What's so good about self investment personal pensions?

Self Investment Personal Pensions (SIPPs) are similar to other personal pension plans in regard to eligibility, tax relief and contributions. At the same time, it stands out from the rest because it takes a more flexible approach when it comes to investing.

Comparing pensions

As a rule, with a traditional personal pension, plan holders pay a specified amount to an insurance company that is to be invested in an insurance policy. In this situation, they have virtually no freedom of choice in deciding how those funds will be invested. With a Self Investment Personal Pension, plan holders are able to designate a stockbroker or fund manager to oversee their investments, or they can control the investment strategy themselves.

When a plan contract is written under a trust, the trustee (generally the SIPP provider) will control the investment by following the member’s instructions. In cases where the plan holder is the trustee, an approved administrator will be appointed to complete the various investment transactions. Investors also have an opportunity to decide which assets should be bought, sold or leased, and when those steps should be taken.

Benefits of having a Self Investment Personal Pension

When you invest in a SIPP, you will be able to choose from a variety of investments. This type of plan is sometimes referred to as a “wrapper” because any investments within it must be treated in a particular manner. Note that such a plan is sometimes preferred by those who are self-employed or whose current employer does not offer a pension scheme.

Plans have been updated

Self Investment Personal Pensions also come with the same tax advantages other pension plans have, and the cost is sometimes lower as well. Because of recent legislative changes, they are no longer intended solely for those in the upper income levels, and they can also be managed along with a traditional pension scheme.

When they were first introduced, SIPPs were aimed at investors with pension funds exceeding £200,000. Today, even people without a source of income can contribute as much as £3,600 into a plan. They are especially worthwhile for those who have several pension schemes and prefer to put these plans, along with their other investments, into one pension wrapper that is easy for them to manage.

Finally, remember that it is always a good idea to use a pension calculator when you determining which pension option is best for you.