Find those old lost pensions
If you've ever changed jobs, there's a good chance you have an old pension scheme or two that you've lost track of. But it's worth taking the time to find those old pensions - they could be worth a lot of money.
Your pension is one of the most important investments you'll make in your lifetime. So it's vital that you keep track of it, even if you change jobs.
Unfortunately, it's all too easy to lose track of an old pension scheme. If you've moved house or changed your name, for example, your old pension provider may not be able to contact you. And if you've simply forgotten about an old workplace pension, it can be very difficult to track down.
But it's worth making the effort to find your old pension schemes. If you have multiple pension pots, consolidating them into one could save you money on fees and charges. And if you're nearing retirement, it's important to know exactly how much money you have saved so that you can make the best possible decisions about your retirement income.
There are a few different ways to track down an old pension scheme. You can start by contacting your previous employers or pension providers directly. If you're not sure who your pension provider is, you can check your payslips or P45 form from when you left the job.
Another option is to use our free pension tracing service. This service will search for schemes on your behalf and provide you with the contact details of any pension providers it finds.
Once you've found your old pension scheme, you'll need to get in touch with the provider and find out how much money is in your pension pot. You may also be able to consolidate your pension into a new scheme, depending on your provider's rules.
But even if you can't consolidate your pension, it's still worth keeping track of it. Knowing how much money you have in your pension pot will help you to plan for retirement and make sure that you're making the most of your hard-earned savings.
Review your pension's performance with a financial adviser
If you're nearing retirement, it's a good idea to review your pension performance with a financial adviser. They can help you to make sure that your pension is on track to provide you with the income you need in retirement.
An adviser can also help you to understand the different options available to you at retirement, including how to take your pension as an income, how to invest your pension pot and how much income you might need in retirement.
If you don't have a financial adviser, you can find one through our pension advice service.