HealthMatters

Home | Retirement Planning | Pension Types And Top Calculators To Consider

Pension Types and Top Calculators to Consider

With age, a drop in earning potential makes people reevaluate their finances. To supplement their lifestyle, many set up pensions, which are essentially a way of saving for retirement. They can use their savings or investments for the future to ensure they have enough money to live comfortably after retirement.

Pension Types and Top Calculators to Consider
Here, tools called pension plans are rather popular, as they promise government tax relief, employer contributions, and a tax-free lump sum.

Types of pension
In the  UK , there are three types of pension: the State Pension, workplace pension, and private pension.

1. State Pension
This is the money the government pays when one reaches the required State Pension age. This amount can be built up by making National Insurance contributions throughout one’s life. That said, this amount alone is insufficient to sustain or live comfortably in retirement years. Another thing to note is that this pension is not paid automatically. Typically, one receives a letter two months before they reach State Pension age. This letter discusses the recipient’s eligibility for the scheme and details regarding the claim process.

2. Workplace pension
Many workplaces offer savings schemes to their employees to help them with retirement planning. In this scheme, one contributes a part of their salary to the pension fund. The employer also makes a contribution , the amount of which may be less than or equal to the personal contribution. The government adds to this fund by offering tax relief and helping the pension pot grow.

Workplace pension schemes may be divided into defined contributions and benefits (or final salary pension). The former is more popular, as here, the overall money depends on personal contributions and investment returns.

3. Private pension
Those who would like to have an additional source of income can also opt for private pensions, stakeholder pensions, or self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs ). Here, one needs to personally choose a pension provider, the contribution amount, and other details (including annual and lifetime limits). This is also supported by government tax relief policies. It is important to note that pension providers typically charge a fee in exchange for their services. One must account for this fee from the start, as it could significantly eat into their pension fund.

Tools for calculating pension amount
Payouts need to be calculated separately and then added for each of the pension types . For State Pension, the amount received depends on one’s National Insurance contribution history, i.e., the total number of qualifying years. Claims can only be made if one has at least ten qualifying years. To claim the full or maximum amount, one must have at least 35 qualifying years. Currently, this limit is set at £179.60 per week, with the State pension age being set at 66. That said, these numbers can change based on government discretion.

To know the total pension amount one will receive, one can check out the State Pension calculator. Those aware of how many years they have can simply calculate the pension amount by dividing £179.60 by 35 and multiplying it by the number of years they have made the National Insurance Contribution. For other types of pensions, one can use a third-party pension calculator.

1. Which?
With this pension calculator, users only need to fill out a short page of information first. Then, the tool directly shows the pension one can expect at retirement and the methods used to calculate the results. That said, the app does not take the State Pension into consideration . Additionally, the results are not dynamic, i.e., they cannot be tweaked to change or modify calculations.

2. MoneyHelper
This pension calculator begins by asking for one’s annual salary. Based on the input, it recommends a monthly aim to achieve the desired retirement account. Once the user enters additional information, the app also provides a table that displays the estimated annual income if one uses their pension pot to buy an annuity. This comprehensive calculation is dynamic and allows users to toggle between options to modify their retirement goals.

3. Aviva
Those looking for an easy-to-use tool to calculate their pensions can try Aviva. Its calculation starts with a short form and allows users to include or exclude State Pension amounts. In addition to regular calculations, it offers other estimates at the end, such as expectations with a drawdown, income from the annuity, tax-free lump sum payments, etc.

4. Hargreaves Lansdown
The Hargreaves pension calculator is a simple one meant for those looking for an app without annuity options or State Pension details. The app is also easy to use, starting its calculation by asking for details such as the date of birth, existing fund, targeted monthly income, gender, and whether one wants a tax-free sum. Using this information, the calculator creates a forecast to show how long the pension fund will last based on the average life expectancy and financial goals.

5. Unbiased
This app provides the target retirement income based on one’s current salary. Then, based on the entered data, it showcases how much one can draw down each year, with adjustable toggles for income, planned retirement age, and pension contributions. The app does not factor in aspects such as investment performance, State Pension, annuity, etc.

