Helpful links
Helpful links
MoneyHelper
This is a government-supported service that brings together the Money Advice Service, The Pensions Advisory Service, and Pension Wise. It aims to equip people throughout the UK with the guidance and information they need to make good financial decisions. The service offers clear money and pensions guidance directly and points people to other trusted services for more support. It's free and available online or over the phone.
The Pensions Regulator (TPR)
TPR works with employers and Trustees helping to protect workplace pensions in the UK.
Pension Tracing Service
A free service to help you find a lost pension or details about a past scheme you may have been a member of.
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO)
If you have a complaint about the Provident Staff Pension Scheme (the Scheme), firstly get in touch with the Pensions Team. If you're still not satisfied with the outcome, TPO is an independent organisation set up by law to investigate complaints about pension schemes administered in the UK. This service is free and impartial.
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The FCA regulates financial services firms and financial markets in the UK. You can use the FCA's website to find out more about pension scams and how to avoid them, as well as what to do if you think you're being targeted by scammers.
Getting advice
If you're not sure what to do with your money or what important decisions you need to make about your financial future, an independent financial adviser could help you. There are a lot of financial products available so choosing between them can be challenging.
Guidance provides you with information about the various options available to you, but not recommendations for what you should do. Financial advice, however, tells you which specific product would best suit your needs.
A professional financial adviser can help with things like:
- Retirement planning.
- Investments.
- Financial planning for when your life changes e.g. death, having children or getting divorced.
- Making the most of a lump sum of money.
- Inheritance.
Where you can find a financial adviser
MoneyHelper and Pension Wise are great sources of information and guidance but can't give you financial advice or tell you what you should do. The Trustees aren't able to give you advice either. If you feel you need more direction, seeking financial advice is a great idea.
Other FCA-approved independent financial advisers are available and you can use the directory on the MoneyHelper website to find one. All advisers are regulated by the FCA and can recommend products from a large range of providers to help you make decisions.
How much does it cost?
You will have to pay for the financial advice and there may be a charge on the financial products that you buy.
Make sure you understand the cost involved – you should compare the fees and investment charges between different advisers before you make any final decisions. You could get the same product at a cheaper price with another adviser so it can be good to shop around.