| Autumn offers a chance to take stock and review your pensions, savings and investments | Establishing robust financial foundations is essential in times of economic uncertainty and elevated living costs | To feel confident about your financial future, build short-term resilience and strengthen long-term security |
Forget New Year’s resolutions, autumn is the perfect time for a fresh start. The falling leaves and changing weather symbolise a period of transition, so why not take this opportunity to make positive changes to your own life, starting with your financial plans.
When was the last time you reflected on your financial resilience? In times of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, it’s essential to ensure that your financial foundations are strong so you can feel confident about your money, both now and in the future.
Changing conditions
According to a recent survey1, essential expenses such as food and energy have continued to increase for most households in 2025, but about a quarter of people reported that their housing costs have eased slightly. It’s promising to see that, despite these ongoing living challenges, retirement planning is back on track for over half the population. This year, only 43% of UK adults felt that their retirement plans and savings had been disrupted by the higher cost of living, down significantly from 75% in 2024.
Make time for your pension
The research did highlight a concerning knowledge gap as seven in 10 people are unsure of the value of their pension pot. Meanwhile, just over half (52%) haven’t put thought into how much money they will need in retirement. It’s essential to regularly check that your pension contributions, underlying investments and current strategy still align with your goals. Small adjustments today can make a positive difference to your finances further down the line.
Do you have short-term savings?
The survey showed mixed results when it comes to savings. Fewer people are going into their overdraft after covering essential living expenses, but many don’t have short-term savings. This kind of financial buffer is vital as it can help absorb unexpected costs without derailing your long-term plans.
Check your protection
Once you have taken out a life insurance policy, it can be tempting to not think about it again, but the level of cover you need will change over time depending on your circumstances. A regular review of your protection, particularly after significant life events such as the birth of a child, moving home, marriage or divorce, is a must.
Build your resilience today
True financial resilience is about balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. We can help you review your pensions, savings, protection and investments so you can thrive with confidence in the years ahead.
1Royal London’s Financial Resilience Report, 2025
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this article is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK.