Most people failing to seek advice about pension changes, as April looms

As April looms and the pension reforms get set to take effect, less than a third of 40 to 70 year olds have spoken to anyone at all about the changes, research suggests. A survey by Partnership found just 31% have had such a conversation about the retirement rules – and of those only 16% spoke to a financial adviser.Most of those who had spoken to someone had sought guidance from their partner (44%) while only 16% had gone to their pension provider.There was a slight rise in those who had spoken to someone about the reforms in the higher age categories - 37% of 56 to 60 year olds and 33% of 61 to 70 year olds.Just 16% of these 56 to 60 year olds had gone to an adviser, with this rising slightly to 21% for the elder category.{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}Andrew Megson, managing director of retirement at Partnership, said: "While the industry is focused on what is happening with pension reforms, it is extremely worrying to see that only 31% of 40 to 70 year olds have spoken to anyone about these changes and many appear to simply have had a casual chat with their partner. While discussing aspirations for retirement is obviously important, the changes that will come into force at the start of April have the potential to significantly change how people approach retirement planning so it vital to get informed advice."Despite the low numbers seeking help, 54% said that they were interested in the changes.Of these, just 21% felt up to date, 11% were actively trying to find out more and 22% admitted they don't know very much. Some 18% said they had 'other things to worry about', 10% 'have a company scheme so feel it is not relevant' and 8% were simply 'not interested in pensions'.Engagement with the new pension regime was found to improve with age by the researchers as 61% of 61 to 70 year olds said they were interested in the reforms.

Most people failing to seek advice about pension changes, as April looms

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