a more conservative view a few years ago, around 88 percent of those surveyed by Saga Insurance, now feel equity release is a good idea. In the past the more common view was that the home should be left to children as part of the inheritance.
With nearly 80 percent of those aged 60 and over having paid off their mortgages there is certainly a substantial amount of money available that is tied up in property. The equity release option frees up this money to provide a more pleasant lifestyle.
A free guide to annuities is being offered by Saga, helping people understand the options open to them at retirement and how to make the best of what is on offer.
The Saga guide is very up to date, with full details of how the OMO (Open Market Option) works for buying an annuity. It explains how it enables people to shop around to find the best annuity to suit them, rather than being tied to their pension fund provider. At the moment only around forty percent of people are actively using the Open Market Option, but it is hoped that this information will prompt more to see how it can be of benefit to them.
The advice from Saga is that anyone approaching retirement should have a look at the guide so they can weigh up their options. It can potentially save lots of money and ensure the package selected best meets customer needs.
New research by Zurich Insurance has shown that people in the UK are not retiring at the expected age, primarily because they have not planned their finances adequately.
Almost two thirds of Brits at retirement age are thinking of remaining at work, with nearly a third also expecting to have to work as they need the money. Another third though are doing it simply to stay active, in both mind and body, which shows how society and lifestyle has changed said a Zurich Insurance spokesman.
There are so many financial pressures in modern society meaning that retirement costs more than ever. This is a realisation that some people are coming to only now said Zurich Insurance, showing how important good pension planning is.
