Millions Skip Pension Planning Because They Feel Too Busy with Work and Family
A new Standard Life Retirement Voice report finds that over ten million adults say they are too busy to plan for retirement, citing work, family duties and daily finances.
According to one outlet Life Centre for the Future of Retirement’s 2026 Retirement Voice report, more than ten million adults across the 18-80 age range claim they lack the time to plan for retirement. Respondents point to demanding jobs, family responsibilities—especially caring for children under 18—and the need to juggle day-to-day finances as the chief reasons for postponing long-term financial decisions. The survey shows a decline in pension saving as a primary priority, falling to 12% from 15% in the previous year.
Additional pressures such as health and wellbeing, social engagements, and leisure media consumption also divert attention. Almost 66% of those not yet retired express concern about insufficient savings for old age. Catherine Foot, director of the centre, emphasizes that while financial strain is a key issue, the broader challenge is finding mental space for future planning, and calls on policymakers, employers and financial firms to simplify retirement preparation.
Why it matters
Understanding why many skip retirement planning helps shape policies and services that make long-term saving more accessible.
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