10.7 million UK adults are too busy or confused to think about their pension

• The latest research from MaPS is being released as part of Talk Money Week, an annual campaign designed to encourage people to #StartTheConversation about money and pensions.
• MaPS encourages people to talk to pension experts on MoneyHelperOpens in a new window for free guidance or to use Pension Wise Digital to access the same free expert guidance in their own time and around their own busy schedules.
• Charlotte Jackson from MaPS says: “Pension Wise Digital on MoneyHelper offers a way for people to get on top of their pension, despite their busy lifestyles.”
• David from Hertfordshire benefited from a Pension Wise appointmentOpens in a new window when he had to stop work. He said, “I firmly believe everyone should call up and speak to a pension expert.”

A survey of over 12,000 UK-wide adults shows that 10.7 million adults are either too confused or too busy to think about their pension.

In addition, it was found that 22.5 million UK adults do not understand enough about pensions to make decisions about retirement, and half (50%) do not have a plan for their finances in retirement.

The research, conducted by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), is being shared this week as part of MaPS annual campaign, Talk Money Week, which encourages people to #StartTheConversation and talk more openly about their finances, including their pension.

Charlotte Jackson from the Money and Pensions Service says:

“We know our busy lifestyles can make it difficult to find the time to think about pensions and retirement, but the earlier you can start the better.

“Talking to a pension expert can reduce the confusion around pensions. The conversations don’t need to take long or be perfect, they just need to happen.

“Pension Wise is a free-one hour appointment for those over 50 with a Defined Contribution pension. And if you’re too busy to dedicate an hour slot, Pension Wise Digital will fit around your schedule, so you can start the appointment and pick it up again in your own time.

“Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting out in work, I’d encourage everyone to make sure they understand their pensions.

"Start the conversation with a pension expert on MoneyHelper via webchat, WhatsApp, or a phone call, and take the first step to gaining control of your future finances.”

56-year-old David from Hertfordshire benefited from a Pension Wise appointment when he had to stop work. He said:

“Having spoken with a MoneyHelper expert, I feel much more confident about pensions and the decisions involved that could have damaged my financial future had I not talked to someone.

“The person from Pension Wise was so patient and knowledgeable, and I’d like to say thank you again to everyone involved with providing free Pension Wise appointments.

"I firmly believe everyone should call up and speak to a pension expert.”

Here are three simple things to remember when talking to a pension expert:

1. They’re there to help you, not to judge you. Don’t worry about not knowing much about pensions – that's what our experts are there to help you with. Whether you use MoneyHelper’s webchat, phone service, or a Pension Wise appointment, you’ll be met with a friendly expert waiting to support you. 
2. Try to have as much information with you as possible. This includes the value of your pension pot(s) and knowing what type(s) of pensions you have. Information on other finances can also be helpful, including your current income, benefits you might be on, and any debts you may have.  
3. Know what you want to get out of it. Whether that’s wanting to know when you’d like to start taking your pension, how to take money out of your pension, or what your pension options are, it’s good to have a focused outcome.

– ENDS –

• Statistics are taken from The Money and Pension Service’s MoneyView survey, conducted in 2024 from a UK-wide representative sample of over 12,000 participants. 

Talk Money Week is an opportunity for everyone to come together and get involved with events and activities across the UK designed to increase people’s sense of financial wellbeing by encouraging them to open up about personal finance.  

This year’s campaignOpens in a new window will take place from 3-7 November 2025 to encourage people across the UK to ‘start the conversation’. 

Money conversations don’t need to be perfect – they just need to happen.