A clear, friendly guide to how pensions really work — contributions, tax relief, investments and why starting early can transform your long-term financial security.

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We’ve all heard of the gender pay gap (unfortunately) but let’s turn our attention to its evil twin, the gender pension gap. It stands to reason, really, that if women are earning less they’ll be saving less. And of course women tend to live longer so they need more in their pension pots. But recent research has pin-pointed just how unfair the current state of play is when it comes to saving for later life.

You could get ‘free money’! The government automatically gives you 20% or more tax relief when you and your employer make a contribution to your pension.

Avoid a gap in pensions contributions. Can your partner help out?

It’s never too soon to start

Should I pack my pensions into one easy to manage place?

No point freaking out... Start growing your nest egg.

Maybe this all seems a bit theoretical. To ground the facts and figures in reality, try asking yourself why you need a pension.

A pension is simply a tax free way to save money for later life.

Question: what comes to mind when you think about the future?

Did you know that life expectancy increased at the rate of 2 to 3 years every decade? There’s all kinds of implications of living a longer life: we get to spend more time with our families and explore unforeseen hobbies in retirement

Here’s a shocker: if you’re under 40, you probably won’t receive your state pension until you’re at least 70 years old (if not later).