Personal Savings

Only 9% of people are on track for a comfortable retirement, according to the 2026 Retirement Living Standards. We break retirement income into three layers — the State Pension, your pensions, and accessible cash savings — so you can see where your own gaps might be.

More than half of UK over-50s have never discussed their financial wishes with family — and a quarter never plan to. New OakNorth research with Opinium unpacks the worry, regret and silence behind the numbers.

Choosing the best savings account in retirement comes down to one key question: do you need flexibility, or can you lock your money away for a higher rate? This guide breaks down the four main account types available to UK retirees — fixed rate, easy access, notice, and Cash ISA — and explains how to match each one to your needs. With the annual Cash ISA allowance set to drop from £20,000 to £12,000 in April 2027 (with an exemption for those aged 65 or over), understanding your options now could help you make the most of your savings before the rules change.

Going into residential care is a significant life change. Understanding how your savings are treated before you need to means you can plan ahead, not react under pressure. Here, we cover the basics of how your savings are treated in a care funding assessment in England. The rules differ in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so if you are based outside England it is worth checking the rules that apply to you specifically.

Spring isn’t just for decluttering cupboards. It’s the perfect time to review your savings and make sure your money is working as hard as it should be.

An estimated £82 billion sits in lost and dormant accounts across the UK, according to tracing service research. Meanwhile, recent data from Nationwide reveals that one in eight savers earned no interest throughout 2025, with 19% using current accounts to save rather than dedicated savings accounts.

A quick financial health check could uncover forgotten funds or highlight accounts that are underperforming.

The 2026/27 tax year is the last chance for under-65s to use the full £20,000 cash ISA allowance before it drops to £12,000. Here’s how to maximise it.