It appears many Brits might be playing a dangerous game with their future. A striking 25% of UK pension savers confess to never taking a glance at their pension pots, reveals a study from Moneyhub, the financial data and payments platform.
Annual Checks: Are They Enough?
Historically, there’s been a somewhat lukewarm interest in monitoring pension savings. A significant chunk of savers only receive updates on the worth of their pensions once annually via the provider’s statement. The study brought to light that almost one in four people (23%) only assess their pension value yearly.
Over 55s: Most Lax with Pension Checks
What’s more alarming is the laissez-faire attitude demonstrated by the senior age bracket. Among those aged 55 and above, 40% confess they never even peek at their pension’s worth. Meanwhile, another 20% do so just once per annum.
Youth Takes The Lead
Contrastingly, it’s the younger generation taking the reins of their financial future. Thanks to easy-access via pension provider apps, a notable 48% of those aged 16-24, and 47% in the 25-34 bracket, review their workplace pension at least monthly.
Tech’s Role in Pension Engagement
Technology is reshaping our engagement with retirement funds. This change is timely, especially when an increasing number of Brits voice anxieties over having adequate savings for retirement. Rising living expenses are also nudging some to cut back on their pension contributions.
Hope on the Horizon: Pensions Dashboards
Moneyhub sees the forthcoming pensions dashboards as a beacon of hope to address this engagement gap. The Government’s Pensions Dashboard will empower individuals to track all their pensions – be it state, workplace, or personal. Additionally, commercial dashboards, akin to Standard Life’s Money Mindset app, will not only perform similar search functions but also enable users to sync with other financial services they utilise.
Recently, Standard Life made waves by amplifying its collaboration with Moneyhub. The plan? To launch a commercial pensions dashboard that seamlessly integrates with Standard Life’s current app. This enhancement offers users a consolidated view of their financial health, enabling wiser long-term fiscal choices that align with both immediate and distant monetary objectives.
A Holistic View on Finances
Mark Horwood-James, MD of Moneyhub Personal Finance Technology, weighs in on the matter. He emphasises the critical need for people to stay connected with their anticipated retirement funds. “Engagement is paramount. It’s the early course-corrections that can significantly shape your later years,” he said.
“But mere engagement with pensions isn’t the golden ticket. We must adopt a broader financial outlook. With Open Finance-backed solutions, consumers gain clearer insights into their financial standing, fostering sustainable saving habits, and facilitating the transition to superior financial products. When combined with all-encompassing financial tools, pensions dashboards are poised to revolutionise the industry.”