Retirement planning basics

ISAs and pensions remain two of the simplest ways to keep savings and investments tax efficient in the UK. Used together, they can help you build short-term flexibility and longer-term retirement security, without tying everything up in one place.

This article covers the key 2025/26 allowances, the rules that trip people up and a straightforward way to bring the two into one plan. A quick note on scope. We cover tax rules and planning principles, and we aim to keep it clear and factual.

This is not personal investment advice, and regulated advice may be appropriate where you need a recommendation on products, providers or investments.