Each year, Pension Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the importance of saving for retirement. In 2025, the campaign is more relevant than ever, with millions of workers in the UK relying on pensions to secure their financial future.
Yet research shows that around £31.1 billion in pension pots is unclaimed across the UK, and 80% of working-age people say they’re not confident they’re saving enough for retirement.
Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or working through an umbrella company, Pension Awareness Week is a valuable reminder to check in on your retirement plans and get essential financial planning advice.
What Is Pension Awareness Week?
Pension Awareness Week is a UK-wide campaign designed to raise awareness of pensions and retirement savings. It aims to educate people about:
- How Pensions Work
- Why Saving Early Makes a Big Difference
- What Options Are Available for Employees and Contractors
- How to Make the Most of Employer Contributions
This initiative encourages everyone to think about their long-term financial well-being, not just those approaching retirement.
Retirement Planning Questions to Ask Yourself
Pension Awareness Week isn’t just about learning; it’s about taking steps that could have a real impact on your future finances.
Am I saving enough for retirement?
Start by reviewing your current contributions and projected retirement income. Use online pension calculators to see whether your current savings will provide the lifestyle you want later in life.
Do I understand how my pension works?
It’s important to know who your provider is, what your funds are invested in, and how they’ve been performing. Check your annual statement and consider whether your investment choices match your retirement goals.
If you’re unsure, a financial planner can give you tailored financial planning advice and suggest adjustments suited to your situation.
Danbro Financial Planning can review your pensions and help ensure you’re on track.
Am I making the most of tax relief and employer contributions?
Both tax relief and employer contributions can significantly boost your pension pot. Ensure you’re taking full advantage of any employer schemes, such as auto-enrolment, and that you’re contributing enough to benefit from maximum tax relief.
Do I have old pensions I’ve lost track of?
If you’ve changed jobs or have multiple pensions, you may have several small pots scattered across providers. Consolidating these pensions can make them easier to manage, reduce fees, and help you get a clearer picture of your overall retirement savings.
However, whilst this may be useful, some schemes have safeguarded benefits—such as Enhanced Tax-Free Cash or guaranteed annuity rates—which can be valuable to keep. If you switch them (or consolidate) into a new pension scheme, these benefits would be lost, and it may not be in your best interest to move them.
Use the Pension Tracing Service or contact your providers to track down old pensions.
Do my retirement plans fit my circumstances?
Everyone’s situation is different, particularly for contractors, freelancers, and umbrella workers who don’t have traditional employer pension schemes. Consider your income patterns, career plans, and retirement goals.
Tailored strategies like personal pension plans or flexible contribution schedules can help you stay on track. A financial planner can work with you to create a customised retirement roadmap that fits your lifestyle.
Read our blog to see if your pension will be enough to retire on.
Essential Pension and Retirement Planning Tips
When it comes to building a secure retirement, there are a few essentials everyone should understand:
- Tax Relief – The government tops up your contributions, making your money go further.
- Employer Contributions – If you’re eligible for auto-enrolment, your employer adds to your savings.
- Compound Growth – The earlier you start saving, the more time your investments have to grow.
- Flexibility at Retirement - Modern pensions offer options such as lump sums, annuities, and drawdown, so your retirement income can fit your lifestyle.
Danbro Financial Planning can help you put these essentials into action — speak to one of our advisors today.
5 Steps for Your Retirement Plan
- Review your pension statements – check balances, fees, and fund health
- Consider increasing contributions, even small increases make a significant difference
- Consolidate old pensions into a more manageable plan
- Run pension calculators to assess retirement income projections
- Speak with a financial planner, particularly useful for complex or self-employed scenarios, seeking pension advice
Small changes, like increasing your contributions or consolidating your old pensions, can have a big impact on your future. And with expert support, the process doesn’t have to be complicated.
Pension Advice with Danbro Financial Planning
At Danbro Financial Planning, we help people just like you take control of their pensions.
During Pension Awareness Week (and beyond), here’s how we can support you:
- Tailored Retirement Planning – Your circumstances are unique. We’ll build a pension strategy that works for you.
- Independent, expert retirement advice – Conducted by a chartered financial planner who specialises in pensions, retirement planning, mortgages, insurance, and estate planning
- Transparent, fixed fees – no hidden charges, just honest and straightforward pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
Choose Danbro Financial Planning as your trusted partner for expert pension and financial planning advice.
Take Control of Your Retirement with Danbro Financial Planning
Pension Awareness Week 2025 is a chance to step back and ask: am I really doing enough to secure the retirement I want?
Small changes, like increasing your contributions or consolidating old pensions, can have a big impact on your future. And with expert support, the process doesn’t have to be complicated.
Plan ahead now. Speak to a Danbro financial planner for expert pension and financial planning advice and start building the retirement you deserve.
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). Your capital is at risk. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits
Published September 26th 2025
Becky
Becky is Danbro’s Content Marketing Executive, responsible for all website content and blogs. With a background in digital marketing and social media, she’s always loved creating engaging content. In her spare time, you’ll probably find her out on a nature trail or planning her next travel adventure.
