Much to the ire of many a financial institution, I am self-employed. Those two dirty words which mean it is near impossible to get a mortgage, earn a regular income, and save for retirement. On the upside, I have four private pensions accrued by working for various companies over the past 20 years.
What is she complaining about? you cry. Not one but four private pensions, which will all pay out a hefty retirement income when I reach the new state retirement age of 68.
Wrong. When I started my first proper job with Pearson and I got my first defined contribution (DC) pension at 26 (I sadly just missed final salary by a year, unlike the baby-boomers before me). This DC pension – along with the other three – is linked to the fortunes of the global stock markets.
If the FTSE 100 crashes, for example, so will the value of my pension fund.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in