How to Reach Your Retirement Goals
Learn how much money you need to save for your retirement, how the 3 types of pensions work, and how to use them to your advantage.
Everything you need to know about pensions
Not sure where to start with pensions? You’re not alone. Our guides break down Personal Pensions and the State Pension, plus how to save, what you’ll get, and how to plan for retirement with confidence.
How to Set Up Your Own Pension
Learn how to find the right pension provider for you, how to set up an account, and pension-proof investment ideas.
Who is the best pension provider in the UK?
Want to open a personal pension but don't have a clue where to start? Check out the winners of our coveted Best Buy SIPP award to see which providers topped the table on fees, investment choice, customer reviews and more.
Pension related articles
Dive deeper into our handy articles - on everything from investing for retirement to the 25% tax-free lump sum.
Your pension questions answered
You've been writing in to ask us how you can make your money work harder. So we're making it our mission to help real readers with real money problems.
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Frequently asked questions about pensions
What is a pension?
A pension is a way of saving for retirement that gets a boost from tax relief, and often an employer contribution too. You build up a pot over your working life, then draw on it once you reach a set age, typically to top up or replace your income after you stop working.
What are the different types of pension in the UK?
There are three main types: the State Pension, paid by the government based on your National Insurance record; workplace pensions, set up by your employer with contributions from you both; and personal pensions such as a SIPP, which you open yourself and control the investments in. Most people end up with a mix of all three.
How much State Pension will I get?
The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week (£12,547.60 a year) in 2026/27, but you need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to get the full amount, and at least 10 to get anything at all.
How much should I pay into my pension?
If you're in a workplace pension, the legal minimum is 8% of qualifying earnings, split 5% from you and 3% from your employer, though many employers pay more. As a rough guide, some experts suggest saving a percentage of your salary equal to half your age when you start, and increasing it over time.
How much should I pay into my pension?
If you're in a workplace pension, the legal minimum is 8% of qualifying earnings, split 5% from you and 3% from your employer, though many employers pay more. As a rough guide, some experts suggest saving a percentage of your salary equal to half your age when you start, and increasing it over time.
Should I combine my old pensions into one pot?
You don't have to, but combining old pensions can make them easier to track and may cut down on fees. It's not right for everyone: some older workplace pensions come with valuable guarantees or exit penalties that you'd lose by transferring, so it's worth checking the details of each pot before you consolidate.