Underestimating the amount you need in retirement: How a mid-life check can help

Published: November 12, 2020 by Jennifer Armstrong

Do you know how much you need to save into your pension for the retirement you want?

Millions of pension savers are underestimating how much they’ll need once they give up work. It’s a miscalculation that could lead to a retirement that doesn’t meet expectations. Even if retirement seems a long way off, a pension health check can make sure you’re on track. It’s far easier to bridge a pension gap if you recognise the shortfall early.

Two-thirds nearing retirement not saving enough

Analysis found that two-thirds of those aged 50 to 65 are under-saving for retirement.

If you reach retirement age and find there’s a shortfall in your pension, your options are limited. You may have to carry on working for longer or settle for a lifestyle that doesn’t match your aspirations.

In contrast, finding a pension gap when you’re middle-aged gives you an opportunity to plug the gap. Increasing regular contributions or adding a lump sum can get you back on track. It means you know what income you can expect in retirement and look forward to a secure lifestyle.

Mid-life pension health check

Despite the importance of understanding what kind of retirement your savings will afford, it’s a task many are putting off.

An Aviva survey found 53% of people in their mid-life have never calculated when they can afford to retire and 61% have never requested a State Pension forecast. A mid-life pension check can give you confidence in your future and mean you’re able to look forward to retirement.

So, what should you be checking?

1. Your State Pension forecast

The State Pension alone isn’t enough to fund retirement for most people. However, it can provide a reliable income that you’re able to build on. In 2020/21, the full State Pension pays £9,110.40 annually.

There are two things to check when reviewing your State Pension forecast.

The first is when you’ll reach State Pension age. This is currently 66 but is rising, by the mid-2030s, it will be 68 according to the government’s current timetable. You can access your personal pension before this point, but you’ll need to take into account the State Pension won’t be available.

The second area to review is how much you’ll receive. The State Pension increases each tax year by a minimum of 2.5% under the triple lock. However, to receive the full amount, you must have 35 qualifying years on your National Insurance record. If you have fewer than this, you’ll receive a portion of the State Pension. It’s worth reviewing whether you’re on track to meet this requirement as you may be able to buy years to fill gaps.

You can check your State Pension forecast here.

2. The type of pension you have

Over your working life, you’re likely to accumulate a few pensions. Take some time to find the details of each and understand the kind of pensions you hold. There are broadly two types.

1. Defined Benefit pension: This type of pension will pay you a guaranteed income from a set retirement date until you die. You don’t have to worry about investment performance, your pension income is secure. How the income you’ll receive is calculated will be pre-defined. It’s usually tied to how long you pay into the scheme and your final salary.

2. Defined Contribution pension: You’ll make regular contributions from your pay which is then invested with this type of pension. In most cases, your employer will also contribute, and you’ll receive tax relief. When you reach pensionable age, the value of the pension will depend on your contributions and investment performance. You must then decide how and when to use your pension to create an income.

If you’ve ‘lost’ a pension, you can use the government’s tracking service here.

3. Pension values and forecasts

When reviewing your pensions, take a look at how much they are worth now and their forecasted value at retirement age.

Make sure the retirement age is correct and keep in mind that this is a forecast only. Investment performance or leaving a pension scheme will have an impact on the value when you retire. But it can be useful for giving you a general idea if you’re on the right track.

What does the pension value mean for retirement lifestyle?

The value of your pension can be useful, but it doesn’t help you answer the question of whether you’re saving enough. To do this, you need to consider a range of factors, including life expectancy, retirement age and the lifestyle you want. You may also plan to use other assets to supplement your pension income. This is something we can help you with.

It’s never too soon to start thinking about retirement. Please contact us to discuss your pension savings and how they can help you live the retirement you’re looking forward to.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

A pension is a long-term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation which are subject to c


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