Consumers boost pensions with sideline SIPPs

The research reveals a quarter of investors cite the freedom to manage their investments as the main reason for using SIPPs. A third of investors also go as far as saying they can achieve better returns than a professional pension fund manager. "Pension savings have been hit hard in recent years by volatile market conditions and the demise of final salary pension schemes," says Paul Inkster, head of product at Barclays Stockbrokers. "Therefore savings must work harder to achieve the returns needed to ensure a comfortable retirement. "Retirement planning remains a priority for ma...