If you are thinking about retiring in 2026, or even easing back from full time work, this is the year where small decisions start to matter a lot.In this episode, I look at how to check if retirement is actually realistic, which pension moves still make sense, and how to think about income rather than just fund size.This is about clarity, not hype. And avoiding expensive mistakes!

Key podcast talking points

• Why the year before retirement is the most valuable planning window

• The five numbers you must know before saying “I’m nearly there”

• Why income planning beats obsessing over pension fund size

• Pension contribution and AVC opportunities that disappear if you delay

• Cash buffers and why they reduce stress more than people expect

• When investment risk becomes your friend and when it becomes a problem

• Sequence risk explained in plain English

• Common mistakes we see from people one to two years out from retirement

• What you should have ready before speaking to a financial planner

I hope it helps!