The onwards march of ‘pretirement’ – where people scale back on work or slow their retirement plans down rather than giving up entirely – is continuing, according to new research[1].
A recent study found half (50%) of those retiring during 2018 are considering working past State Pension age. This is the sixth consecutive year where half of people retiring would be happy to keep working if it meant guaranteeing a higher retirement income.
Cost of day-to-day living concerns
More than a quarter (26%) of those planning to delay their retirement would like to reduce their hours and go part-time with their current employer, one in seven (14%) would like to continue full-time in their current role. An entrepreneurial fifth (19%) would try to earn a living from a hobby or start their own business.
The research shows that many people expect their retirement to last an average of 20 years. Around one in 12 (8%) of those scheduled to retire this year have postponed their plans because they cannot afford to retire. Nearly half (47%) of those who cannot afford to retire put this down to the cost of day-to-day living which means their retirement income won’t be sufficient.
Keeping mind and body active and healthy
The research also found that the decision to put off retirement isn’t always a financial one. Over half (54%) of those surveyed who are already or are considering working past their State Pension age say it is to keep their mind and body active and healthy. Over two fifths (43%) admit they simply enjoy working, while just over a quarter (26%) don’t like the idea of being at home all the time.
The shift to pretirement in recent years shows that many people reaching State Pension age aren’t ready to stop working. Reducing hours, earning money from a hobby or changing jobs are all ways to wind down from working life gradually and for many to avoid boredom and maintain an active mind and body.
Financially well prepared for retirement
However, not everyone has the luxury of choosing their retirement date due to their financial situation not allowing them to give up work and others may be forced to stop working for health reasons. Saving as much as possible as early as possible in their career is the best way for people to ensure they are financially well prepared for a retirement that starts when they wish, or need, it to.
As people are increasingly treating retirement as a gradual process, obtaining professional financial advice can help to make sure that your retirement finances are sufficient to allow you as many options as possible.
Source data:
[1] Research Plus conducted an independent online survey for Prudential between 29 November and 11 December 2017 among 9,896 non-retired UK adults aged 45+, including 1,000 planning to retire in 2018.
PENSIONS ARE A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT.
THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS YOU RECEIVE FROM YOUR PENSION PLAN WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING THE VALUE OF YOUR PLAN WHEN YOU DECIDE TO TAKE YOUR BENEFITS WHICH ISN’T GUARANTEED, AND CAN GO DOWN AS WELL AS UP.
THE VALUE OF YOUR PLAN COULD FALL BELOW THE AMOUNT(S) PAID IN.
