Almost half of couples over the age of 40 have failed to make financial arrangements to make sure that their other halves will continue to receive an income on the death of their partner, according to Prudential.
Instead, just 42 per cent of couples over the age of 40 in the UK have made arrangements to ensure that one partner will continue to receive a retirement income after the other dies.
The insurer’'s study found that 18 per cent of women plan to rely on their partners'’ retirement savings, compared to just two per cent of men.
The research also found that joint retirement planning discussions have declined over the past 12 months, and that 47 per cent of couples have never discussed the impact that one partner’'s death could have on their current pension arrangements; a 13 per cent increase since last year.
Just one in five couples have shared pension saving arrangements, while 65 per cent have their own individual arrangements.
Moreover, one in ten have made a will but have no other financial arrangements in place should they find themselves widowed.
“However, putting some time aside to discuss sensitive issues, like life after the death of your partner and the financial implications that it might have, is a vital part in ensuring the right financial arrangements are in place for the future. These conversations are especially important for those who are planning to rely on their partners for their retirement income.
He added: “The changes to pensions and how people can access their retirement incomes announced in the Budget in March will provide savers and retirees with more choices. As a result, it has never been more important for couples to discuss their retirement planning arrangements.”
Instead, just 42 per cent of couples over the age of 40 in the UK have made arrangements to ensure that one partner will continue to receive a retirement income after the other dies.
The insurer’'s study found that 18 per cent of women plan to rely on their partners'’ retirement savings, compared to just two per cent of men.
The research also found that joint retirement planning discussions have declined over the past 12 months, and that 47 per cent of couples have never discussed the impact that one partner’'s death could have on their current pension arrangements; a 13 per cent increase since last year.
Just one in five couples have shared pension saving arrangements, while 65 per cent have their own individual arrangements.
Moreover, one in ten have made a will but have no other financial arrangements in place should they find themselves widowed.
Vince Smith-Hughes, retirement income expert at Prudential, said: “When a couple is planning for retirement, it is understandable that they would want to focus on the positives – like what they will use the extra time for..."
“However, putting some time aside to discuss sensitive issues, like life after the death of your partner and the financial implications that it might have, is a vital part in ensuring the right financial arrangements are in place for the future. These conversations are especially important for those who are planning to rely on their partners for their retirement income.
He added: “The changes to pensions and how people can access their retirement incomes announced in the Budget in March will provide savers and retirees with more choices. As a result, it has never been more important for couples to discuss their retirement planning arrangements.”
