A couple of years ago I took over the management of my husband` sipp. I arranged the pension transfers etc ater his ifa told him how much it would cost re fees etc. A small fortune indeed. It took me 3 days of hard study and with my husbands permission I took control.

Is anyone else out there guiding their own pensions and also investment isa`s?

As I'm approaching 50, I'm contemplating SIPPing one of my pensions - particularly as its never set the world alight and I'm sure I can do better than the PRU.

As I do not want to buy an annuity but would like the 25% lump sum, I think the best option is to 'SIPP' it, take the lump and then opt for 0% drawdown?

Does anyone have any dos and don'ts? I will probably use HL as I use them for ISAs etc and have used generally for over 20 years.

Any views on my last question?

Continuing with HL seems to be a good idea . But why not ring them and discuss the matter with one of their consultants, as they know you and your circumstances better than anyone on this board! As an existing client you should get expert advice.

Hi Skinny,

I agree with midknight; take advice, beware of exit charges, check to see if there are any pension guarantees, life insurance etc attached to the old pension and make sure that everthing is in place to ensure a smooth transfer. Once the ball starts rolling your pension is taken out of the market and will sit there until the transfer is complete.

Having just gone through this process with several "old, nearly forgotten" pensions, the old custodians are sometimes not to keen to see your money go to pastures new!!

Do's & Dont's, I'm afraid it's each to his own, which is probably why this thread has never really got going.

Good luck