The impact of inflation on pensions
23 Oct 2024
Understanding inflation and its impact on your pension
Inflation affects us all, from fresh graduates to those planning their retirement. It raises the cost of living, often faster than our incomes can rise. This impacts not only our daily spending but also the real value of savings and investments, including our pensions.
Why inflation matters
Inflation measures how prices for everyday items like groceries and energy change over time. Usually, prices rise yearly, with the Bank of England aiming for a 2% increase. However, rates can exceed this target, causing expenses to grow quickly. For your pension, this means that if your savings don't grow faster than inflation, their spending power decreases over time.
Pensions and inflation
Your pension consists of investments. While inflation doesn't directly affect the amount in your pension pot, it influences its real value. If inflation rates exceed the growth of your pension, your money might not stretch as far in the future. Luckily, many pension funds aim to outpace inflation through diversified, long-term investments, potentially preserving and growing your savings over time.
The cost of playing it safe
Keeping money in a savings account may feel safe, but inflation can erode its value. Investing through your pension could help combat this. While investments can be volatile and may decrease in value short-term, historically, returns often outpace inflation in the long run.
The State Pension triple lock
State pensions in the UK are protected by the triple lock, which increases payments based on the highest of inflation, average earnings growth, or a 2.5% minimum. This helps ensure State pensions keep up with inflation. However, withdrawals from personal or workplace pensions aren't protected similarly, making it crucial to keep part of your retirement savings invested.
Smart pension strategies
Even during retirement, keeping a large portion of your pension invested can aid in combating inflation. If you're considering withdrawals, talking to a financial adviser might help determine the best strategy. Also, for those in auto-enrolment schemes, contributions from employers and tax relief can significantly benefit your pension growth.
A long-term perspective
Think of your pension as a long-term investment stretching throughout your career. This means plenty of time for your investments to grow beyond inflation, even if they occasionally dip in value. Historically, investments have outpaced inflation, highlighting the potential of pensions as a powerful tool for long-term financial security.
