The earlier you start with retirement planning the better.
If you imagine that when you retire you would want to be living the same standard of living as when you were working it is important to save within some kind of retirement plan. A pension is one such avenue.
They are also highly tax efficient. Depending on your tax bracket the government will give you a some of money in line with your tax bracket.
SIPPs are a good idea however tend to be transferred from a larger pension pot so you have some buying power.
The direct gov pages on pensions and retirement are pretty detailed. This site has helpful info on planning for retirement and pension protection. The Advice Guide site has good information on occupational, state, personal and stakeholder pensions. And finally, here's the good old FT and their in depth take on the pension crisis!
Do you have a pension?
