Phillip's story

Phillip is now enjoying an early retirement thanks to increasing his pension contributions early on.

Please note: This case study is not personal advice. If you’re not sure what’s best for your situation, ask for financial advice.

"I started saving for retirement early - at age 27. I had a workplace pension, and I could choose how much to save. I paid in the maximum which I think was 6% of my salary at the time and my employer matched this. Retirement felt like such a long way off, and several times I questioned myself if I was doing the right thing, but I’m glad I did. Once I hit age 40, I started increasing my pension contributions. I could see that even small pension increases early would have time to really grow my pension pot over time.

My top saving tip is simple. Start early. I'm 56 and having taken an early retirement, I’m reaping the rewards. I’ve just got back from two weeks in Costa Rica, where we zip lined across jungles, hiked up a volcano, abseiled waterfalls and drunk piña colada as we were following dolphins to snorkelling spots. I’m very grateful that the younger me did put the effort in as I’m now comfortably enjoying my retirement – and wow it’s fun.

I think the key to successful investing is doing your own research and don’t invest in anything you don’t understand. Also remember that investing is for the long term.

I really enjoy reading up on different investments and managing my own portfolio. I hold a combination of shares, funds and investment trusts. The HL Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) allows me to buy and sell investments with ease, particularly through the app which is excellent. I invest for growth and reinvest any income that my investments produce. When I come to take money from my pension, I might switch my strategy to income, and in the meanwhile I’m off to plan our next adventure holiday which is looking like white-water rafting in the Canadian Rockies."

More on the HL SIPPDownload guide to transferring

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