Poor products the cause of savings gap, say consumers

Scott Sinclair
clock

Confusing and inflexible financial products, not consumer apathy, are the principal reasons behind an estimated £300bn savings gap in the UK, research suggests.

Most consumers say they would be more likely to save if products were more flexible and easier to understand, according to the survey of more than 2,000 UK adults by the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) and NS&I. Some 87% of respondents cited this as either the only or a contributory reason behind their lack of savings, despite almost 60% admitting they are worried about their finances. Earlier this year, a report by insurance giant Aviva, said Britons would need to find more than £300bn if they are to retire on the recommended 70% of their salaries. Fewer people have financia...

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 Your profession

The banks are back: What does this mean for advisers?

The banks are back: What does this mean for advisers?

Banks ‘uniquely positioned’ to provide advice to mass market

Sophia Panayi
clock 24 August 2026 • 6 min read
Social media investment advice leaves investors out of pocket - research

Social media investment advice leaves investors out of pocket - research

Over half who acted on social media financial advice regretted it

Isabel Baxter
clock 21 August 2026 • 3 min read
New sexual harassment duty: Can adviser firms show they've taken 'all reasonable steps'?

New sexual harassment duty: Can adviser firms show they've taken 'all reasonable steps'?

'Employers will be expected to take all reasonable steps'

Emily Bradshaw
clock 19 August 2026 • 4 min read