Is £75,000 enough to retire on?
A £75,000 pension pot gives you £14,502/yr through drawdown plus the state pension — that's £279/week. Here's how that stacks up against what you actually need.
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Check your scoreA £75,000 pension pot is above the UK median but still falls short of what most people need for a comfortable retirement on its own. Via the 4% rule, it provides £3,000/year — add the state pension and you're at roughly £14,502/year.
That's enough for the PLSA "minimum" retirement standard, but it leaves you well short of "moderate" (£31,300/yr). To close that gap, you'd need a pot closer to £400,000.
At this pot size, fees matter more than you think. The difference between a 0.75% fee and a 0.20% fee on £75,000 over 20 years is tens of thousands of pounds. If you haven't reviewed your provider recently, it's worth checking whether you're paying more than you need to.
- •Drawdown income uses the 4% rule (withdrawing 4% of your pot per year). Actual sustainable withdrawal rates depend on investment returns, fees, and how long you live.
- •Annuity rates are illustrative market averages and will vary by provider, health, and annuity type. Get multiple quotes before buying.
- •State pension (£11,502/yr) assumes a full 35-year National Insurance record. Your entitlement may differ — check at gov.uk.
- •Target pots use the PLSA Retirement Living Standards (2024/25 single-person figures) and assume retirement at 67 lasting to age 87.
- •All figures are in nominal terms and do not account for inflation. The purchasing power of your pot will be lower in future years.
- •This is general information, not personal financial advice. For personalised guidance speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser.
This calculator provides estimates based on 2025/26 tax rates and is not financial advice. Scottish taxpayers are subject to different income tax rates and bands. The calculations assume your salary is your only source of income and do not account for benefits in kind or other taxable income.
For personalised guidance on your pension contributions, speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser. You can find one via Unbiased or VouchedFor.