Flexible withdrawals leave money invested
MoneyHelper describes flexi-access drawdown as a way to take money from a defined contribution pension while leaving money invested. Withdrawals can be regular income or lump sums. The amount left invested can rise or fall, so the retirement income is not guaranteed.
Keep the name of the proposed arrangement beside the illustration. It does not establish that you have opened drawdown or that your own provider offers every described option.
Sources: MoneyHelper: Pension drawdown explainedGOV.UK: Taking a personal pension
Separate the balance from a withdrawal illustration
Retain the starting amount, document date, proposed withdrawals, charge description and assumptions in separate places. A withdrawal figure is not an additional pot of money to add to the balance. If a detail is absent, record a question rather than supplying an optimistic assumption.
Ask the provider which amounts are actual records and which are hypothetical. Keep a quotation or proposed change separate from an instruction you have actually given. This guide does not submit or schedule withdrawals.
- Which figure is the balance and which is the proposed withdrawal?
- What dates, charges and investment assumptions are stated?
- Which risks or missing information need a provider or adviser explanation?
An illustration cannot establish how long money will last
Investments can fall as well as rise. Past performance does not predict future returns. MoneyHelper explains that withdrawals need careful planning because invested money and retirement income are uncertain.
This guide supplies no safe withdrawal rate or forecast. Tax context is checked for 2026/27; taxable withdrawals and future contribution questions need the appropriate official guidance and individual context. The growth tool cannot determine whether drawdown is suitable or whether retirement money will last.
Sources: MoneyHelper: Pension drawdown explainedGOV.UK: Taking a personal pension
Sources & review
- MoneyHelper: Pension drawdown explainedChecked 2026-10-04
- GOV.UK: Taking a personal pensionChecked 2026-10-05
Next scheduled review: 2027-01-04. Provider details can change sooner. Use the official website for the current contact route.
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