Financial planning has become a necessity for most in the current financial climate. However, it may be especially important for those considering retirement.
Having realistic financial plans that align with your expectations can give you valuable peace of mind during this transition.
Imperial regularly runs finance workshops for all staff to assist with their financial planning
Financial planning
- Pre-Retirement Workshop
- Personal Financial Planning
- NHS Pension Scheme events
- USS Pension Scheme events
Next session: Thursday 13 November, start time 10:30 am
Book a place: Pensions@imperial.ac.uk
This session is hosted by our Head of Pensions & Benefits, Carey Southward, alongside a registered financial advisor. It is open to all Imperial staff about to retire, as the information is mostly relevant to those less than two years from starting to draw their university pension.
The session is tailored to help you better understand retirement and the steps you may need to take before you retire. We'll cover when you can start drawing your pension, how it will be taxed, and how much income you may need.
We'll flag any decisions you may need to make, give you information that will help you choose your retirement date, and cover the options your pension scheme will give you. We'll also explain when you can claim your State Pension and how to check your entitlement.
There will be plenty of chances to ask your questions, so come prepared.
Next session: Thursday 16 October, start time 10:30 am; via Teams
Book a place: Pensions@imperial.ac.uk
This session is hosted by our Head of Pensions and Benefits, Carey Southward and a registered Financial Advisor. This workshop is designed to help you take control of your day-to-day finances and make confident decisions about your financial future.
During the session, you’ll explore key topics including:
- Budgeting – Learn how to track your spending, set realistic goals, and manage your money more effectively.
- Retirement Planning – Find out how to start preparing for retirement, understand your options, and make the most of your pension and long-term savings.
- Protecting You and Your Family - Further understanding on life insurance, critical illness, income protection, private medical care and health cash plan.
- Mortgages – Discover the basics of home buying and what to consider when taking out a mortgage.
- Savings – Explore different saving strategies and how to build a financial safety net.
By understanding these core principles, you’ll be better equipped to:
- Navigate financial shocks and unexpected expenses.
- Plan for major life events such as buying a home, starting a family, or changing careers
- Build long-term financial clarity, confidence, and security.
The NHS runs free events for their members:
Understanding the NHS Pension Scheme and its benefits
These sessions aim to improve understanding of how the scheme works, who can join, and the benefits accessible to members.
Your Total Reward Statement and Annual Benefit Statement explained.
These sessions will inform members about their Annual Benefit Statement and Total Reward Statement, and how to access and understand them.
Your retirement options explained.
These sessions provide information about retirement options (e.g., eligibility for taking a lump sum) to assist future planning.
See all upcoming events, and enrol via the NHS Members events website
The USS run free member webinars on various matters:
About USS
These sessions provide helpful information for those considering joining, including the benefits, what you pay, and retirement options.
Awaiting next date confirmation.
New to USS
These sessions cover information about USS, what your membership gives you, further details about your benefits, and what happens if you leave USS.
The next session is waiting to be confirmed.
Planning for retirement
These sessions consider retirement options for members, including how benefits accumulate, when you can access them, and in what form. They would be particularly useful for those planning for or thinking about retirement.
The next session is waiting to be confirmed.
Understanding DC (the Investment Builder)
These sessions look at the key features of the Investment Builder, including how to build savings and how to use your Investment Builder savings. They would be useful for those who have recently started saving in the Investment Builder or who already are and would like to know more.
The next session is waiting to be confirmed.
Focus on pension tax.
These sessions focus on pension tax, including the Annual Allowance, Tapered Annual Allowance, MPAA, and Lifetime Allowance, and managing tax. They also cover USS-specific tax mitigation options.
The next session is waiting to be confirmed.
Tax & Your Pension
The next session is waiting to be confirmed.
Leaving USS
These sessions cover topics useful for those who have left or are considering leaving USS ahead of their retirement.
USS Webinars
Mercer Limited provides the webinars, and USS is not in any way responsible for the content of the webinars and/or any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with these webinars or any services provided by Mercer Limited. The content of these webinars is information only. The webinars do not explain all situations or eventualities. It is not, and should not be taken as, advice. You should not rely on, or fail to take, any decision or action based upon these webinars. We recommend that members, employers, or any other person who views or otherwise comes into possession of the content of this webinar take their own advice on which they can rely.
The latter shall prevail if there is any difference between this webinar and the USS trust deed and rules. Please check the USS website for the latest information regarding the scheme and any changes that may have occurred to its rules and benefits .
See all upcoming events, and enrol via the USS Guidance webinars website