Educational use only: This platform provides information for educational purposes and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice.
February 15, 2026 Syd Lawrence

Retirement Budgeting

Making your money work in retirement

Retirement brings new financial challenges. With the right planning, you can enjoy your retirement years without money worries.

Understanding Your Retirement Income

Your retirement income typically comes from three sources: the state pension, workplace pension, and personal savings. Understanding what you'll receive is the first step in budgeting.

The full new state pension is worth over £10,000 per year. Check your National Insurance record to see what you'll receive.

Creating Your Retirement Budget

List your essential expenses: housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and transport. Then add discretionary spending. Compare this to your guaranteed income to see where you stand.

Remember that some expenses may decrease (commuting costs) while others may increase (healthcare, hobbies).

Managing Your Pension Pot

When accessing your pension, consider your options carefully. An annuity provides guaranteed income. Drawdown gives you more flexibility but requires careful management.

Take time to understand the pros and cons of each option. Consider getting financial advice for significant pension decisions.

Retirement Budget Template

  • - State Pension: £
  • - Workplace/Private Pension: £
  • - Other Income: £
  • - Housing costs: £
  • - Utilities: £
  • - Food: £
  • - Healthcare: £
  • - Leisure: £

Plan Your Retirement

Use Delphina to see your retirement projections and plan your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions