Richard Cook. The Investment and Retirement Coach

14/01/2026

If you’re a higher earner, there’s a good chance you’re not getting all the pension tax relief you’re entitled to — and many people don’t realise it.

While basic-rate tax relief is added automatically to most pension contributions, anyone paying 40% or 45% tax often has to claim the extra relief themselves. If they don’t, that additional benefit is simply missed.

Industry research suggests that many people earning over £50,000 are overlooking this step, potentially losing hundreds (and in some cases thousands) of pounds each year.

The good news is that the process has become much simpler. HMRC now offers an online system that makes claiming additional pension tax relief quicker and more straightforward than the old paper-based approach. Claims can also be made via a self-assessment tax return.

It’s also worth knowing that missed relief doesn’t have to be lost forever. In many cases, claims can be backdated for up to four previous tax years.

Some workplace pension schemes automatically give tax relief at your highest rate, depending on how contributions are set up. Others don’t, which is why it’s important to check how your pension works and whether any extra relief needs to be claimed.

A quick review could make a meaningful difference to your long-term savings. Get in touch if you would like further information.

13/11/2025

Only 10 days away from the budget. After a year of pretty spectacular investmet performance many clients are very nervous and are banking profits. What’s your stance?

17/09/2024

Whats your vision for retirement? You need to know as without that vision you cant develop a plan to ensure that your assets can support the vision

05/09/2024

Big day. Back to college at 80 plus. Pershore College. Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. Building additional skills to help clients make a confident transition to retirement.

24/12/2023

Get Up To A 10x INCREASE In Revenue With Just ONE Discovery Call

23/06/2023

https://youtu.be/ZkWoTCEArmA
If you are earning £100,000 or more you should know that HMRC are rubbing their hands together with glee! To find out why and how to stop them watch my short video.

If you've hit £100k in earnings you'll need to know how to avoid paying 60% of every pound over and above that figure, to HMRC. Contact me to find out how. ...

19/02/2023

Hot off the Grill! The Beefy Boys are doing a Truck Stop at Sherdons | April 8th high noon to 6:00pm.

If you don’t know much about the Beefy Boys, check out their website https://thebeefyboys.com and their page https://www.facebook.com/TheBeefyBoys/ and you’ll see why we’re excited about having these local legends at Sherdons.

So how about legendary food, something to wash it down in our newly re furbished clubhouse and outdoor dining area, some good old fashioned fun playing Pirate Adventure Golf with friends and family or a free go in our Trackman range?

It’s going to be a great day, so look out for more news over the next few weeks.

07/03/2022

With the financial year-end looming, I have put some thoughts together on tax planning for you.

Some tax year planning thoughts With only four weeks to go before the end of the tax year, I thought it would be useful to let you have some year-end tax planning thoughts. Pension planning If you are over 50 and a higher rate tax-payer either with invested capital or an excess of income over expend

25/02/2022

Are you worried about what the Ukrainian conflict will do to your hard earned investments?

I have today issued a briefing to members of my Investment and Retirement Guidance Club.

If you would like a copy just message me or pop your contact details in the comments.

Thanks, Richard

21/05/2021

Are you a small business? 💼

If you’re looking to support TIC+ in providing to children and young people living in then it’s easier than ever to donate 💰

Through Work for Good small businesses can donate to their chosen charity through their sales.

Even a little can help us make a HUGE difference.

Find out more 👉 www.workforgood.co.uk

21/05/2021

Let’s get one thing clear, it’s your money and your future. No one will take as much interest in it and pay it as much attention as you.

So where do you start? If you don’t know what you expect or want your retirement to look like how can you expect anyone to get you there and then keep you on track?

If you are more than 10 years away from retirement this is not too difficult. You should have a ball-park idea of when you would like to retire, the lifestyle you would like in retirement, and what it is likely to cost you. Most reasonably competent financial advisers should be able to help you draw up a game plan, guide you through the implementation process and set up an investment strategy. Make sure they are looking at the full picture and are not just selling an expensive pension plan.

The real issue arises when you get to what I call “The Retirement Risk Zone”. That is the five or so years before you retire or perhaps just start the slowing down process. That is when it is essential that you start to take all this seriously, look at the retirement lifestyle you want and work out what it will cost. If this is you, you might want to read my recent blog: http://ow.ly/whxb50EQi8n