Pensions: money you're entitled to that most people miss

A pension is a long-term pot for retirement — and it comes with two perks that are hard to beat anywhere else: employer contributions and tax relief.

Employer matching

Many employers will match extra contributions you make, up to a limit. That's an instant, guaranteed return on your money — turning down full matching is leaving pay you've already earned on the table.

Tax relief

The government tops up pension contributions too. For a basic-rate taxpayer, £100 in your pension effectively costs you £80. Higher earners can claim back even more.

Because the money compounds for decades, even small increases now can mean tens of thousands more at retirement.