Are you saving enough?

It's great that you're already saving towards your pension - but will it be enough? 

Think carefully about how much you'll need when you retire. ​You'll still have bills to pay, maybe a car to run, and holidays, hobbies and socialising to think about.
 
Check out our saving for retirement page to see what level of income your might need when you retire.

​Saving more with AVCs

You can boost your pension savings by paying Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs). Speak to your employer about applying to pay AVCs.

They will be taken from your pay before tax,just like your normal contributions. You may also be able to pay AVCs through salary sacrifice if your employer offers this option.

How AVCs work

 You decide:

• how much extra you want to contribute (check  hmrc.gov.uk/pensionschemes for details on limits)
• how you invest your contributions
• when you start and stop making contributions

You might like to consider AVCs if you:

• have earnings which don’t count towards your IWDC pension, such as bonuses or overtime
• are thinking about taking your benefits early (if you are eligible), or
• you simply want to save a bit more towards your future.

Important: You have to take your AVC benefits at the same time as your normal IWDC benefits.

Are AVCs right for you?

It is strongly recommended that you speak to an independent financial adviser (IFA) before making any decisions about your financial future. You can find a list of IFAs in your area at unbiased.co.uk.