How will coronavirus (COVID-19) affect your pension savings?

It’s likely the value of your pension savings will continue to go up and down a lot over the coming weeks.

A pension is a long-term investment

It’s important to remember that your pension is a long-term investment and that it’s normal to see the value of your savings go up and down in the short term.

If you are a younger saver and you are concerned about the effect on your pension in the short term, please remember that there is plenty of time for a market correction and for your savings to grow.

If you are approaching retirement and you are concerned about your pension savings falling in value, please note that our model investment strategy is designed to protect your money as you approach your selected retirement age.  When you get closer to your retirement age, we will start to move your money into lower-risk funds so that your pension savings become less likely to fall in value. Although we can’t guarantee that the value of your pension savings won’t go down in value when they are invested in these lower risk funds, they are less likely to.  

What are my pension savings worth now?

If you would like to see the current value of your pension savings, sign in to your Smart Pension account.

Should I change my investment strategy?

No one knows what the full impact of the coronavirus outbreak will be. While it can be tempting to make decisions about your pension based on short-term market conditions, it may not be in your best interest to do so.

If you’re thinking about changing your investment strategy or taking money out of your pension, we recommend that you speak to a financial adviser first.

You can find out more about our investment strategies in our investment guide. You can find this by signing in to your Smart Pension account, clicking Funds and selecting Investment help.

Beware of pension scams

In these times of uncertainty, you need to be extra careful not to be lured by pension scammers. They may offer you the opportunity of safe havens or promise better returns. We recommend you exercise extreme caution if you are asked to transfer your pension savings.

To find out more information, visit ScamSmart which has specific guidance related to coronavirus.

Where you can find further help

• you can find an independent, local financial adviser at www.unbiased.co.uk
• you can get further guidance related to coronavirus by visiting the Money Helper website.
• take a look at this guide to COVID-19 and your pension that was created by the FCA, The Pensions Regulator and other leading figures in the industry
• if you would like more information about spotting scams visit ScamSmart
• if the coronavirus pandemic has affected your finances and you’d like some guidance, take a look at the Money Advice Service’s Money Navigator Tool
• for more general guidance about your money and pensions visit the Money and Pensions Service

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