Show Notes
For this Pension Awareness Week bonus episode, we're looking at how the pension transfer process works and why it should be improved to give savers more control of their money. We're spotlighting the need for reform in the pensions industry, specifically with a 'Pension Switch Guarantee' to make pension transfers as simple as switching banks. Only the government has the power to change this, so if you'd like to see a 10-day Pension Switch Guarantee, you can sign the government petition running until 24 January 2026.
Pension switching is a subject close to the heart of PensionBee's Founder and CEO, Romi Savova. Join our host, Philippa Lamb, as we rewind to episode 34 where Romi unpacked 10 years of pension changes.
Episode breakdown: 00:48 What inspired Romi to create PensionBee? 02:00 More jobs means more lost pensions 02:37 Take an interest in your retirement 03:45 It should be simpler to switch pension providers 04:56 Sign the petition for a 'Pension Switch Guarantee'
Further reading
To learn more about pension transfers and personal finances, check out these articles from PensionBee: Episode transcript (Blog) Annual benefit statements are destroying the planet (Press) Pension transfers: part two - why consumers need a 10-day pension switch guarantee (Report) How can I transfer pensions? (Article) Over £50 billion in pension savings at risk of being lost in the UK (Press) The 10-day Pension Switch Guarantee (Press) What is the pension age? (Article) What's the Pension Switch Guarantee? (Blog)
Other useful resources: How long should you stay in one job? (BBC) Legislate to mandate offer of electronic pension transfers and higher standards (Petition)
Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube
Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads.
Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: [email protected].
More from The Pension Confident Podcast
In this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer Jonathan as he shares his pension story. From the trusty spreadsheet he started with his wife 24 years ago, to now being on track to be mortgage-free in two years - before they hit age 50. We unpack Jonathan's financial journey with pensions expert Dan Stean from PensionBee, covering: what overpaying a mortgage means and why you should check for Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) first; how to weigh mortgage overpayments against pension contributions and how calculators can help; and why planning your finances together as a couple can help, married or not.
If you had some spare cash each month, where would you spend it? Overpaying your mortgage or giving your pension savings a boost? Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and Maike Currie, VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, as they discuss the benefits and considerations of making extra payments on your mortgage vs. topping up your pension pot.
Do you know what your money is invested in? And do you feel confident you're making the right choices? Some of us are investing in the 'default' plan, whether that's through a Stocks and Shares ISA or a workplace pension. Others are dabbling in crypto or gold. And many of us aren't even investing at all, preferring the safety of keeping cash tucked away in a savings account. Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss investing fundamentals: Content Creator 'That Money Guy', Gabriel Nussbaum; Founder and CEO of rainchq, Davinia Tomlinson; and Senior Investment Content Manager at PensionBee, Matt Batsman.
In this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer Joumana as she shares her pension story. From moving to the UK from Lebanon 13 years ago with no idea a personal pension was even an option, to buying back missing National Insurance years and picking an investment plan that matches her appetite for risk as a freelancer. We unpack Joumana's pension journey with pensions expert Dani Skerrett from PensionBee, covering: why the self-employed pension gap exists, and how flexible contributions can help; how to check and fill gaps in your National Insurance record; how your pension is protected by the FSCS; and the Retirement Living Standards, and what they mean for your own retirement goal.
With the kids back at school, is now the time to start saving or investing for their future? Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and Maike Currie, VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, as they break down the key differences between a Junior ISA and a Junior SIPP, how each is taxed, and which one might be right for your family.