Personal Pensions
Self-managed retirement savings with flexible contributions, investment control, and tax benefits.
SIPP
Self-Invested Personal Pension
Full investment control with wide choice of assets and tax benefits.
LISA
Lifetime ISA
For first home or retirement with 25% government bonus.
These Are Investment Accounts, Not Savings
SIPP, LISA, ISAs, and Junior ISAs are investment wrappers - your money is invested in stocks, bonds, and funds, growing through compound returns over time.
How It Works
- • Your contributions buy stocks, bonds, ETFs, or funds
- • Investments grow through market returns (historically ~7-10% annually)
- • Dividends and gains compound over time
- • Same compound interest principle as the calculator
- • Tax-free growth inside these accounts
Real Example: £500/month for 30 Years
The difference between £180k contributed and £611k-£1.1M final value is compound investment growth, not just savings.
What You're Actually Investing In
Stocks & Shares ISA
UK/global stocks, ETFs, funds
SIPP
Stocks, bonds, funds, commercial property
LISA & Junior ISA
Cash or stocks & shares options
SIPP - Self-Invested Personal Pension
£60,000
Annual allowance
25%
Tax-free lump sum
Age 55
Access age
What is a SIPP?
A SIPP gives you control over where your pension money is invested. Choose from stocks, bonds, funds, ETFs, and even commercial property.
Investment Options
- • UK & international stocks
- • Bonds and gilts
- • Mutual funds & ETFs
- • Investment trusts
- • Commercial property
Who It's For
- • Self-employed individuals
- • Those wanting investment control
- • Higher rate taxpayers
- • Pension consolidation
- • Experienced investors
Tax Relief Examples
Basic Rate (20%)
Pay £80 → Get £100 in pension
Higher Rate (40%)
Pay £60 → Get £100 in pension
Additional (45%)
Pay £55 → Get £100 in pension
SIPP Calculator
Self-Invested Personal Pension
What is a SIPP?
A Self-Invested Personal Pension gives you control over your retirement investments with automatic tax relief from the government. You get 20% tax relief on contributions, and 25% of your pension can be taken tax-free at retirement.
LISA - Lifetime ISA
£4,000
Annual limit
25%
Government bonus
18-39
Age to open
What is a LISA?
Save for your first home or retirement with a 25% government bonus. Must be under 40 to open.
Example
Can Use For
- • First home purchase
- • Retirement (age 60+)
- • Terminal illness
Key Rules
- • Open between 18-39
- • £4,000 max per year
- • Cash or stocks & shares
Withdrawal Penalty
Withdrawing for other reasons incurs 25% penalty - you'll lose your bonus plus some of your own money.
LISA Calculator
Lifetime ISA with 25% Government Bonus
What is a LISA?
A Lifetime ISA is for ages 18-39. Save up to £4,000/year and the government adds 25% (up to £1,000/year). Use it for your first home (up to £450k) or retirement (age 60+). Early withdrawal = 25% penalty.
Maximum: £4,000/year
SIPP vs LISA Comparison
SIPP Characteristics:
- • Annual limit up to £60,000
- • Higher rate tax relief available
- • Wide investment choices
- • No age limit to open
- • Can consolidate other pensions
LISA Characteristics:
- • Must open between 18-39
- • Can be used for first home
- • 25% government bonus
- • £4,000 annual limit
- • Tax-free withdrawals at 60
Both Options Available
Some people use both LISA (up to £4k) and SIPP for additional contributions beyond the LISA limit.
Where to Open SIPP & LISA Accounts
Open your SIPP, LISA, ISA, or Junior ISA through FCA-regulated UK investment platforms with £85,000 FSCS protection.
Popular Platforms for SIPP
- • Hargreaves Lansdown
- • AJ Bell
- • Interactive Investor
- • Vanguard UK
- • Fidelity
Popular Platforms for LISA
- • Hargreaves Lansdown
- • AJ Bell
- • Moneybox
- • Nutmeg
- • Interactive Investor
Complete List of FCA-Regulated Platforms
View our comprehensive guide to UK investment platforms offering SIPP, LISA, ISA, and Junior ISA accounts. All platforms are FCA-regulated with £85,000 FSCS protection.
View All UK Investment PlatformsPersonal Pension Questions?
Contact us for information about SIPP and LISA options and retirement savings.