how to manage your finances when you're retired

plan your budget 

Retiring often leads to living on a lower income, which can result in your finances becoming stretched. Budgeting will help you to monitor your incomings and outgoings. Use the Money Advice Service’s budget planner, or our simple template.

set financial goals 

Once you’ve worked out your budget, then you can start to look at anything else you want to do (e.g. holidays and home improvements). Regularly completing a health check of your finances will help you stay on track with them.

put your savings in the best account

There are a number of different bank accounts out there, which can make choosing one difficult. Whether you’re looking for a tax-free ISA or a high interest savings account, have a look at the comparison tables and use this savings calculator to see how you can grow your savings.

make the most of your investments

If you rely on investments for your income, then be aware that the level of income may fluctuate, depending on how the investments are performing. Before investing, make sure you fully understand the risks.

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Visit MoneyHelper for information on investments and the Financial Services Authority on how to protect yourself from scams.

trace old savings, investments and pensions

You may have bank accounts that you’ve forgotten about. This is easily done if you’ve moved home and forgotten to inform all of the various organisations of your new address. There are a number of services, such as Experian, My Lost Account and Gov.uk that can help you track down lost accounts or pensions.

are you planning on working during your retirement?

If you’re thinking about staying on at (or returning to) work after you retire, you will need to find out how you’ll be taxed and how it may affect your other sources of income. Visit Gov.uk for more information.

explore your benefit and allowance entitlement

Explore the benefits and allowances you may be entitled to receive to boost your income. For more details, check out our guide.

apply for heating and insulation improvements

If you need help paying your energy bills or making your home more energy efficient, then you may be eligible for an energy grant. Use this energy grants calculator to find out which grants you can apply for.

take advantage of subsidised or free travel

If you’re over the age of 60, you can get discounts on coach and train travel, as well as a free bus pass in some areas. To find out more and to apply for your older person's bus pass, visit Gov.uk.

pay the right level of tax

You usually only have to pay tax on your income (including your private pension and state pension) if your income is greater than your tax-free allowance. To find out more about tax after state pension age, visit Gov.uk.

investigate Inheritance Tax

When you pass away, there’s usually no Inheritance Tax to pay if the value of your estate is under the £325,000 threshold. However, if the value of your estate is over this threshold, the person dealing with your estate may have to pay Inheritance Tax on the value of your estate over £325,000. Read our guide or visit Gov.uk for more information.

plan for your death

While it may be the last thing you want to do, try to start thinking about what you would like to happen if you were diagnosed with a terminal illness; how you would like to spend your final years and what you would like to happen after your death. Dying Matters has been created to help people prepare themselves for death, so they can enjoy the rest of their life, knowing they have planned for it.

make a will 

If you haven’t drawn up a will yet, it’s important you do it sooner rather than later. Take a look at our legal advice for guidance. If you already have one, now’s the time to make sure it’s up-to-date.

set up a funeral plan 

People often worry they won’t leave enough money for their funeral when they die. You can set up a funeral plan to arrange and pay for your funeral before you die - see Gov.uk for more information.

set up a power of attorney

There may come a time when you’re less able to manage your finances, property or personal welfare and you need somebody to do it for you (who is called your ‘attorney’). This can be a friend, relative or professional. For more information, read our ‘Guide to power of attorney.’

If you’re struggling with bills or budgeting, we’re here to give you a helping hand. Whatever your financial worries, big or small, you’re not alone.

We’ll listen and offer advice and guidance in a safe and supportive environment. Our specialist advisors are on hand to provide you with impartial and confidential advice.

If we aren’t able to help you ourselves, we’ll point you in the right direction to one of our partner organisations who can. Either way, we simply want you to access the best options quickly and easily so you can carry on.