Where our experts are investing their SIPPs

Our experts explain where they invest their SIPPs (Self Invested Personal Pensions).

While they might give you some ideas, these investments will not be suitable for everyone. Investors should choose funds that fit their own circumstances and attitudes towards risk.

Mark Dampier, Head of Research, age 56

I'm closer to retiring than Danny and Ellen (my colleagues below), so I'm making sure my SIPP is well-balanced. I still take risks and make the odd speculative investment, but much less so than in the past.

My largest fund holdings include Royal London Sterling Extra Yield Bond, Artemis Strategic Assets and HL Multi-Manager Income & Growth.

In the past three months I've added to my fixed-interest funds and bought the Old Mutual Global Strategic Bond. The manager has the flexibility to cope with the ever-changing bond market. He's currently keeping sterling exposure to a minimum and the fund has already profited. I can't see sterling strengthening in the near future, so hope the fund will benefit, although there are no guarantees.

Take a look at some of Mark's SIPP funds:

Royal London Sterling Extra Yield Bond
Artemis Strategic Assets
HL Multi-Manager Income & Growth
Old Mutual Global Strategic Bond

Danny Cox, Head of Financial Planning, age 47

I still have 15 or so years until I draw my SIPP, so the majority is invested in the stock market. I contribute monthly to my SIPP and periodically add lump sums.

My two largest fund holdings are managed by my colleagues. HL Multi-Manager Income & Growth invests predominantly in UK equity income funds while HL Multi-Manager Special Situations gives me higher risk smaller company and international exposure. These holdings suit me as they are, in effect, managed portfolios. This saves me time and I benefit from the team's expertise.

To add some spice, I have smaller holdings in more speculative funds including Jupiter India and Junior Oils. I also have exposure to emerging markets through the First State Global Emerging Market Leaders.

Take a look at some of Danny's SIPP funds:

HL Multi-Manager Income & Growth
HL Multi-Manager Special Situations
Jupiter India
Junior Oils
First State Global Emerging Market Leaders

Ellen Powley, Fund Manager, age 33

Equity income forms the backbone of my SIPP portfolio. Rather than hold different income funds, I invest in HL Multi-Manager Income & Growth, which I manage with Lee Gardhouse. We select what we believe are the best UK equity income funds, blending management styles and adding diversification. The fund also gives some international income exposure.

Beyond that, I focus on investing with experienced teams with proven track records. I hold managers such as William Littlewood (Artemis Strategic Assets) and Crispin Odey (CF Odey Opus). Both funds can invest within the UK and overseas as well as hold fixed-interest investments.

I also think highly of Giles Hargreave and have bought his Marlborough UK Micro-Cap Growth Fund, which invests in smaller UK companies. He and his team have a great track record of finding up-and-coming companies and have rewarded investors handsomely over the years.

Take a look at some of Ellen's SIPP funds:

HL Multi-Manager Income & Growth
Artemis Strategic Assets
CF Odey Opus
Marlborough UK Micro-Cap Growth

If you're considering an investment in any of the funds mentioned please ensure you read the individual fund's Key Features or Key Investor Information Document (KIID) which contain details on the risks involved. The value of investments can fall as well as rise so you could get back less than you invest.

Start your SIPP online today - tax year ends 5 April

A SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension) is a type of pension that can help you make your retirement savings work harder. For more information on SIPPs, download our free Guide to SIPPs »

You have a pension contribution allowance each tax year, which ends on 5 April - less than a month away. If you're happy to make your own investment decisions and ready to invest in a Vantage SIPP, you can apply online today. You can invest from as little as £500 or £50 monthly, or transfer existing pensions to take control and make them work harder. Before transferring, ensure you won't lose valuable guarantees or benefits or incur excessive exit fees.

More on the Vantage SIPP

Before applying, please read the Key Features and Terms & Conditions (including the Transfer and Contribution Checklists). Remember, pensions are for retirement. You can't usually access your money until at least age 55, when most people can take up to 25% as a tax-free lump sum and a taxable income from the rest. Please note, the amount of tax relief and the value of tax shelters will depend on your own circumstances and tax rules may change in the future.