Recent Articles

Easy dinner ideas that are a hit with families
Cooking

Easy dinner ideas that are a hit with families

Five quick and easy dinner ideas for a busy weekend
Cooking

Five quick and easy dinner ideas for a busy weekend

The world of Bon Appetite recipes
Food

The world of Bon Appetite recipes

8 healthy dinner recipes that can be made quickly
Food and Drink

8 healthy dinner recipes that can be made quickly

Five Quick Dinner Ideas to Save Your Evenings
Food

Five Quick Dinner Ideas to Save Your Evenings

Unique Ways to Add Eggplant to Your Diet
Uncategorized

Unique Ways to Add Eggplant to Your Diet

Trending Articles

6 simple benefits of meditation
Health

6 simple benefits of meditation

A habitual process, mediation helps to train the mind to be more focussed by redirecting thoughts. Many people use meditation techniques to increase self-awareness. Some people use mediation as a way to alleviate stress and increase concentration levels. Whatever be the purpose of mediation, the process comes with a lot of benefits. Here are some of the well-known benefits of mediation and how it affects the brain. Improves sleep cycle Nearly everyone suffers from insomnia once in a while. Some experience a persistent lack of sleep. The reasons for a disrupted sleep cycle can be severe stress, anxiety, and worrying. Often racing thoughts and severe emotional distress can also cause insomnia. Medication helps in dealing with insomnia. However, by focusing all thoughts, meditation can be beneficial in controlling racing and runaway thoughts. Moreover, it will release the tension and help the mind and body relax, leading to improved sleep quality. Those who meditate often have better REM sleep and tend to fall asleep in a shorter time. Reduced perception of pain Everyone’s brain perceives pain with different intensities. However, when one is extremely stressed out or anxious, one’s perception of pain may be higher than usual. Pain receptors are directly linked to the emotional state of mind. When one incorporates regular meditation in their everyday routines, it can be effective in controlling pain sensations. With mindfulness meditation, pain can be alleviated. Moreover, the quality of life also improves. Those who suffer from chronic pain may find meditation useful as it lowers the risk of depression. Those who meditate have been known to develop higher tolerance towards physical pain. Improved concentration levels Mindfulness meditation increases the ability to focus on the present. It is similar to weight-lifting, but for the brain. This can improve concentration levels required for the other tasks in everyday life. According to research, mindfulness is linked to one’s ability to process new information. It gives a boost to emotional regulation, memory, and learning ability. Moreover, this can help in reversing patterns of worrying and wandering minds. All of this can give more clarity, allowing greater decision-making capability. Meta-awareness and attention can be trained through mindfulness meditation and focused-attention meditation. Lower risk of age-associated memory loss With meditation, there is improvement in attention. In addition, there is improved clarity of thought. A form of meditation that involves repeating a chant or mantra has been known to improve neuropsychological performance. Along with chanting, the meditating process also involves repetitive motions of the fingers. This helps to focus thoughts. Moreover, different forms of meditation have been known to boost memory, attention, and mental agility, especially in older adults. Along with slowing down age-related memory loss, meditating can help to control stress that is often a major contributor to memory loss. Better management of depression and anxiety Dwelling on anxious thoughts is one of the major factors contributing to depression. With mindfulness meditation, the mind can be trained to focus on the present. Practicing mindfulness over a longer duration can alleviate anxiety. It also helps in easing symptoms of depression. In many cases, meditation is often a part of comprehensive mental health treatment plans. From correcting troubled sleeping patterns, appetite loss, and moodiness, mindfulness-based mediation can go a long way in making it easier to manage anxiety and depression. Better self-esteem Mindfulness and meditation encourage a person to slow down. These practices help to follow deeper self-reflection. Along the way, a person gains the ability to discover positive attributes about themselves. A person is able to examine their feelings, emotions, and thoughts without any judgment. This boosts self-awareness. It also helps in improving social anxiety symptoms. All of these help in gaining a better sense of self-esteem.
View More
Important things to know about prayer beads
Tibetan prayer beads

Important things to know about prayer beads

If you have been practicing meditation or yoga for a long time, you probably have come across prayer beads. You can find these Buddhist beads, alternatively referred to as Tibetan prayer beads, in sculptures or paintings of Buddha where he is seen holding these beads. Although it is quite a common sight, few actually know about Tibetan prayer beads. This article elucidates on some important points related to prayer beads. Prayer beads have been used across the globe for thousands of years. They play a vital role in various cultures and countries for meditation purposes. Some records claim that beads were first noticed in Nepal and India. They have been used across different religions, such as Catholicism and Hinduism, among others. Advantages of prayer beads Prayer beads can help you with various aspects of meditation, a practice that provides numerous health benefits. Meditation can contribute to lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and reducing stress levels. However, many people face difficulties while meditating, particularly at the start. This is when prayer beads prove to be useful, as they keep you focused while meditating. The constant movement of your fingers around the beads helps in grounding you. When you touch each bead, you say a chant so you can keep a count of the number of times you have repeated the chant. Composition of prayer beads Traditionally, they consist of 108 beads along with a guru bead, which has a tassel and is bigger than all the other beads. How significant is the number of beads Usually, traditional Tibetan prayer beads have 108 beads. This number is considered sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism. However, if you feel that 108 is a lot, you can purchase a necklace with 27 or 54 beads. Some necklaces have beads of different shapes after the 27 th bead. So, you can keep track of your repetitions efficiently. Such prayer beads also allow for shorter meditation periods. How can you use prayer beads for meditation? Breath control and repetition of the chant are two key starting points while using prayer beads during meditation. It is advisable to focus on your breathing while meditating. You can use prayer beads for managing your breath by: Holding the prayer beads in one hand Allowing the beads to drape around your fingers so that you may move them with ease Inhaling and exhaling one full breath Moving the fingers to the next bead; breath in and out once for each bead Concluding at the guru bead to finish 108 breaths Moving your fingers in the other direction until you again reach the guru bead if you wish to do another round. While following these steps, you may repeat a chant, which can be a sound, word, or phrase to be aware of during meditation.
View More
Healing Prayers and Their Health Benefits
Health

Healing Prayers and Their Health Benefits

Spiritual practices like praying are deeply personal and uniquely meaningful for each individual. Experts often define praying as communication between the self and the sacred. Despite the complexities and caveats in studying this delicate topic, researchers have found that such practices can offer physical and emotional healing benefits, regardless of one’s faith. These findings underscore the potential universal health advantages of engaging in spiritual activities like prayer, highlighting their significance across different belief systems. Offer a greater sense of purpose According to an 11-year-long study by the National Institute of Health, a significant correlation exists between having a sense of purpose and longevity. This sense of purpose is seen as an effective way to reduce stress, fight anxiety and depression, and increase self-esteem. Prayer and meditation may help one feel connected to a greater power or truth, adding to one’s sense of purpose. This may help boost one’s physical and mental health over time. Help provide social support In one’s journey of spirituality, one may come across many like-minded people. Exposure to these individuals can help build a sense of community and belonging. This sense of belonging can provide social support, improve confidence, and reduce loneliness. It may help elevate one’s mood Prayers can have a significant impact on one’s mood. According to a study by the American Journal of Epidemiology, those who pray regularly have reported a greater sense of mission, better emotional processing and expression, and forgiveness than those who do not. Studies have also found that spirituality-related activities, such as singing or volunteering, may help reduce stress, offer a support system, and improve overall well-being. Help people cope with difficulties During difficult or stressful times, prayers can help one feel hopeful and resilient or release their sense of control, relinquishing it to a higher power or truth. This can provide a powerful framework for coping with stress or grief, reducing the risk of anxiety or depression. Enhance gratitude Prayers often involve practicing gratitude and compassion. This may help people let go of any ill or negative feelings they may be harboring, helping them feel lighter and boosting overall health. Promote mindfulness Some forms of prayer and spiritual practices, such as meditation, promote awareness of the present. This could help people control their thoughts and emotions, ground them in the current moment, create a connection between the mind, spirit, and body, and offer peace or mindfulness. According to a recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology, engaging in a daily 10-minute centering prayer significantly reduced stress levels among college students. Help support physical health Some studies also suggest that prayers may help support physical health in the following ways: Reduce stress: Healing prayers often induce a relaxation response, which can aid in reducing stress and anxiety levels and calming the cardiovascular system. This can have physiological benefits, such as lowered heart rates, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption. Praying can help reduce stress levels, boost immunity, and manage pain. Raise immunity: High stress levels may also lead to chronic inflammation. According to research, there is a strong correlation between chronic inflammation and aging. This may result from the negative impact of stress on the thyroid and adrenal glands. Over time, this may lead to low immune function and raise the risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s: Spiritual practices such as praying and meditation may also act as a natural buffer against age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis. While praying may not be enough to prevent the onset of these conditions, it may help delay them, reduce symptoms, or slow down their progress. Based on research and anecdotal evidence, prayers appear to have several healing qualities – both physical and emotional. To introduce this practice into one’s daily life, here are some tips that may help: Form a habit: Praying at the same time every day may help one establish some time apart for connecting with themselves and the powers they believe in. Set aside five to ten minutes daily to pray or meditate, and do it consistently. Keep it simple: Praying and meditation do not require significant investments. A calm, quiet space is enough. If interested, one may consider investing in plants, inspirational books, essential oils, etc., over time. Find a partner or community: Praying with others may help one feel more connected. This could be a spiritual teacher, healing prayer group, friend, family member, or partner. In these settings, one may devise creative ways to stay engaged and give back to society. Healing prayers and meditation practices can be a boon for one’s overall well-being, with benefits that transcend the physical realm. They may play an essential role in helping one stay grounded and healthy, promote good habits, cope with difficulties, reduce anxiety and stress, get in touch with their greater purpose, and stay connected with the community.
View More
Natural Remedies That Boost Sleep Quality
Health & Wellness

