A recent study from Scottish Widows highlighted the fact that an increasing number of us between the ages of 30 and their retirement age do not save anything for their retirement (up to 22% from 20% last year).

I commented in a recent article confirming my belief that as a profession we have an obligation to work harder to help educate consumers around how and why pensions relate to them.  After I made my comments, it got me thinking…how could we make saving for retirement more attractive to consumers….and then it hit me!

Across a wide range of products, alluring and provocative images are used to promote services and products.  From running shoes to deodorant, soft drinks to clothing it’s a technique that’s used time and time again to promote products and services.  It may be considered a controversial approach….but it also sparks debate and raises awareness.  So, the big question is, can saving for retirement ever by considered sexy?

Imagine this….

A female celebrity with hair inexplicably waving in the wind (although she’s inside) approaches the camera.  She smiles alluringly and just says “Pensions – because you’re worth it!”.

Ok…..so that didn’t work, let’s try again….

A famous sportsman and ‘sex symbol’ is seen in a changing room.  He is slowly taking his clothes off and eventually finds himself in just his underwear.  Then in comes the tagline – “Saving for retirement – everything else is just pants!”

Ok, I think I’ve answered my own question.  Can pensions be Sexy?  You may disagree, but after giving it some thought, I think the answer is absolutely not! However one thing I absolutely know for sure….it may not be alluring or attractive, but it still remains incredibly important.

As we all live longer the pressure on the state scheme continues to grow.  We have seen the  state pension age increase and with reforms in older individuals personal allowances (the so called “granny tax“) putting more pressure on all of us to ensure we have made our own provisions to ensure we can live the life we want in retirement.

Also, all of us seem to getting more active in retirement and expect to live a more active, fulfilling and exciting life.  This may involve travel, sports, spending time with friends and family or being able to give something back by working with charities.  However all these plans are dependant on a degree of financial freedom being achieved.

So, are Pensions sexy?  No!  Are pensions, planning for your retirement and ensuring you can live the life you have worked hard for as important as ever?  I’d argue it is!  However, as ever, I’m interested in hearing your thoughts…..