The future may seem far away, but you need to start planning early. Regardless of your goals, there are things you can do to increase your chances of success! We look objectively at your plans to provide solutions that work as your priorities change over the years and you go through different life events.

Many of us have got things in mind we’d like to do when we retire, whether it’s travelling the world or simply doing more of what we love. But how can you save enough for a decent retirement without having to give up what makes life good today?

Eagerness to retire

According to new research [1], almost three quarters (73%) of people aged 45 or over are longing for the day when their life is no longer confined by their working routine. Yet despite an eagerness to retire, the research shows that almost half (46%) of over-45s with a pension have no idea how much it is currently worth, and that more women (52%) than men (41%) don’t know the value of their own pension savings.

Shift in lifestyle

A fifth (19%) of those aged 45-plus don’t have a pension in place yet. Two thirds of those aged 45-plus (67%) are hoping for a shift in lifestyle, keen to retire early before the State Pension age kicks in. But only one in ten of them (12%) has proactively increased how much they are investing in their pension when they’ve been able to, in order to help make this happen.

Pension freedoms benefits

Once people reach the age of 55 (age 57 from 2028), they can benefit from pension freedoms which allow them to start withdrawing money from their pension savings if they need to. It’s a point at which some key decisions can be made, and the importance of knowing the value of their pension should come sharply into focus. But even among this group of people aged 55-64, some 45% still have their eyes shut and don’t know what their pension savings are worth.

Life after work

Retirement is changing, and life after work in the future will not look the same as it did for our parents or their parents. But while many of us might dream of what we’re going to do when we retire and when that might be, without a plan in place these dreams are likely to stay just that. To find out more, please contact one of our independent financial advisers here.

Source Data:
[1] Research was carried out online for Standard Life by Opinium. Sample size was 2,001 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). Fieldwork was undertaken in November 2017.

*Information is based on our current understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and reliefs from taxation are subject to change. Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough review of their particular situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions.