In last month’s Spring Statement Chancellor Rachel Reeves called on the UK to foster more of a retail savings culture. But here’s the problem: A staggering 17 million UK adults are not putting enough aside for a comfortable retirement. Countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark have set the bar high, so why shouldn’t the UK aim to do the same?
Few financial decisions are as intricate - or as easy to put off - as planning for retirement. Between demanding careers, family commitments, and the sheer complexity of the pension system, it’s no wonder many people delay making a plan. But here’s the hard truth: the UK has a massive pension savings shortfall.
A staggering 17 million adults aren’t saving enough for retirement, and if trends continue, the UK’s pension gap could balloon from £6 trillion to £25 trillion by 2050. Worryingly, widening gaps in retirement income not only present challenges for individuals but also place increasing financial and political strain on the government. Compare this to the Netherlands, where a robust pension framework leads to an average annual retirement income of £27,590 vs £20,124 in the UK.
In her recent Spring Statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves underscored the need to foster a retail savings culture, acknowledging that the UK must do more to secure financial futures across the country. But this can’t be left to government action alone. We believe we can, and should, do better.
So, where do you start?
Over the past decade, several factors have made retirement planning even trickier:
These challenges mean that even financially savvy professionals can struggle to make time for effective pension planning. That’s where smart financial advice comes in.
To help you take stock of your retirement planning, consider these four questions:
The UK state pension currently provides around £11,500 per year. Even with private savings, many professionals underestimate how much they need for a comfortable retirement. How do your savings compare to your peers - or to global benchmarks? Harmonic's service helps people plan ahead by developing a cash-flow model tailored to their circumstances, and is realistic and digestible.
Without employer contributions, self-employed professionals need to be even more proactive. The UK’s pension system isn’t always friendly to freelancers, who often miss out on auto-enrolment benefits. We can help you set up a smart, tax-efficient pension plan so you’re not left playing catch-up in your later years.
The UK state pension currently provides around £11,500 per year. Even with private savings, many professionals underestimate how much they need for a comfortable retirement. How do your savings compare to your peers - or to global benchmarks? Harmonic's service helps people plan ahead by developing a cash-flow model tailored to their circumstances, and is realistic and digestible.
Sustainable investing is a growing priority for savers and investors. But while sustainability-focused funds are increasingly available, not all are created equal. With over 40 years of combined experience in sustainable investment, our team assess pensions' holdings and help clients build portfolios that reflect their ethics and values as well as financial goals.
The UK might not have the world’s best pension system (13th place globally, according to Mercer CFA), but that doesn’t mean we should have to settle for an uncertain future.
Countries like the Netherlands and Denmark have set the bar high, so why shouldn’t the UK aim to do the same?
With expert guidance, you can take control of your pension strategy, maximise your savings, and ensure your investments reflect your goals. Harmonic Financial Planning helps busy professionals build a structured, realistic retirement plan that fits their ambitions.
Don’t leave your future to chance. If you’d like to start bridging the gap towards your pension benefits, get in touch with John Ditchfield and Matt Coppin at Harmonic Financial Planning
If you’d like to explore what these potential shifts mean for your portfolio—or discuss strategies to align your investments with your sustainable values—get in touch with our London team John Ditchfield and Max Chan.
We'd welcome an initial discussion, and a first appointment can be booked using the links below.
If you require advice based on specific circumstances, contact our professional advisors.