Understanding decumulation planning

Retirement planning isn't just about making your money last, it's about making the most of it. Optiml's goal-based approach tailors your withdrawal strategy to fit your priorities: maximise your after-tax estate, maximise lifestyle, or balance both. If your goal is to leave the largest possible estate, Optiml prioritises strategies that minimise lifetime tax and Inheritance Tax exposure as pensions enter the estate from April 2027. This may involve careful SIPP drawdown timing, Lump Sum Allowance usage, and ISA preservation so more wealth stays with your family. If you want to maximise lifestyle, Optiml structures withdrawals to ensure you can enjoy your retirement years without stress. That means balancing State Pension start age, SIPP drawdown, and ISA usage to give you the highest after-tax spending power while ensuring you don't leave too much behind when it's too late to enjoy it. For a balanced approach, Optiml finds the optimal strategy to support your lifestyle while preserving a meaningful legacy, so your money is working for you at every stage.