Pension & Retirement Planning in Falmouth, Cornwall
A pension is a long-term investment the fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation.
Retirement should be something to look forward to – but without the right planning in place, it can feel uncertain and overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting to think about your pension, approaching retirement, or already retired and reviewing your options, David Medland provides clear, independent pension advice tailored specifically to your circumstances and goals.
With over 15 years’ experience as a Chartered Financial Planner and specialist qualifications in pension planning (CII AF3), David helps clients across Falmouth and Cornwall understand exactly where they stand financially – and what steps to take to get to where they want to be. Using detailed cashflow modelling, he can map out your retirement income across different scenarios, giving you genuine confidence in your financial future rather than guesswork.
The earlier you start planning, the more options you have - don't leave it until it's too late.
Getting Pension Advice in Falmouth Has Never Been Easier
Step 1:
Book Your Free Initial Consultation
Getting started costs nothing. Simply call David to arrange your free, no-obligation first meeting – either face-to-face at his Falmouth office or over a Teams call, whichever suits you best. There’s no pressure, no jargon, and no commitment required. It’s simply a chance to talk through where you are and what you’d like to achieve.
Step 2:
We Review Your Situation Together
David will take the time to fully understand your current pension arrangements, your retirement goals, your expected income needs, and your overall financial picture. Using cashflow modelling tools, he’ll show you clearly how your finances could look in retirement under different scenarios – so you can make decisions based on real numbers, not estimates.
Step 3:
Receive Your Personalised Retirement Plan
Once David has a clear picture of your circumstances, he’ll provide tailored, independent recommendations – covering pension contributions, retirement age, product selection, and income strategy. Everything is explained clearly, and no action is taken until you’re fully comfortable and in agreement. From there, David is on hand for ongoing reviews as your life and circumstances evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planning for retirement?
The honest answer is: as early as possible. The longer your money has to grow, the more comfortable your retirement is likely to be. That said, it’s never too late to take stock and improve your position – even if retirement is just a few years away, good advice can make a meaningful difference to your income and options.
How much do I need to retire comfortably?
This varies significantly from person to person and depends on factors including your lifestyle expectations, existing pension pots, property, state pension entitlement, and when you want to retire. Rather than relying on a generic figure, David uses cashflow modelling to give you a personalised retirement income projection based on your specific situation.
What is the State Pension and will it be enough?
The full new State Pension is currently £221.20 per week (2024/25). For most people, this alone won’t be sufficient to maintain their pre-retirement lifestyle. Private and workplace pension planning is essential for most people who want a comfortable retirement income beyond the State Pension.
I have several old pension pots from previous employers – what should I do?
This is very common. David can help you locate, review, and consolidate old pensions where it makes sense to do so – ensuring your retirement savings are working as hard as possible for you rather than sitting in outdated, underperforming schemes.
What is cashflow modelling?
Cashflow modelling is a planning tool that maps out your income, expenditure, and investments over time – giving you a visual picture of how your finances could look throughout retirement. It helps identify potential shortfalls early and allows you to make informed decisions about how much to save, when to retire, and how to draw your income.
Can I take my pension as a lump sum?
From the age of 55 (rising to 57 in 2028), you can typically take up to 25% of your pension as a tax-free lump sum. The options for taking the rest of your pension vary – from flexible drawdown to an annuity – and the right choice depends entirely on your personal circumstances. David will explain all your options clearly and help you decide what’s best for you.
What happens to my pension when I die?
This depends on the type of pension you hold and your age at death. In many cases, defined contribution pensions can be passed on to beneficiaries, often outside of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. Estate planning around your pension is an important consideration, and something David can advise on as part of your overall retirement plan.
Is your pension advice truly independent?
Yes. David is a fully independent financial adviser, meaning he considers pension products from across the whole market — not just a restricted panel of providers. His recommendations are based solely on what is most suitable for your needs.