The Second Pensions Commission's interim report seems to worry about people accessing private pensions well before state pension age. Of course there are good reasons for caution. But as shown here, early 60s are also a period of particularly low incomes and high poverty.

Pleased to see our @theifs.bsky.social work being highlighted by the Pensions Commissioners in @theguardian.com coverage today. The research was commissioned by DWP to inform the Pensions Commission, and looks at how working lives shape pension saving and outcomes. theguardian.com/money/2026/m...

Government-backed Pensions Commission calls for action on gender savings gap

Body says, on average, British women approaching retirement have half private pension savings of men – £81,000 versus £156,000

theguardian.com

The Institute for Fiscal Studies@theifs.bsky.social · 4mo ago

NEW: A gender gap in the average pension contributions of men and women opens at the time of the birth of their first child, our research finds. The report for the Pensions Commission provides new evidence on how labour market life-course trajectories link to pension saving and retirement outcomes:

I wrote a piece for Pensions Expert on the rise in state pension age to 67 starting in April. It's worth paying attention to how this lands – for households but also in public debate. That could shape when/how increases to 68 and beyond get legislated. www.pensions-expert.com/law-and-regu...

State pension age of 67 is coming – what to watch as it rolls out

Heidi Karjalainen, a senior research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, explores the imminent state pension age increase as the latest review continues.

pensions-expert.com

I had a great time chatting about older people with @timharford.ft.com on BBC4 More or Less. The starting question was – are one in four pensioners really millionaires? Quick thread below: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

More or Less - The Stats of the Nation - Older People, Education, Prisons and the Weather - BBC Sounds

Tim Harford explores the stats on pensioners, exams, justice and climate change.

bbc.co.uk

Today’s inflation figure of 3.8% will be used for most benefit uprating next April. But state pension will rise in line with triple lock – based on earnings growth of 4.8%. Below is my @theifs.bsky.social piece on issues around the triple lock and what we think is a better alternative.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies@theifs.bsky.social · 11mo ago

NEW: What are the effects of the ‘triple lock’ and how could it be reformed? Ahead of new inflation figures tomorrow, @heidikarj.bsky.social explains the nature of the state pension 'triple lock' and why reform is needed. 📗 Read the briefing here: ifs.org.uk/articles/wha...

The OBR's Fiscal Risks and Sustainability report is out today with a chapter on the UK's pension system. This is important and timely, setting out key challenges for the future. For proposals on how to address them you should check out our Pensions Review report from last week, thread below 👇

The Institute for Fiscal Studies@theifs.bsky.social · last yr.

NEW: Today we publish the final recommendations from the IFS Pensions Review, with a set of policy reforms to create a pension system fit for the future. THREAD on our four key themes for reform:

Had a good chat on @moneybox.bsky.social with @paullewismoney.bsky.social about our Pensions Review work and what we should do about the triple lock and automatic enrolment – you can listen to it here: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Money Box - Future of Pensions and Heat Networks - BBC Sounds

A wide-reaching report makes recommendations about the future of pensions.

bbc.co.uk

NEW:The government continues to increase the state pension age. Next year it’ll start going up from 66 to 67. Some people choose to - or need to - work longer as a result. Does it run down their health? Or can work keep you young? We investigated for women whose pension age rose in the 2010s… 1/

Today the government announced more detail on how they plan to tackle the large number of small pots in the UK pension system. The reforms are due to be announced in the upcoming Pension Schemes bill this spring. A few thoughts on why this matters and what was announced. 👇

State pension age starts rising again in April 2026. Most people in their early 60s know their state pension age, but a significant minority are incorrect or unaware. This is worrying as people may base retirement and saving decisions on incorrect information. Short thread👇

The Institute for Fiscal Studies@theifs.bsky.social · last yr.

NEW: One-in-six of those with a state pension age between 66 and 67 – around 130,000 people – either underestimate or do not know when they’ll be able to claim their state pension. @heidikarj.bsky.social's new Pensions Review briefing looks at people's state pension age awareness: [THREAD]

We’ve written two new reports on the decisions people face when drawing on private pension wealth in retirement & policy reforms that might help improve these decisions. Important to get this right as defined contribution pensions get more important & can now be accessed flexibly. Thread below:

The Institute for Fiscal Studies@theifs.bsky.social · last yr.

NEW: Reforms are needed to help people make good use of their pension wealth throughout their retirement and avoid exhausting their wealth too early. New Pensions Review reports funded by @financialfairness.bsky.social look at the rising numbers making complex, risky decisions in retirement:🧵