Nick Homer: The new financial priority

'Dramatic shift'

clock • 3 min read

Nick Homer explores the ‘dramatic shift’ in workers’ financial priorities revealed in Zurich’s in-depth protection report. As pension saving becomes a priority for many, should protection follow?

The financial crisis was associated with mounting household debt, not just here in the UK but globally. Between 2008 and 2016, the median debt-to-GDP ratio in advanced economies grew from 52% to 63%, while emerging markets saw that figure soar from 15% to 21%, according to the International Monetary Fund. For years, the headlines of personal finance pages highlighted this financial vulnerability, detailing the stresses even well-paid individuals and families suffered when trying to pay their monthly bills, which often included spiraling consumer debts. But there seems to have been a q...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Retirement

Shifting pension rules 'eroding trust' and 'hindering' retirement confidence

Shifting pension rules 'eroding trust' and 'hindering' retirement confidence

Speculation on rules hitting confidence across every age group

Sahar Nazir
clock 17 November 2025 • 2 min read
Retirement confidence dips amid Budget speculation

Retirement confidence dips amid Budget speculation

Confidence is highest among those receiving professional financial advice

Jenna Brown
clock 12 November 2025 • 2 min read
The Great Wealth Transfer: women, wealth and what comes next

The Great Wealth Transfer: women, wealth and what comes next

Sponsored content from WIFA 2025 headline sponsor LV=

LV=
clock 03 November 2025 • 6 min read