{"id":1111,"date":"2011-01-10T16:50:51","date_gmt":"2011-01-10T15:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/esmartproducts.co.uk\/?p=1111"},"modified":"2011-01-10T16:50:51","modified_gmt":"2011-01-10T15:50:51","slug":"a-z-of-retirement-planning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/?p=1111","title":{"rendered":"A-Z of retirement planning"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Understanding the jargon<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Accrual Rate<\/strong><br \/>\nThe factor used to calculate benefits in a defined benefit scheme.  For example, a scheme with an accrual rate of 1\/60th will provide  1\/60th of pensionable salary for each year of pensionable service.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Active Member<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme member who is earning new defined  benefit scheme benefits or paying defined contribution scheme  contributions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Actuarial Reduction<\/strong><br \/>\nA reduction made to a pension paid early to the member of a defined benefit scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Actuarial Valuation<\/strong><br \/>\nAn assessment of a defined benefit scheme\u2019s ability to meet its  liabilities. Carried out by the scheme actuary at least once every three  years.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Actuary<\/strong><br \/>\nThe individual appointed by the trustees of an occupational  pension scheme to carry out valuations and advise on funding matters.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A-Day<\/strong><br \/>\n6 April 2006 &#8211; the effective date of  pensions simplification,  when HMRC introduced a single tax regime for all UK pension schemes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Added Years<\/strong><br \/>\nA provision of some defined benefit scheme for building extra  pensionable service in return for additional contributions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Additional Pension<\/strong><br \/>\nThe earnings-related part of the state pension, paid<br \/>\nin addition to the basic state pension.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC)<\/strong><br \/>\nA facility provided by occupational pension schemes for members to boost retirement savings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Alternatively Secured Pension (ASP)<\/strong><br \/>\nAllows a pension scheme member to defer purchasing an annuity at  age 75. A defined level of income can be drawn on the invested funds  until the member decides to purchase an annuity or dies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Annual Allowance (AA)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe maximum pension input (earned in a defined benefit scheme  and contributions paid into a defined contribution scheme) a pension  scheme member is allowed each year without giving rise to a tax charge.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Annual Management Charge (AMC)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe administration fee levied each year on a defined  contribution scheme, a personal pension plan or a stakeholder pension  scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Annuity<\/strong><br \/>\nA policy that provides an income in retirement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Basic State Pension<\/strong><br \/>\nThe benefit provided at state pension age to those with a sufficient National Insurance Contribution record.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nA type of defined benefit scheme that calculates retirement  benefits using the average of revalued pensionable salaries over the  member\u2019s pensionable service.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe amount offered to a member of an occupational pension scheme who wants to transfer to another pension scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Class 1 National Insurance Contribution<\/strong><br \/>\nContribution paid by the employed (not self-employed), calculated as a percentage of pay.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Class 2 National Insurance Contribution<\/strong><br \/>\nFlat-rate contribution paid by the self-employed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Class 3 National Insurance Contribution<\/strong><br \/>\nVoluntary contribution paid to improve basic state pension entitlement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Class 4 National Insurance Contribution<\/strong><br \/>\nProfit-based contribution paid by the self-employed in addition to the Class 2 contribution.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Closed Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme where the membership is no longer open to new employees.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Combined Pension Forecast (CPF)<\/strong><br \/>\nA statement that shows both estimated pension scheme and state pension benefits. Issued voluntarily by pension schemes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Commutation Factor<\/strong><br \/>\nUsed to calculate how much pension from a defined benefit scheme is given up in exchange for a tax-free lump sum.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Concurrency<\/strong><br \/>\nThe principle allowing someone to pay into more than one pension scheme at the same time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contracted-Out Deduction (COD)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe deduction applied to a person\u2019s SERPS entitlement for the period they were contracted out between 1978 and 1997.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contracted-Out Employments Group<\/strong><br \/>\nA part of the DWP, it administers pension scheme members\u2019 contracting out records.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contracting Out<\/strong><br \/>\nThe facility to opt out of the state additional pension and build up benefits in a pension scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Crystallisation Event<\/strong><br \/>\nAn event where pension benefits become payable, i.e. annuity  purchase, death, starting an unsecured pension etc, and at which time a  test against the Lifetime Allowance is carried out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Deferred Member<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme member who has left service with a deferred pension or fund.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Deferred Pension<\/strong><br \/>\nThe benefit awarded to a defined benefit scheme member who has left service early.