Pensions invariably get bad press,  the news is full of black holes, scheme closures and - to add insult to injury - the news that some of us will still be working until 68 if reliant on the state. 

The fact remains that all of us will want - or need - to stop working at some point and will struggle to get by on a state pension unless we start saving today for the years of tomorrow.  

With massive advancements  in medical science all of us are living longer. Retirement can last 30 years or more and failing to act now could cost us money and quality of life in the long run. Pensions don't have to be high-risk investments in stocks and shares. You can invest in other assets like cash, gilts, commercial  property *, fine wines or even environmental funds such as Agricultural land* or teak forests - and still get valuable tax relief. Since  April 2006, it has been easier than ever to save for your retirement with the introduction of new, more flexible pensions legislation. The message is clear - it's up to each of us to invest in our future!

*Funds that invest in property and land can be difficult to sell and you may not be able to sell/cash in this type of investment when you want to. The value of property is generally a matter of valuer's opinion rather than fact.