Natural Remedies That Boost Sleep Quality

Sleep is a very important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Going without sleep can make it difficult to concentrate, affect your mood, lead to headaches and other physical ailments, and harm the body’s overall health. If you are having trouble falling asleep at night or staying asleep, you can try sleep treatments prescribed by your healthcare professional. There are also tons of natural lifestyle changes and remedies that can help boost sleep. Tea or Milk One of the best treatments for sleep troubles is trying night-time drinks like a warm cup of milk, chamomile tea, and even tart cherry juice. Understanding the effects of night-time drinks on the body’s circadian rhythm needs more research, but they’re also quite beneficial to our health. Sleep experts believe that warm milk has chemicals that can affect the sleep-wake transition of the brain. Chamomile tea can also help as it contains flavonoids that interact with receptors involved in the brain’s sleep-wake transition. Some may find it odd that tea is being suggested for better sleep. But, chamomile tea does not contain any caffeine. Tart cherry juice can also work as a sleep treatment as it helps improve melatonin production in the brain and improves the sleep cycle. Regular Exercise Another sleep treatment that is best for those who have trouble falling asleep is exercise. Exercise is great for the body as a whole; it improves physical and mental health, positively affects the person’s mood, boosts energy, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Another thing that exercise can help with is improving the quality and the quantity of sleep. Research has shown that exercising for a minimum of two and a half hours per week can improve insomnia symptoms and reduce depression and anxiety. If you’re new to exercising, you can start with light or moderate exercises, depending on your health. Around 20 minutes of physical activity daily will be of great help. You also need to find the time when physical activity will help boost your sleep and not hinder it. A healthcare professional can suggest the activities you can take up based on the condition of your body. Melatonin Supplements This naturally released hormone makes us feel sleepy and is usually released a few hours before we start to feel drowsy. Its release is triggered by the reduced exposure to light as it gets dark outside. But now, as we live in the age of smart TVs, mobiles, and laptops, we are constantly exposed to light even after it is dark outside. These distractions prevent the natural cycle of melatonin release in the brain and make it difficult to fall asleep. You can purchase melatonin supplements to tackle this issue, but consult your doctor before taking any of them. Also, if you are using melatonin supplements as a treatment for sleep, it is best to stick to one brand because the concentrations are not regulated; different brands can have varying doses. Meditation Another one of the best treatments for sleep is meditation. Meditation requires you to sit in complete silence and focus on your breathing. This practice offers many benefits, including better sleep quality, reduced stress, improved concentration, and a boosted immune system. It is recommended to try around 15 minutes of meditation either in the morning or evening. You can join a meditation group if you’re not feeling motivated to meditate at home. Note that this is a very safe activity and can have numerous health benefits. Yoga Yoga also makes for a great sleep treatment that is easy to try and accessible to everyone. It helps alleviate stress, improve body mobility and strength, and even boost overall mental health. Most yoga exercises focus on slow and controlled movements along with controlled breath work and meditation. If you’re a beginner, start with simple movements and then move on to more complex ones. It is recommended to do yoga sessions for at least 20 minutes daily. You can do it any time of the day and even before bedtime, as the movements can help improve posture and help you relax. Do not force any of the movements as it can lead to injury. Some of the other best sleep treatments are massages and sleeping in a dark room. You can talk to your healthcare professional for help if your sleep troubles persist. When the abovementioned natural remedies don’t have an effect on your sleep quality, clinical treatments come into play. The doctor may instruct you to take prescriptions over a period to make sure that there is no depravity of rest. Every individual on Earth needs enough sleep to have no issues with their daily routines and professional lives. Make sure you get the right number of hours so that the next day can be faced with high levels of energy and confidence.
View More
Buy bean bag chairs to relax in style
Chairs

