64: Retirement Mistakes to Avoid: The Essential Guide to Smarter Retirement Planning

In this episode of Retire Well, Matthew and Joe dive into the most common — and often costly — mistakes people make when building up their pensions and planning for life after work. Drawing on real client stories and years of financial‑planning experience, they break down the crucial steps you can take now to avoid playing catch‑up later.They explore:Why not contributing enough (even in the age of auto‑enrolment) can limit your future lifestyleHow neglecting your investment strategy can derail long‑term growthThe risks of leaving old pensions scattered across employersWhy having no clear retirement target can leave you working longer than you need toThe importance of joined‑up thinking with your partnerNavigating tax traps — and why tax shouldn’t dictate every decisionWhether you should prioritise pensions, ISAs, or a blend of bothPacked with practical tips and approachable explanations, this episode is designed to help you make confident, informed decisions—whether you’re decades away from retirement or already planning your exit from work.📩 Got questions or want help with your own retirement plan?Email us at: [email protected]:00:00 - Introduction00:40 - Not Contributing Enough07:58 - Ignoring the Underlying Investments16:37 - Not Keeping Track of Old Pensions20:35 - Not Knowing What You're Saving Towards27:18 - Not Thinking About Tax Consequences33:50 - Listener's Question--TALK TO USCall us: 0191 384 1008Email us: [email protected]: www.retirewellpodcast.co.uk--SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERwww.retirewellpodcast.co.uk---Wealth of Advice are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, reference number 563909. Past performance is no guide to future returns. Your investments can go down as well as up, so you may get back less than you originally invested. This video is for educational purposes only and is not personal financial advice.