Family 'preferred' to professionals for pension advice after reforms

Research examining people's views of the radical overhaul in pensions announced in the Budget found just over a quarter would seek help from financial advisers about their retirement plans. Nearly half of people surveyed by Aviva said they would turn to friends and family (45%).Women were more likely than men to seek family and friends' advice on retirement with 52% saying they would do so compared to 45%.Some 28% said they would ask independent financial advisers, 33% said pension providers and 24% listed the Pensions Advisory Service.{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}More than a quarter said they had enough knowledge to be able to make the right decisions about their retirement, but 41% said that although they have some knowledge they would benefit from further help.Nearly a third admitted they were lacking in their understanding.The research uncovered significant support for the pension reforms with about two thirds backing it.Awareness was high with 80% of people saying they had some level of knowledge of the Budget changes.Just over half (52%) said people can be trusted to spend their retirement savings wisely and there was strong support for having control over their finances (63%).Despite support for the changes, 61% said that when the pension rules become relaxed people will need to show greater restraint to avoid spending all of the money earmarked for living costs.Clive Bolton, Aviva's managing director for retirement solutions, said: "It's good to see that consumers support the government's changes to retirement income, and are confident about the opportunities that increased flexibility and choice will bring them."It's clear that people will need support and guidance as they choose how to make the most of their savings, particularly as many are concerned about running out of money over what could be a long and varied retirement."With additional flexibility, people are increasingly likely to adjust or change their retirement income decisions as their needs evolve over the retirement years."

Family 'preferred' to professionals for pension advice after reforms

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