How to change up the tune of pension messaging

Johanna Nelson breaks down switching the ‘R.E.M’ status quo

clock • 3 min read

Johanna Nelson sets out five ways to improve pension messaging and bring it into the real world...

Imagine retirement and the vision of a stock-picture-perfect grey-haired, blue-eyed couple strolling along the seashore washes into your brain. I don't know about you but the retired folk I know generally do not look like the professional models in thousands of photographs companies use to illustrate their retirement services. And the theme tune to accompany their idealised coastal ambling? ‘Shiny Happy People' by American rock band R.E.M would be the obvious choice but not the right one. It has always been a struggle to convince people to be more interested in how to pay for tomor...

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 Pensions

Mind the gap: Why advisers have a key role in closing the gender pension divide

Mind the gap: Why advisers have a key role in closing the gender pension divide

'While access to pensions has improved, barriers remain'

Julia Peake
clock 22 October 2026 • 5 min read
Planning points: Paying pension funds to charity on death

Planning points: Paying pension funds to charity on death

IHT on pensions may create opportunities for charitable giving

Martin Jones
clock 16 October 2026 • 3 min read
Torsten Bell: Pensions industry must 'give ground' to what savers trust

Torsten Bell: Pensions industry must 'give ground' to what savers trust

Torsten Bell says what the industry is doing is a ‘triumph’, but there must be transparency

Holly Roach
clock 15 October 2026 • 1 min read