When it comes to deciding between a SIPP and a Lifetime ISA, there are several factors you should consider. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the differences between these two options as well as your financial goals and current situation.
A SIPP, or self-invested personal pension, is a type of pension plan that enables you to select your own investments. You contribute to your SIPP, and the money is invested on your behalf. Your savings grow tax-free until you reach retirement age, and you can withdraw your savings as regular income. And you cant take 25% of the money tax-free at retirement age.
On the other hand, a Lifetime ISA is a savings account designed to help you save for your first home or retirement. You can contribute up to £4,000 per year, and the government will add a 25% bonus to your contributions, up to a maximum of £1,000 per year. The savings in a Lifetime ISA grow tax-free, and you can withdraw them without penalty when you reach age 60 or when you use them to buy your first home.
When choosing between a SIPP and a Lifetime ISA, you need to consider your financial goals. A SIPP may be more appropriate if you want to access your pension savings at an earlier age, while a Lifetime ISA may be better for saving for a first-time home purchase.
Another consideration is the annual contribution limit. A Lifetime ISA has a maximum annual contribution limit of £4,000, while a SIPP has a higher annual contribution limit of £40,000. A SIPP also offers a wider range of investment options, giving you more control over where your money is invested. However, a Lifetime ISA provides a 25% government bonus on contributions, up to a maximum of £1,000 per year.
Your tax situation is also a factor to consider. With a SIPP, your contributions are tax-free, which can be advantageous for higher-rate taxpayers. With a Lifetime ISA, your contributions are made with after-tax income, but you receive a 25% government bonus on your contributions. It’s the same thing in a different format. I should also note that a SIPP / Pension becomes twice as attractive as you get into the upper tax-bracket since you are getting far more tax-relief on your money (40-45% vs 25% that you’d get as a bonus going into your Lifetime ISA).
Keep in mind that a Lifetime ISA has restrictions on withdrawing your money. If you withdraw your savings for any reason other than a first-time home purchase or retirement, you will incur a penalty of 25% of the amount withdrawn. On the other hand, a SIPP allows you to access your savings from age 55 onwards, with the first 25% of your savings being tax-free.
I personally believe that the lifetime ISA is a great vehicle of long-term investing, for those that value liquidity. Yes, you pay a fee if you take money out of the ISA, (works out at around 6%), but if you were taking out this money to, for example, start a business it gives you many more options than a pension.
It also has a final psychological factor, the penalty aspect of the Lifetime ISA may actually lead to higher results. People are less likely to dip into something that has fees for taking money out of, and therefore are more likely to stick with their long-term investment goals. I think this is a factor that a lot of people do not consider. You may also want to look at things like salary sacrifice and the impact on your student loan repayments for example.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual circumstances and financial goals. It may be helpful to consult a financial advisor who can assist you in determining which option is most suitable for you. They can also assist you in evaluating your overall financial plan and investment strategy. If you are an upper-rate tax-payer and can afford to do both, the lifetime ISA is a great secondary pension.
