How much do I need to retire comfortably?

There’s no single magic number—it depends on your lifestyle, location, health and whether you retire alone or as a couple. Using Pensions UK (formerly PLSA) Retirement Living Standards (2025/26 figures, assuming you own your home): Minimum**: £13,400 (one person) / £21,600 (couple) – essentials only. Moderate**: £31,700 / £43,900 – more flexibility, holidays and a car. Comfortable**: £43,900 / £60,600 – real freedom with frequent travel, dining out and support for family. The full new State Pension (~£12,548 a year) covers much of the minimum. For a comfortable lifestyle a single person typically needs around £500,000–£800,000+ in private pensions and savings (depending on drawdown rates, longevity and other income). At Lazenby's we create a personalised cashflow plan that maps your goals, reviews existing pots and shows exactly what you need for the retirement you want.

How much should I have in an emergency fund?

There’s no one-size-fits-all figure—it depends on your monthly outgoings, job security and lifestyle—but an Emergency Pot is essential for true financial resilience. At Lazenby's we recommend our simple Pots System. Divide your income into 5–6 dedicated pots (via direct debit at the start of each month), including a clear Emergency Pot for unforeseen events such as car repairs, boiler breakdowns or temporary loss of income. Use apps like Monzo or Starling to name and visualise the pots—this stops impulsive spending and builds a real safety net. Once the pots (including emergency) are funded, put any surplus towards longer-term goals. Knowing your numbers removes stress and stops one unexpected bill derailing everything. Start by reviewing your essential monthly costs, then build the Emergency Pot steadily. For a personalised plan that fits your circumstances, book a free, no-obligation chat with our independent advisers.

Am I on track with my retirement planning?

The only reliable way to know is a personalised review of your full situation. At Lazenby's we offer a free, no-obligation consultation. We review all your pensions (including any old ones), State Pension forecast, savings and investments, then use cash-flow modelling to show: The income your current pots are likely to provide Whether it supports the lifestyle you want How long the money should last under different scenarios Any shortfalls and clear steps to close them We create a tailored plan and provide ongoing annual reviews so you stay on track as life changes. Many clients simply want clarity on what their pensions will actually deliver—once mapped out, confidence grows. Book your free consultation today and find out exactly where you stand.

What types of investment accounts should I use for different goals?

The right account depends on your goal, timescale and tax position—there is no universal answer. At Lazenby's we match tax-efficient wrappers to your objectives: Stocks & Shares ISA – Ideal for medium-term goals (house deposit, education, holidays). Flexible access, tax-free growth and withdrawals (annual allowance £20,000). SIPP / pensions – Best for long-term retirement. Attracts tax relief on contributions and tax-free growth, but access is restricted until age 55/57. Onshore or offshore bonds – Useful for larger sums, income planning or inheritance-tax efficiency once ISA and pension allowances are used. Specialist trusts / SSAS – For family wealth protection or business owners. As unrestricted IFAs we search the whole market and build a personalised plan around your risk attitude and goals. Book a free consultation to see which combination works best for you. Investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back what you originally invested.

How much does financial advice cost?

Costs depend on the type and complexity of advice you need, but at Lazenby's you’ll always know the exact fees before any work begins. We operate a transparent “cap and collar” fee structure (a clear minimum and maximum), usually based on the size of your investments or the complexity of your situation. There are no hidden charges or surprises. The initial consultation is completely free and carries no obligation—it’s simply a chance for us both to see if we can help and whether we’re a good fit. Many clients find the value of clear, independent, whole-of-market advice far outweighs the cost. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat and we’ll explain our fees in plain English.

What are the benefits of working with an adviser?

Working with an independent financial adviser helps you make smarter decisions about your money, so you’re not just “hoping for the best” but actively planning for it. Key benefits include: Independent, whole-of-market advice: Unrestricted access to the best solutions across pensions, investments, ISAs, SIPPs, trusts and more—never limited to one provider. Personalised, holistic planning: A bespoke plan built around your goals, risk attitude, family needs and life stage (retirement, inheritance tax, protection). Clarity and peace of mind: Expert guidance that removes complexity and worry, with ongoing reviews to keep you on track. Transparent process: Free initial consultation, clear fees and a family-business approach focused solely on your best interests. At Lazenby's Financial Services we take time to understand you fully and deliver honest, tailored advice for lasting financial security.

Alan Lazenby

Item: Alan Lazenby
Rating: 5
Author: Verified Client

Lazenby's Financial Services

Minimum savings/pensions: Over £50,000

0113 427 9378

Based in Leeds

View location

Top Rated 2026

Verified since: July, 2025

5 out of 5

73 reviews

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE ALAN

Alan Lazenby is a financial advisor who has helped clients with pensions, investments, and savings, providing tailored advice that considers individual risk profiles and financial goals. Clients appreciate his comprehensive service, which includes financial planning and mentoring, and many have been with him for years, highlighting his ability to build long-term relationships. His expertise in areas such as pension transfers and retirement income planning has given clients clarity and confidence in their financial futures.

