Pensions

Choosing the right pension is vital – but difficult. There are a huge number of different types to choose from, an even greater number of providers and a vast amount of jargon, confusion and mis-information to deal with. Little wonder then that too many of us bury our heads in the sand and hope that the whole pension problem goes away. Surveys always show we are all putting far too little aside for our futures – and much of the money we do save is likely to be going to the wrong place.



This website is designed to help solve the problem. It’s independently researched and written and begins with the four key questions everyone should ask about pensions. Then it gives full details of the various pension choices. Read on and you can finally feel confident about your retirement.

Private DB pension schemes 'still open'

Up to a third of private sector pension schemes remain open to employees according to new research.

Figures from the latest annual survey conducted by the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) show that a comparatively high proportion of private sector defined benefit (DB) schemes are open.

In addition, the figures show that more than half of those currently contributing to defined benefit pensions are in schemes which are open to new members.

NAPF chief executive Joanne Segars said there were signs some schemes could ride out the problems which have beset the pensions sector.

"Because so many schemes have already closed, the number of people saving in private sector defined benefit schemes is going to fall over the coming years," she said.

"However, a significant amount of DB provision could survive in future if further closures can be avoided."

The survey also recounts the charges occurring in the nature of schemes, as firms seek creative ways to ensure pension plans are affordable and sustainable.

One in five schemes revealed they were considering drawing on "contingent assets" to cover the risks of DB schemes, while changes to investment plans were also unveiled.

Around one in five have upped investment in property, while eight per cent have invested more in hedge funds.

Neil Simpson is a former Personal Finance Journalist of the Year and writes regularly on property, mortgage and insurance issues for the Mail on Sunday, City AM newspaper and many other publications.