In support of the national Pension Attention campaign, Wesleyan Financial Services has released retirement research findings specifically for dentists across the UK.
The Pension Attention campaign marks an unprecedented cross-industry pension campaign, created in part after it was revealed by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association that only 20 per cent of the British population are confident they are saving enough for retirement. The campaign aims to help people understand their pensions and protect their money for the future.
In terms of dental professionals, Wesleyan’s research indicated that saving enough for retirement is the key financial priority for 40 per cent of dentists over the next twelve months. But more than one in ten are unsure how much they will need when hanging up the loupes for good.
While the Retirement Living Standards provide some indication, suggesting that a single person would need a minimum of £33,600 per annum to maintain a ‘comfortable’ lifestyle with some luxuries, with dentists typically being higher earners their financial requirements may be significantly different.
Iain Stevenson, head of dental at Wesleyan Financial Services said, “These findings won’t be surprising to a financial adviser who’s worth their salt when it comes to the complexities of a career in dentistry.
“With many dentists having some form of NHS pension, multiple income streams and being self-employed, it’s understandable that there are many elements that make it difficult for dentists to pinpoint exactly how much they are likely to receive in retirement. However, clarity in this area helps dentists make informed choices, put plans in place to retire when they want to and supports tax efficiency while saving. Seeking specialist advice may support dentists that are in a position of uncertainty.”
The research also revealed that in the next two years, a quarter of dentists are prioritising reducing their working hours and a fifth are looking to reduce their NHS commitments. Concerningly, of those looking to make changes, only 40 per cent are sure how these changes would impact their pensions, which will be significant without replacing the potential loss in pension contributions.
When looking more closely at the findings, female dentists are more vulnerable in this financial planning area, with less than a quarter feeling confident that they understand the implications and planning for short and long-term impacts. In comparison, 41 per cent of male dentists are confident they have planned for these changes.
When faced with more immediate financial challenges, such as the cost of living crisis and spiralling energy prices, these important elements of financial planning can be deprioritised. But with inflation potentially impacting these longer-term financial plans taking time to pay pensions some attention could be invaluable.
For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.co.uk/campaigns/pension-attention