What Gen Z thinks about pensions

An insight into a 16-year old’s thoughts on pensions

clock • 1 min read
Gen Z lost in the world of pensions
Image:

Gen Z lost in the world of pensions

Professional Pensions quizzes intern Harrison Barrett about his knowledge of and experience with pensions.

 

  •  When you hear the word ‘pension' what are the first things/words that come into your mind?

Retirement. Tax relief. Savings.

  • Does Gen Z spend much time thinking about pensions?

Honestly not – there is a long time to come until retirement. But I feel unprepared and uneducated on taxes (and pensions) for when I will have them.

  • Should they be thinking about pensions? What's an appropriate age to be considering them?

Yes, when you begin to make a sustainable income and do not struggle to pay your taxes and bills. You should at least consider them at 18-20.

  • Is personal finance, long-term savings and retirement something that is taught much at school? What was your experience?

Not at all, personally school often rant about preparing us (students) for the "real world" however often do not teach us the most important parts of it.

  • The pensions industry struggles to engage people with their pension, particularly the young. How do you think we could communicate better to the Gen Z audience?

Promote more on social media platforms familiar to them (Instagram, TikTok etc). We don't tend to use Facebook and X (Twitter). Communicate through a simplistic approach (not too many words, big buttons, colours etc), they/we tend to click on media that is easy to understand or read.

More on Industry

Professional Pensions: Stories of the week

Professional Pensions: Stories of the week

HMRC guidance on VAT recovery on pension investment costs, DB surplus flexibility consultation, GMP conversion tax changes

Professional Pensions
clock 12 June 2026 • 1 min read
AE reform could unintentionally widen gender pensions gap, PEG says

AE reform could unintentionally widen gender pensions gap, PEG says

PEG’s report calls for the introduction of a financial safety net before any AE changes are made

Martin Richmond
clock 12 June 2026 • 5 min read
UK Pensions Awards 2026 — The Winners

UK Pensions Awards 2026 — The Winners

Recognising excellence among schemes, consultants, asset managers and providers

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 12 June 2026 • 3 min read
Trustpilot