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Defined Benefit (DB) Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme that provides benefits based on accrual rate, pensionable service and pensionable salary.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Defined Contribution (DC) Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nA scheme that provides retirement benefits based on the build up  of a \u2018pot\u2019 of money, accumulated through the investment of  contributions paid by both the employee and the employer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe government department with overall responsible for the rules  governing pension schemes and the administration of the state pension.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dependant<\/strong><br \/>\nAn individual who is eligible to receive retirement benefits,  i.e. pension and\/or lump sum, following the death of a pension scheme  member.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Early Leaver<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme member who leaves service before reaching their normal retirement age.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Early Retirement<\/strong><br \/>\nThe payment of retirement benefits from a pension scheme before a member\u2019s normal retirement date.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Earmarking<\/strong><br \/>\nProvides a spouse with a share of a pension scheme member\u2019s  pension rights on divorce. Spouse\u2019s share is paid when the member draws  their benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Employer Access<\/strong><br \/>\nEmployers with five or more staff but with no pension  arrangement in place must designate a stakeholder pension scheme and  offer access to qualifying employees.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Employer Funded Retirement Benefit Scheme (EFRBS)<\/strong><br \/>\nPreviously known as FURBS and UURBS. These are unapproved  schemes with no tax reliefs that an employer funds to provide a member  with a lump sum and\/or income.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Enhanced Protection<\/strong><br \/>\nIf a member is worried their pension rights exceed, or may  exceed, the Lifetime Allowance, they can safeguard them against a tax  charge.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Equivalent Pension Benefit (EPB)<\/strong><br \/>\nA non-revaluing pension built up while contracted out of the  state graduated pension scheme through an occupational pension scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Escalation<\/strong><br \/>\nThe increments applied to a pension in payment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Executive Pension Scheme (EPP)<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme for selected directors and senior staff.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Expression of Wish<\/strong><br \/>\nNotification by a member to their pension scheme of how they wish their lump sum death benefits to be paid.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Final Salary Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme that provides benefits based on accrual rate, pensionable service and pensionable salary.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)<\/strong><br \/>\nA government-funded scheme, operated by the DWP, set up in 2005  to pay compensation to wound-up occupational pension scheme members who  have lost pension rights following an employer\u2019s insolvency.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Financial Services Authority (FSA)<\/strong><br \/>\nAn independent, government-funded body that regulates the financial services business in the UK.<\/p>\n<p>Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)<br \/>\nAn independent, levy-funded body that compensates consumers who  cannot complete claims because their provider is insolvent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fraud Compensation Fund (FCF)<\/strong><br \/>\nLevy funded and operated by the PPF, this fund compensates  occupational pension schemes that have suffered financial injustice as a  result of dishonesty.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Free-Standing Additional Voluntary Contribution (FSAVC)<\/strong><br \/>\nA facility provided by insurance companies for members to boost their occupational pension scheme savings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Funded Unapproved Retirement Benefits Scheme (FURBS)<\/strong><br \/>\nNow known as an EFRBS. These are unapproved schemes with no tax  reliefs that an employer funds to provide a member with a lump sum  and\/or income.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Group Personal Pension Plan (GPP)<\/strong><br \/>\nA collection of personal pension plans provided by an employer to its staff.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe benefit built up in a defined benefit scheme as a result of being contracted out of the state additional pension.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)<\/strong><br \/>\nAvailable to carers and those looking after children, this  benefit reduces the number of qualifying years required for the basic  state pension.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hybrid Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme that calculates retirement  benefits as some combination of two alternatives, defined benefit scheme  or defined contribution scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ill Health Early Retirement<\/strong><br \/>\nIf an occupational pension scheme member is unable to work as a  result of a medical condition, they may be entitled to draw retirement  benefits early (sometimes enhanced) at any age (no later than 75).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Impaired Life Annuity<\/strong><br \/>\nA\u00a0member of a defined contribution scheme\u00a0may be able to claim  an immediate annuity on enhanced terms if they are suffering from poor  health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart condition, kidney  failure, certain types of cancer, multiple sclerosis and chronic asthma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Income Drawdown<\/strong><br \/>\nAlso known as an unsecured pension. Allows a pension scheme  member to continue to invest a fund while drawing a limited income.  Available to under 75s only.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Income Withdrawal<\/strong><br \/>\nAlso known as an unsecured pension. Allows a pension scheme  member to continue to invest a fund while drawing a limited income.  Available to under 75s only.