If you're in your twenties or early thirties, retirement might seem like it's a lifetime away.
The fact is that tomorrow comes around sooner than you think. So, by saving more now it could lead to you to having a better chance of enjoying the future you want.
So, where do you begin?
We’ve pulled together the below articles, calculators and online tools to help you get an idea of what your future could look like, and what you can do to make changes now.
Find out what you’ve already got, plan how much you might need - and then take action.
And remember, however busy you may be right now it’s worth taking time out to think about your future while there’s still time to make a difference to it.
Transcript for video Early career
Pension planning? Isn’t that something you can worry about later?
The fact is that tomorrow comes around sooner than you think, so by saving more now it could lead to you having a better chance of you enjoying the future you want.
So, where do you begin?
First, find out what you already have, and what you could have when you retire.
There’s the State Pension, of course…
For a single person, the current full new State Pension is £230.25 per week for the 2025/2026 tax year. You need to have made 35 years National Insurance contributions to get this. Wouldn’t want to live on that? Maybe not. So, what other money would you have to live on?
Think about any money you’re saving in a bank or building society account, or an ISA. Factor that in.
Next, if you have a workplace pension, check how much is being paid in each month.
The benefit of a workplace pension is that you will normally be eligible for tax relief from the government on your personal contributions. So, if you're a basic rate tax payer, every £100 which goes into your pension will cost you £80 from your take home pay.
Next, think about what you’re going to need when you’ve finished working.
To help with retirement planning visit our website. You’ll find videos, calculators and online tools. Our Shape My Future tool can help you get an idea what your future could look like, and what you can do to make changes now.
You need to remember that your pension money is invested to try and help it grow – and, as with any investment, the value can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.
If you want to join or make changes to your workplace pension just get in touch with your employer.
So in summary, find out what you’ve already got; plan how much you might need - and then take action.
Remember, if you really want to make a difference to your future, there’s no time like the present to act.
Tax and state benefits shown are for the 2025/2026 tax year. They depend on your individual circumstances and may change. This presentation should not be regarded as giving any form of financial or investment advice. You should not make your decision on the basis of this recording alone. If you have any doubts whether the product is suitable for your needs, you should contact a financial adviser for advice.
What can you do now?
- Begin by thinking about the kind of retirement you'd want for yourself:
- Where would you like to live?
- Do you think you'll want to travel?
- What sort of activities and hobbies do you think you'll enjoy?
- Will you be financially supporting anyone else?
- Start to consider how you'll fund your retirement
- Make a retirement plan
- Set yourself some goals – think about what age you want to retire, how much income you want, whether you'll do any part-time work.
- Think about how much you might need to save.
- Also consider how much you can afford to save now.
- Remember, even if you think you can't afford to save much, as little as £50 or £100 per month will help build your retirement fund.
- Return to your plan regularly to check on your progress.
Log in to MyWorkplace
Manage your pension the easy way by logging into your account on our online platform - MyWorkplace. Giving you secure online access to your pension wherever and whenever you need it.
Aviva Pension Seminars
Aviva will be running a series of pension seminars to help you understand your new pension scheme and what to expect. To find out more, and book your place, visit our registration page.
Articles to read
Tools to help
More information
Contact us
If you're struggling to get to grips with your pension, we are here to help.
Email us using the email address below or give us a call. Calls to and from Aviva may be monitored and/or recorded.
Contact Aviva
0345 604 9915
Email: contactus@aviva.com
Guidance and Advice
This site does not provide financial advice.
MoneyHelper
A good place to start is MoneyHelper, the government-backed free guidance service. The MoneyHelper service won't tell you what you should do, but they'll provide you with information to help you understand your options.
Contact an adviser
For financial advice please contact your financial adviser. You may be charged for this. MoneyHelper can help you find an adviser in your area.
Aviva Financial Advice
Aviva Financial Advice is a trading name of the Aviva Group financial advice firm Succession Financial Management. Call 0800 092 2585 or if you're short on time you can book a call back with one of the team.