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How to make the most of Financial Wellness Month

1. Register for your online account

If you haven’t already, sign up for your myESPS account, where you can easily manage your pension online.

2. Get a sense of your retirement goals

Use the Lifestyle Calculator to see how much you may need to save for life after work. It considers factors like where you plan to live and the lifestyle you want in retirement.

3. Access pension guidance when you need it

Explore the resources available on the MoneyHelper website. Prefer to speak to someone? You can also Call 0800 138 1677 to chat with a MoneyHelper representative,

4. Seek financial advice if you need to

If you need professional financial advice, MoneyHelper’s website offers a retirement adviser directory featuring FCA-authorised and regulated firms.

You can also use comparison sites like Unbiased and VouchedFor to shop around for quotes from advisers.

5. Think about making extra savings with Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)

If your pension savings aren’t on track for the lifestyle you want, you might want to make extra contributions through AVCs. Learn more on your member website:

• AVCs for Final Salary section members
• AVCs for Reformed SLC section members

6. Stay informed about Autumn Budget 2025 updates

Here are the key pension highlights:

• The State Pension will increase by 4.8% from April 2026 to keep up with the cost of living.
• No changes to the tax-free lump sum. You can still take up to 25% (max £268,275) of your pension tax-free.
• New limits to salary sacrifice. From April 2029, you’ll pay National Insurance on any salary sacrifice contributions above £2,000 per year.  
• Income tax thresholds remain frozen until 2030/2031:

- Personal allowance: £12,570

- Higher rate: £50,270

- Additional rate: £125,140

• Inheritance tax may apply to unused pensions and death benefits from April 2027.
  

You can details on these updates here.