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lifestyling<\/strong><br \/>\nAn investment strategy on defined contribution schemes where\u00a0a  member\u2019s investments are switched automatically as they get older to  more secure holdings, such as cash.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lifetime Allowance (LA)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe maximum value of fund a pension scheme member can accumulate without incurring a tax charge.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lump Sum<\/strong><br \/>\nThe tax-free lump sum paid to a member of a pension scheme when their benefits come into payment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Market Value Reduction (MVR)<\/strong><br \/>\nAn adjustment made to the value of a With-Profit fund to reflect  the difference between the market and actuarial values of the fund.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Money Purchase Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nA scheme that provides retirement benefits based on the build up  of a \u2018pot\u2019 of money, accumulated through the investment of  contributions paid by<br \/>\nboth the employee and the employer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)<\/strong><br \/>\nA\u00a0new, simple, low-cost pension scheme\u00a0to be introduced from 2012 as part of the workplace pension reforms.<\/p>\n<p><strong>National Insurance Contribution (NIC)<\/strong><br \/>\nPayments deducted from pay or declared through self assessment,  used by the DWP to fund the state pension and other state benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>National Insurance Contributions Office (NICO)<\/strong><br \/>\nA part of HMRC. They administer the collection of National Insurance Contributions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Normal Retirement Age (NRA)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe contractual age at which retirement benefits are paid from an occupational pension scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Normal Retirement Date (NRD)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe date that an occupational pension scheme member reaches normal retirement age.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Occupational Pension Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nA scheme set up by an employer to provide retirement and\/or death benefits to employees.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Offsetting<\/strong><br \/>\nA member\u2019s pension rights are offset against other assets as part of a divorce settlement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Open Market Option<\/strong><br \/>\nA provision of defined contribution schemes allowing members to  transfer funds at retirement to draw an immediate annuity with another  provider.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pension Credit<\/strong><br \/>\nA means-tested benefit that boosts a pensioner\u2019s state pension to ensure they have a minimum level of income.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pension Earmarking<\/strong><br \/>\nProvides a spouse with a share of a pension scheme member\u2019s  pension rights on divorce. Spouse\u2019s share is paid when the member draws  benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pension Guarantee<\/strong><br \/>\nIncorporated into a pension once put into payment. It ensures  that pension instalments for a specified period are paid, even if the  member dies before the period expires.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pension Protection Fund (PPF)<\/strong><br \/>\nAn independent, levy-funded body that compensates members of  occupational pension schemes who have lost pension benefits as a result  of an employer\u2019s insolvency.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pension Sharing<\/strong><br \/>\nProvides a spouse with a share of a pension scheme member\u2019s  retirement benefits on divorce. Spouse is given a credit to put towards  his or her own retirement benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pension Simplification<\/strong><br \/>\nThe name given to the changes introduced by HMRC on A-Day. One  single tax regime was introduced to replace the previous eight.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pensionable Salary<\/strong><br \/>\nEarnings used to calculate retirement benefits in a defined benefit scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pensionable Service<\/strong><br \/>\nLength of qualifying time in a defined benefit<br \/>\nscheme used to calculate retirement benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Personal Pension Plan (PPP)<\/strong><br \/>\nA type of defined contribution scheme. Provides retirement  benefits based on the build-up of a \u2018pot\u2019 of money, accumulated through  the investment<br \/>\nof contributions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Preserved Pension<\/strong><br \/>\nThe benefit awarded to a defined benefit scheme member who has left service early.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Protected Rights (PR)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe fund built up in a defined contribution scheme from rebates  paid as a result of being contracted out of the state additional  pension.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS)<\/strong><br \/>\nAn overseas pension scheme that meets HMRC\u00a0rules that allow overseas transfers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Qualifying Year<\/strong><br \/>\nA year in which an individual has paid, or is treated as<br \/>\nhaving paid, National Insurance contributions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Record of Payments Due<\/strong><br \/>\nProduced by an employer, it records how much they and their  employees will contribute to the designated stakeholder pension scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Retail Price Index (RPI)<\/strong><br \/>\nUsed by pension schemes to calculate pension increases. It is  the average measure of change in the prices of goods and services bought  in the UK.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Retirement Annuity Contract (RAC)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe predecessor of the personal pension plan. Available before  April 1988 to the self-employed and those in employment who did not have  access<br \/>\nto an occupational pension scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Revaluation<\/strong><br \/>\nThe increase, normally in line with inflation, of a deferred  pension between the date the member leaves service and their Normal  Retirement<br \/>\nAge (NRA).