Buy bean bag chairs to relax in style

You have surely come across many stylish bean bag chairs these days. They are not just plush and cozy, but are even considered good for your health. This charming piece of furniture helps to alleviate stress and is a foremost booster for your overall health. The ergonomic furniture is very beneficial and many doctors suggest people having back problems to make use of these chairs. It has been observed that serious health issues can be caused if the posture of the body is not maintained properly. Why use bean bag Sitting in an inappropriate posture for a long time can result in stress on muscles and joints and affect circulation. The use of a bean bag chair is an effective and inexpensive solution for this problem. A lot of people in offices sit for long hours working on the computer and develop shoulder ache, pinched nerves, neck pain and back pain. To address these issues, these chairs are immensely helpful and aid in relieving pain and stress. Benefits of using bean bag chairs These ergonomic solutions are very useful as they adapt to the shape of your body. The positions that cause stress on the body are gently cradled by these chairs that provide support like a cushion. Sitting on this chair feels very good and will provide you a lot of relaxation. Your tensions would also fly away your muscles will relax. You can relax and watch television, or read books while sitting in the bean bag chair. You can even sit in it and meditate. The BB bag is excellent for use while meditating as you will not be distracted by any pain during meditation. Use of bean bags in corporate companies Negative impact can be created on your health because of poor posture and that is the main reason why you should make use of these chairs to avoid any health issues. There are a lot of companies that have joined the bean bag revolution and are making use of these bags to protect their body throughout repetitive actions. All employees are provided with these ergonomically engineered chairs to have a relaxed and comfortable work environment. Investing in the BB is worth the price and the best part is that they are available in different colors. You can buy BB chairs of your choice as these add style and flair to your room. Advantage of using bean bag chair bed There are bean bags available in different sizes and some of them can be folded out like a bed. You can use these beds to sleep comfortably and ease the stress after a long day’s work. It helps to achieve a good night sleep and provide unrivaled support. The advantage of the BB chair bed over a regular bed is that it can return to its shape faster. The other benefit is that these bean bags beds are recyclable, and there is no need to change the springs like in a regular bed. You just need to refill the bean bag chair bed.
View More
Natural Remedies for Depression
Health

Natural Remedies for Depression

Depression is a common disease, and the figures have been rising for the past few years. Are you aware that this number has been increasing in developed, as well as in developing countries? At least 1 out of 7 people face depression at some point in their life, in some form or the other. According to the World Health Organization, depression will become the second most widespread disease by the year 2020. What are you going to do to prevent depression from taking over your body and mind? Natural remedies for depression are a safe option, as prescribed treatment options can come with several side effects, which can be harmful. Causes of Depression Some of the common causes of depression include emotional problems, stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, alcoholism, food allergies and neurotransmitter imbalances. Here are some of the natural remedies that will help you fight depression Set a routine Depression can turn your life upside down. Try to set a routine and daily schedule for yourself, since this will help you get organized and follow your track again. Exercise Exercise makes you feel happy and relaxed. Exercise can boost your energy levels, releasing feel-good chemicals that help you when you feel low or sad. It also has long-term benefits that can help you fight depression. Make sure you exercise regularly, as it keeps you healthy and helps to boost your confidence. Set your goals In order, to get back into a routine, you must set goals for yourself as this will help motivate you to move forward. Eat healthy Taking natural remedies for anxiety and depression is always helpful. A diet should include essential nutrients to help the body function accurately. Therefore, including fruits and vegetables in your diet will improve the way your brain functions. You must eat food that is high in folate and help your brain’s metabolic function. A folate deficiency could lead to mood swings and depression. Some foods rich in folate include lentils, beans, leafy greens, avocados and sunflower seeds. Try adding Omega-3 to your diet as studies have adding omega-3 foods to your diet helps you deal with your mood swings. Another food, which must be included in your diet is Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is known for boosting immunity levels, fighting off cancer cells and improve heart and bone health. Get enough sleep When you’re depressed, it can be very hard to get a good night’s sleep. Make specific lifestyle changes like sleeping and waking up early. Make it a point to maintain a specific routine every and let go of other distractions like the phone, computer, and TV when you are going to sleep. Meditation Studies have shown that meditation can do wonders for people suffering from depression. Practicing meditation will help you calm your mind, body, and soul, leaving you in a state of total peace and relaxation. Get yourself enrolled in some yoga meditation classes or merely try to make time for a little meditation every day. There are some other home remedies for depression that have shown surprising results when it comes to treating depression and anxiety. If you are on medication for other health problems, then self-prescribing treatments to deal with depression is not recommended. Consult your doctor before taking any treatment options for depression and anxiety.
View More