I'm starting to
save into my pension

This is my first job, and my first pension.

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 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.

JavaScript is required to use features on this page, but is not currently available; please try again.

Transcript  for video Early career

Pension planning?

That’s something you can worry about later?

The fact is that tomorrow comes around sooner than you think

So by saving money now it could lead to you having a better chance of enjoying the future you want.

So, where do I begin?

First, find out what you have already have, and what you could have when you retire.

There’s the state pension, of course.

This is the current weekly state pension for a single person. You need to have 35 years National Insurance Contributions to get this much, which is the full amount. Wouldn’t want to live on that? Maybe not.

So, what other money could you have to live on?

Think about any money you’re saving in a bank or building society account, or ISA. Factor that in.

Next, if you have a workplace pension, check how much is being paid in each month.

Alongside contributions from your employer, one of the benefits 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 savings will cost you £80*.

If your payments are made through a salary sacrifice arrangement with your employer you’ll also benefit from national insurance savings.

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 has been paid in.

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 of what your future could look like, and what you can do to make a changes now.

If you want to join or make changes to your workplace pension you can do this through your MyWorkplace account.

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 2026/2027 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.

Get online

Log into your online account

Manage your pension the easy way by logging into your online account through MyAviva. Giving you secure online access to your pension wherever and whenever you need it.

Register

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.

What can you do now?

Think about the retirement you want Step 1 of 3

  • 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?

Consider how you'll fund your retirement Step 2 of 3

  • State pension
  • Workplace pension
  • Private pension
  • Savings and investments
  • Think about any other assets you may have.

Make a retirement plan Step 3 of 3

  •  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.
  • Return to your plan regularly to check on your progress.

Tools and calculators

Articles to read

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.

Phone: 0345 268 2287

Email us: mymoney@aviva.com

Accessing Guidance and Advice

This site does not provide financial advice.

MoneyHelper

If you want more help thinking about pensions and investments, 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. If you don't have an adviser, MoneyHelper can help you find one in your area. An adviser may charge for their services.

Aviva Financial Advice

If you'd like to get advice about your pension or investment needs, Aviva Financial Advice might be for you. Call 0800 092 2585 or if you're short on time you can book a call back with one of the team.