- Baby-boomers are enjoying a financial golden age, but lack of preparation spells worries for retirement
- Despite well-reported wealth, one in three (33%)2 of those nearing retirement don’t feel confident they’ll have the funds live on
- Fears are compounded as research shows two in five (42%)2 of retirees feel their financial situation has significantly worsened since retiring
- More help is needed to ensure those nearing retirement are better prepared financially and emotionally for their next step
Baby-boomers are better off than any other generation1 but one in three (33%)2 people nearing retirement don’t feel confident they’ll have enough funds to live on, according to a major report released today by LV=.
The LV= Income Roulette Report reveals that more than a quarter (28%)2 of people expecting to retire within the next five years don’t know how much they have in their pension pot. In addition to money worries, some did not feel emotionally ready for retirement with one in six (16%)2 admitting they were worried they would not be as intellectually stimulated and one in ten (12%)2 worried they would not know what to do with their time.
The research also reveals two in five (42%)2 of those who have already retired feel their financial situation has significantly worsened since doing so. Furthermore, over a third (35%)2 of retirees feel they’re often hit with unexpected costs like home maintenance, car repairs, or helping their children or grandchildren, meaning they frequently find themselves financially vulnerable.
LV= is encouraging people to start planning and seeking the necessary advice earlier so that they can make the transition into retirement with greater confidence. A robust advice process will include encouraging anyone considering their retirement financial planning to compare their current monthly outgoings with their expected outgoings in retirement. This will give a clear indication of the level of income required.
To further help people prepare for retirement LV= has produced video interviews with three already retired people who share their real life stories, the steps they took to get ready for retirement and the lessons they’ve learnt since.
Chris Shukla, who retired at the age of 60, gave his advice: “Plan for retirement as soon as you are able to do so – as soon as your finances allow you. And then plan to make sure you take on activities which fill the void which is left by you stopping work.”
Steve Lewis, LV= Retirement Director, said: “It’s widely reported that over 55s are experiencing a golden age when it comes to their finances. Entering retirement should be an exciting time, but our research shows this doesn’t automatically mean this group is confident about their retirement plans –both from financially and emotionally.
“While, on the one hand, ‘pension freedoms’ offer people more flexibility and choice, on the other, it demands they take greater responsibility on them of their own financial affairs. To help, there are a range of options available from guidance to . more personal tailored advice, where a financial adviser can help people be better prepared, financially and emotionally, for their retirement.
“It can also help for people to think about where their different pension pots are and if they would be better off bringing them all together in one place. This can ensure they enter retirement with confidence and control over their savings, and greater choice about how to take an income that will provide everything they hope for from retirement.”
To view the three retirement stories, visit the LV= website. To find out more about protecting yourself financially and planning for your retirement, speak to a financial adviser.
Notes to editors
For more information or case studies please contact:
Rebecca Stevenson, [email protected] 0207 010 0810
Jennifer Ames, [email protected] 0207 010 0817
Vanessa Ellis, [email protected] 0207 010 0876
Notes to editors:
- ONS March 2018, ‘How do the post-World War baby boom generations compare?’
- Methodology for consumer survey: YouGov, on behalf of LV=, conducted online interviews with 8,529 UK adults between 20th and 26th June 2018. Data has been weighted to reflect a nationally representative audience.
- For more about LV=, visit lv.com