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Building a better retirement
Capital at Risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
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Who we are
In the UK, BlackRock manages the pensions savings, on behalf of our clients, for over 12 million people. We believe that people deserve financial security across their lifetime, and that retirement should be within reach for everyone.
Source: BlackRock as of 31 December 2023.
Retirement income
More people are entering retirement almost entirely dependent on their own savings to meet their income needs. They will need help making sure these savings can generate an income stream that lasts a lifetime. We're helping to deliver innovative solutions, educational tools and unique insights.
The hardest part of saving for retirement may be not being sure you're doing the right thing.
Wouldn’t it be great if your future self could travel back in time to give you advice?
Here are five time-tested tips your future self might share.
The first is to start saving as soon as you can.
If you're not saving yet, start now!
Getting an early start puts time on your side for your assets to grow - and gives you a chance to ride out the market's ups and downs.
Once you get started, save as much as you can.
It’s not easy to save when you’re just starting out, but try to at least max out your company match – that’s like giving your Future Self free money from your employer.
Tip number three – increase savings when you can.
Your peak earning years should also be your peak savings years.
Did you get a raise? Great – consider putting part of it in your retirement account.
Fourth – Acting your age!
It makes sense to take risk when you’re young. But as you get closer to retirement, think about more secure investments. You'll still want growth, but you may want to consider dialling down the risk to help preserve your hard-earned savings.
Finally, get serious about retirement planning sooner rather than later!
Estimate your monthly retirement income needs and develop a plan to get there. Review your plan, use online spending and income tools, and talk to your advisor while there’s still time to enhance your efforts.
And that’s it! Simple tips that could improve your retirement.
Start today! Your future self will thank you.
Watch: Pay your future self first
This short video covers five time-tested tips your future self might share to prepare for retirement.
We’re more than investors
Types of private pensions
Private pension schemes are ways for you or your employer to save money for later in your life.
There are 2 main types of pension schemes:
Defined Contribution - a pension pot based on how much is paid in.
Defined Benefit - usually a workplace pension based on your salary and how long you’ve worked for your employer.
Investing in Retirement
Defined Contribution Plan (DC)- A retirement plan funded by employees and their employers that doesn’t promise a specific return.
Defined Benefit Plan (DB)- An employer-sponsored retirement plan where employee benefits are computed using a formula that considers several factors, such as length of employment and salary history. Also referred to as a ‘final salary pension.’
Strategy descriptions
Long-Term Asset Fund (LTAF)- The LTAF is the new UK regulated vehicle for long-term assets. The purpose of the LTAF is to provide easier access for pensions schemes to private markets investments such as private equity and infrastructure.
Target Date Funds (TDFs) - Mix several different types of stocks, bonds and other investments in a single solution to help you prepare for retirement. They take more investment risks when you’re young and gradually get more conservative as you near retirement. If you are enrolled in a DC plan through your employer you may already be invested in a TDF.
LifePath- BlackRock's LifePath target date funds seek to provide a diversified investment that balances between growing your investment and protecting against risk to help you advance toward your retirement goals.
Risk. Diversification and asset allocation may not fully protect you from market risk
