Pensions - Articles - Boost loved ones pension savings with monthly tax free gifts


New analysis from leading online pension provider, PensionBee, reveals that contributing to an individual’s pension can be an extremely tax-efficient way to pass on wealth, helping loved ones secure long-term financial security.

 However, most adults under the age of 45 currently receive gifts as cash transfers , which are subject to gift allowances and do not benefit from market growth or compound interest. Intergenerational gifting is expected to become much more common as ‘baby boomers’ increasingly wish to help their children and grandchildren financially .

 PensionBee modelled several scenarios to highlight the potential of passing on wealth through pension contributions:

 Scenario 1 proposed that a 60-year-old parent begins gifting their 30-year-old child £200 per month as a pension contribution until the parent reaches the age of 87. Taking into account the 25% tax top-up available on personal pension contributions, the parent’s annual contribution amount would reach £3,000 per year, and fall within the annual tax exemption for gifts (£3,000) . By the time the child reaches the typical retirement age of 64, this could accumulate to £229,017, almost four times the amount the parent had gifted .

 Scenario 2 explored a parent making a £50 pension contribution per month over the same period of time. This would allow the parent to pass down £16,200 in total, which at the child’s retirement could accumulate to £57,254, almost four times what the parent had gifted .

 Despite a difference in contribution amounts and overall pot size, scenarios 1 and 2 highlight that due to the power of compound interest and tax benefits, monthly pension contributions don’t need to be large in order to make a difference to one’s retirement wealth as long as one starts early.

 Scenario 3 considered the impact of a grandparent making pension contributions, proposing that a 68-year-old grandparent begins gifting their 18-year-old grandchild £200 per month until the grandparent reaches the age of 88. This would allow a grandparent to pass down £48,000 in total over 20 years, which at the retirement point of the grandchild, could accumulate to £329,573, almost five times the amount the grandparent passed down .

 Finally, scenario 4 explored a grandparent making a £50 pension contribution each month. This would allow a grandparent to pass down £12,000 in total over 20 years, which at retirement, could accumulate to £83,393 . This scenario showcases the power of saving and investing in a pension early, as the additional 12 years of saving in scenario 4 (before the grandchild can access their pension) gives the original £12,000 gift, more of a boost than the £16,200 gift in Scenario 2. It is important to note that these figures are dependent on market performance, which is not guaranteed.

 Romi Savova, CEO of PensionBee, commented: “Auto-Enrolment has helped millions more young workers to begin saving for retirement, however, current low levels of pension engagement and minimum contribution amounts are likely to be insufficient in supporting an adequate lifestyle in retirement. Given the tough economic climate that young savers face, it seems sensible for parents or grandparents that can afford to do so, to contribute directly to a loved one’s pension.

 Our research highlights that pension contributions are a powerful way to increase the value of a financial gift, providing vital long-term security. In addition, these contributions can carry additional benefits such as being eligible for additional tax relief if a saver is a higher or additional rate taxpayer, and reducing the size of an estate which is liable to inheritance tax.”
  

Back to Index


Similar News to this Story

Wish list for the occupational pensions industry in 2025
As one year closes and another begins, it's an opportune moment to set our sights on the future. The UK occupational pensions industry faces nume
PSIG announces outcome of Consultation
The Pensions Scams Industry Group (PSIG), which was established in 2014 to help protect pension scheme members from scams, today announced the feedbac
Transfer values fell to a 12 month low during November
XPS Group’s Transfer Value Index reached a 12-month low, dropping to £151,000 during November 2024 before then recovering to its previous month-end po

Site Search

Exact   Any  

Latest Actuarial Jobs

Actuarial Login

Email
Password
 Jobseeker    Client
Reminder Logon

APA Sponsors

Actuarial Jobs & News Feeds

Jobs RSS News RSS

WikiActuary

Be the first to contribute to our definitive actuarial reference forum. Built by actuaries for actuaries.