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PINNED REVIEWS

"I believe we have been working with Alan for the last 18 years. Over the years Alan has balanced and grown our portfolios against our business interests to ensure we have a spread of risk across all our investments."

by a verified client in North Yorkshire - 2 months ago

"Alan has helped us to understand the risks and gains. He has explained fully how each investment works. The risk profile is very useful, it makes you think about what you are doing and what you are about to invest in. I was very cautious in the beginning, now my confidence has grown along with my better understanding. The graphs are good for me as I am very visual, figures on their own are less clear. Alan's attention to your needs is exemplary and to the detail of where your money is being invested."

by a verified client in Lancashire - 2 months ago

ALAN CAN HELP YOU WITH

Checking if I’m on track for retirementChoosing drawdown or annuityCreating income in retirementShow more

Checks carried out by VouchedFor

FCA Regulated
Alan and/or the firm they work for (or are appointed representatives of) is regulated as appropriate by the Financial Conduct Authority
Last checked: 02 October 2026
Alan and/or the firm they work for (or are appointed representatives of) is regulated as appropriate by the Financial Conduct Authority
35
Recent Client Reviews
Alan has received 35 client reviews in the past 12 months; 100% of these have been verified
Verified reviews: 100%
Alan has received 35 client reviews in the past 12 months; 100% of these have been verified
Independent Financial Adviser
An independent adviser can advise across a sufficiently diverse range of products to help meet a client’s objectives. They are in no way limited to products provided by companies they work for.
Last checked: 17 September 2026
An independent adviser can advise across a sufficiently diverse range of products to help meet a client’s objectives. They are in no way limited to products provided by companies they work for.
7
Qualifications Uploaded
Alan has added their qualifications to their profile. You can see them by clicking on the ‘qualifications’ tab below
7 qualification certificates available to view
Alan has added their qualifications to their profile. You can see them by clicking on the ‘qualifications’ tab below
Transparent Fees
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Positive First Impressions
100% of VouchedFor users have had a positive (4 or 5 star) first experience with Alan (based on 7 first impressions)
100% of users who are not yet clients had a positive first experience with Alan
100% of VouchedFor users have had a positive (4 or 5 star) first experience with Alan (based on 7 first impressions)

About

I’m here to give advice on your investments and pensions so they work hard for you and to give you the trust and security your life savings deserve, after all you’ve worked hard to earn this money so it makes sense that it works hard for you. I started Lazenby’s so I could give advice free of provider, bank and large company influence. At Lazenby’s our existing clients are as important as new clients and get seen at least once a year, and that’s written into our agreement with them. I don’t talk products I give advice about what your money is to be used for now and in the future, when do you want to retire, what will you do, what’s the number you need to retire in comfort? What’s the point of investing your hard earned cash if you’re not sure of your goal or time frame. As an expert in investment advice, having invested many millions of pounds since I set up Lazenby’s Financial Services, I’m a trusted experienced pair of hands for your money and your aspirations. I use my experience of over 28 years managing money with hundreds of clients alongside cutting edge advice software to plan your financial future for you and your family. When I'm not working hard for my clients I'm busy walking our two Daxies, Dash and Dougie, who are also featured on our website as our morale officers! I love reading books, with authors like Harry Harrison and James Herbert, but I spend a large amount of time reading books on finance, so James Rickards is one of my favourite authors with books like 'Currency Wars', 'The Death of Money' and 'The New Case for Gold'.

ALAN CAN HELP YOU WITH

Checking if I’m on track for retirementChoosing drawdown or annuityCreating income in retirementFeeling stressed or anxious about moneyLeaving a meaningful legacyMaking my pension lastManaging a major life changeManaging an inheritancePaying for university or private educationPlanning my own pensionPlanning retirement in the next 5–10 yearsPreparing for uncertaintyProtecting my family’s futureReducing inheritance taxSimplifying finances later in life

Alan Lazenby

Lazenby's Financial Services

Minimum savings/pensions: Over £50,000

0113 427 9378

Based in Leeds

Top Rated 2026

Verified since: July, 2025

5 out of 5

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE ALAN

Checks carried out by VouchedFor

FCA Regulated

Recent Client Reviews

Independent Financial Adviser

Qualifications Uploaded

Transparent Fees

Positive First Impressions

About

Retirement Planning for Business Owners

ALAN CAN HELP YOU WITH