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Salary Sacrifice<\/strong><br \/>\nAn arrangement between an employer and an employee where the  employee forgoes part of their pay for a corresponding employer  contribution to the<br \/>\npension scheme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Salary-Related Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme that provides benefits based on accrual rate, pensionable service and pensionable salary.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Schedule of Contributions<\/strong><br \/>\nProduced by the scheme actuary, it shows the trustees of a  defined benefit scheme how much the employer and employees will  contribute.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Section 32 Plan<\/strong><br \/>\nAn insurance policy designed to accept transfers from defined benefit schemes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Selected Pension Age (SPA)<\/strong><br \/>\nThe age chosen by a personal pension plan member to draw retirement benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Self-Invested Pension Plan (SIPP)<\/strong><br \/>\nA type of personal pension plan that gives an individual more investment control.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Short-Term Annuity<\/strong><br \/>\nA temporary annuity that runs for no longer than five years.  Allows an individual to draw an income while deferring purchasing a full  annuity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS)<\/strong><br \/>\nAn occupational pension scheme, usually for small businesses, that gives members more investment control.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stakeholder Designation<\/strong><br \/>\nThe process followed by an employer who is not exempt from the  employer access requirements. The employer must choose a stakeholder  pension scheme and provide access to their employees.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stakeholder Pension Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nA type of personal pension plan, offering a low-cost and  flexible alternative and which must comply with requirements laid down<br \/>\nin legislation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>State Additional Pension<\/strong><br \/>\nThe earnings-related part of the state pension, paid in addition to the basic state pension.<\/p>\n<p><strong>State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS)<\/strong><br \/>\nAlternative name given to the state additional pension between April 1978 and April 2002.<\/p>\n<p><strong>State Graduated Pension Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nAlternative name given to the state additional pension between April 1961 and April 1975.<\/p>\n<p><strong>State Pension Deferral<\/strong><br \/>\nOn reaching state pension age, a pensioner can defer taking  their state pension in exchange for a higher pension or lump sum in the  future.<\/p>\n<p><strong>State Pension Forecast<\/strong><br \/>\nAn illustration provided by The Pension Service giving an  estimate of what state pension an individual may receive at state  pension age.<\/p>\n<p><strong>State Second Pension (S2P)<\/strong><br \/>\nAlternative name given to the state additional pension since April 2002.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tax Relief<\/strong><br \/>\nIncentive given to those contributing to pension schemes. The  government pays tax relief at the investor\u2019s highest marginal rate;<br \/>\nthat is, a basic rate taxpayer will receive 20 per cent tax  relief, a higher rate tax payer 40 per cent and a 50 per cent tax payer  50 per cent relief of a member\u2019s gross contribution.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tax-Approved Scheme<\/strong><br \/>\nA pension scheme that has been approved to operate by HMRC.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Pension Service<\/strong><br \/>\nA part of the DWP. Responsible for administering and paying the state pension.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS)<\/strong><br \/>\nAn independent, government-funded body that provides general  information about pensions to the public and also helps resolve pension  disputes<br \/>\nthrough mediation and conciliation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Pensions Regulator (TPR)<\/strong><br \/>\nA government body that regulates the<br \/>\nrunning of occupational pension schemes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Transitional Protection<\/strong><br \/>\nComes in two forms &#8211; primary and enhanced.  Allows an individual  to protect accrued pension rights that may exceed the Lifetime  Allowance, thereby avoiding a tax charge on the excess.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Unfunded Unapproved Retirement Benefits Scheme (UURBS)<\/strong><br \/>\nNow known as an EFRBS. These are unapproved schemes with no tax  reliefs that an employer funds to provide a member with a lump sum  and\/or income.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Unsecured Pension<\/strong><br \/>\nAlso known as Income Drawdown or income withdrawal. Allows a  pension scheme member to continue to invest a fund while drawing a  limited income. Available to under 75s only.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Winding Up<\/strong><br \/>\nThe process of terminating an occupational pension scheme, usually          by transferring          member\u2019s benefits to individual arrangements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Winding Up Priority Order<\/strong><br \/>\nThe order in which members\u2019 benefits are distributed on the  winding up of a defined benefit scheme with an insolvent employer and a  funding shortfall.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding the jargon Accrual Rate The factor used to calculate benefits in a defined benefit scheme. For example, a scheme with an accrual rate of 1\/60th will provide 1\/60th of pensionable salary for each year of pensionable service. Active Member An occupational pension scheme member who is earning new defined benefit scheme benefits or paying&#8230;  <a class=\"excerpt-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/?p=1111\" title=\"ReadA-Z of retirement planning\">Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1111"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1111"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1111\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1111"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1111"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.suretyfp.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1111"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}