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Understanding of the real retirement age…

Young high earners in Britain face similar problems to the rest of the country with regards to retirement planning, and understanding the real retirement age. 

It would seem that there’s a substantial difference between retirement expectancy and retirement reality amongst the country’s wealthier young workers, which could leave them unable to enjoy the lifestyle they desire during their ‘golden’ years.

A recent survey shows that people aged between 25 and 34 anticipate an average income of £54,300 to be sufficient during retirement and that they required pension savings of £357,500 to do so. However, the reality is they will need a considerably larger pension pot – of over £1m – to generate the desired retirement income.

The good news for those surveyed – younger adults – can use the advantage of the time to grow their pension pot over the years, but it’s crucial that they start saving and planning for retirement sooner rather than later.

Of the audience questioned, over half of their savings are in cash deposits, so in order to secure their sought-after retirement, they will need to make their money work harder for them. This is especially important with the younger generation, as they are more likely to tolerate more investment risk and volatility than perhaps people 20 years older.

However, the majority of young people surveyed claimed saving for holidays and even ‘rainy days’ took precedence over a long-term saving strategy, pushing retirement planning to the bottom end of the priority list. The belief that putting off saving for retirement to later on in your career, when perhaps your salary will be higher, is often preferable. Although the possibility of having a mortgage and supporting a family commitment could mean considerably less disposable income later on.

The importance of saving for retirement…

Following a 73 per cent rise in the number of centenarians in the UK over the past 10 years, retirement savings are going to continue to have to last much longer than all previous generations. More and more people are spending a third of their lifetime in retirement, so putting as much money aside as possible is paramount, particularly as rising living costs, taxation, and low interest rates are eroding funds.

It is imperative that people of all income brackets consider saving for retirement a top priority. Another survey carried out last year showed that the number one financial regret even amongst a sample of millionaire clients from all over the globe was not having put enough money aside for their retirement age/years.

Failure to save for your mature years could result in the need to work well past retirement age and having to compromise on your desired lifestyle in old age, which is most unappealing for the majority of people.

It is therefore vital that people remain on track with their retirement plans, be realistic, and take control of personal finances, as retirement isn’t far away – and we all need to be prepared!

About Mike Coady

Mike Coady is an expat expert based in Dubai and is on hand to help with all of the above and more.

Mike is an award-winning money coach and industry leader in the financial sector.

Qualified to UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) standards, a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, a Fellow of the Institute of Sales Management (FISM), a Fellow of the Association of Professional Sales (F.APS), a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (FIoD) and featured as a highly qualified Financial Adviser in Which Financial Adviser.

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Blog published by Mike Coady.