Pension savers urged to get 3 things ‘right’ in 2026 for ‘comfortable (Image: Getty)
Experts have warned those with a pension that there are three main things to get right to “give yourself the best chance of a comfortable retirement”. A shocking 43% of working-age adults, or approximately 14.6 million people, are under-saving for retirement, according to an analysis by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) last year.
Even among the top earners bringing in over £67,000 a year, nearly one in two (48%) are projected to fall short of what they’ll need later in life. Rob Mansfield, independent financial advisor at Rootes Wealth Management, urged pension savers to consider three important tips. He said: “Don’t ignore them, it’s your future. You’ve got three main levers to consider.”
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43% of work-age adults are under saving for retirement (Image: Getty)
“How much do you need to put in, how aggressive the investments are and when you take retirement.”
“Get those three rights and you give yourself the best chance of a comfortable retirement”, he explained. “If you don’t understand the statements or if it feels like it’s written in a different language, seek help, either from your scheme or from a financial advisor.”
Scott Gallacher, director at Leicester-based Rowley Turton, added that it is crucial to sort out your pension this year.
He said: “With personal allowances and income tax bands frozen, pension contributions are more important than ever in 2026, particularly for keeping people out of higher-rate tax or, worse still, the 60% tax trap caused by the tapering of the personal allowance above £100,000.”
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Mr Gallacher explained that pensions are still one of the most effective ways to reduce tax while building long-term financial security.
“As most people are basic-rate taxpayers in retirement, this creates a significant tax saving over a lifetime. Ultimately, it’s about living within your means now so you don’t face a sharp and uncomfortable drop in your standard of living when you retire.”
Samuel Mather-Holgate, managing director and IFA at Mather and Murray Financial, shared his biggest tip.
He said: “The rules and allowances around pensions seem to be getting tighter and tighter so make the most of them whilst you can. Stashing cash in your pension is still super sensible, with relief at your highest tax rate on the way in and tax-free growth on all of the money whilst it remains invested.”
Mr Mather-Holgate urged pension savers to start early. He added that “the longer your money is invested, and the more you can contribute, will mean you need to work for less time and retire with more money. Have a broad array of investments and don’t tinker with it too often.”
