Retirement might feel far away during your busy 40s, but this is the decade when planning your pension and hitting your savings milestones can really pay off. You’ve likely got more responsibilities, but also more career experience and hopefully a bit more income to put aside.
Even if you worry that you haven’t saved enough, there’s still plenty of time to catch up. Small adjustments now can make a big difference to your future lifestyle; and the good news is, you don’t need to work it all out yourself – there are tools, tips and financial advisers available to help you get on track.
In your 40s, it’s time to create a goal for how much income you will need, or would like to have, when you retire. You might want to consider how much you’re spending now and how this may change over the years.
Then, if the calculations show you’re not saving enough to achieve your retirement goal, now is the time to think about how to increase those savings. Even a modest increase when you still have 15 to 20 years until retirement can make a big difference. You should also consider if you may need to take time out to care for family or pursue other goals, and look at how you could keep your pension contributions going, so that you don’t lose your savings momentum.
Now is the time to strike a happy balance between growth and protection in your investments.
If you are too cautious, your savings may not achieve the growth you would like to see; but take too much risk, and your portfolio might face unwanted shocks.
Sound financial advice on this can help you gain clarity on what options might suit you best.
You might have built up several pension pots with different jobs. Keeping track of these, and perhaps consolidating smaller plans into your main pot, will keep you organised and could save on fees.
Look up your state pension forecast to make sure your record is accurate. Find out if you can top up any gaps to boost your future pension.
It may still feel far off but knowing the age you are likely to retire at will help you to create a clearer savings target. It’s also worth thinking about whether you might work part-time later on, run a business, or have other income sources.
Your 40s are a pivotal stage for pension planning. There's still plenty of time to shape the retirement you want. By reviewing your savings, keeping track of your pension pots, and balancing your investment choices, you can put yourself in a strong position for the years ahead. With a clear plan and, if you choose guidance from a financial adviser, you should be hitting your 50s confident that your retirement goals are within reach.
You have the choice when it comes to the “where”. Our range of funds are available from your local bank, broker or financial advisor.
|
|
|
Contact your | Contact your | Contact your |
Unless otherwise stated, all information contained in this document is from Amundi Asset Management S.A.S. and is as of 12 January 2026. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. The views expressed regarding market and economic trends are those of the author and not necessarily Amundi Asset Management S.A.S. and are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that countries, markets or sectors will perform as expected. These views should not be relied upon as investment advice, a security recommendation, or as an indication of trading for any Amundi product. This material does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, fund units or services. Investment involves risks, including market, political, liquidity and currency risks. Past performance is not a guarantee or indicative of future results.
Date of first use: 12 January 2026
Doc ID: 5030830