People like you: 30-49
You’re not on your own if it feels like planning and saving for the future is a bit of a challenge! There are people just like you out there and we’re sharing their stories so you can benefit from their experiences.
Meet 41 year old Marcus…
We’re sorry to hear you’ve separated from your wife…how have you been?
After the divorce from Tracey my life was a bit of a mess. I’ve had to review all my finances again, including my pension, as I had to agree to a pension sharing order. To be honest I have many worries about the future and I need to concentrate on starting over and buying a flat in the next five years or so.
I can add an extra lump sum into my pension through the bonus sacrifice arrangement and I won’t lose any of this money to the taxman.
How has starting over affected saving into your pension?
Inevitably my priorities have changed and I’ve looked at my pension details and discovered my company match whatever I pay in up to 10% – this feels like ‘a gift’ that I’m going to take advantage of. I only need to cut back a little each month on other spending in order to maximise what is on offer, and this will help to build up more savings in my pension.
Did you know that you can pay your bonus into your pension too?
Yes, I know will get a bonus in a few months as my employer is doing well, and they’ve been very good at letting us know about the benefits of bonus sacrifice. I can add an extra lump sum into my pension through the bonus sacrifice arrangement and I won’t lose any of this money to the taxman – it seems like a good idea! If I can do this every year, I won’t be overcommitting myself each month but can still keep my pension topped up.
To find out more about pension sharing, visit: www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/about-pensions/when-things-change/when-relationships-end/pension-sharing.
