State pension highlights importance of retirement planning

Chartered financial planner at Fairinvestment.co.uk, Sharon Bratley, comments on the pre-Budget announcements for pensioners: "The measures announced by the Chancellor are a step in the right direction for the UK's pensioners. Income will rise, along with a Christmas bonus, making the recession easier to negotiate for millions of vulnerable households.

"However, a rise to £95.25 for an individual State Pension is still not huge, highlighting the importance of retirement planning to bridge the gap. Anybody worried about their pension fund should seek pension advice as soon as possible.

"Experts are on hand to help you live a comfortable retirement without money worries. The earlier you start preparing for retirement the better, and this means talking to professionals about the best possible ways to fund your later years."