How to save for retirement in your 30s without losing sight of today

5 top tips for retirement planning in your 30s

When you’re in your 30s, life can feel like a financial balancing act. Between paying a mortgage, supporting children, or advancing your career, retirement can easily fall to the bottom of the list. But this decade offers a key window of opportunity to build the kind of financial future you would like. 

Whether you’re looking to understand how to save for retirement at 30, make sense of pension options, or simply build better habits, this guide can help you take small, manageable steps that you can start now.  

Why start planning for retirement in your 30s? 

It might still feel far away, but your 30s can be a pivotal time for setting long-term goals. The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow and the more flexibility you might have later on. 

Yet, research from the SJP Retirement Report 2025 shows that 60% of UK adults either think they’re not saving enough for retirement or aren’t sure if they’re saving enough. 

Knowing how to plan for retirement in your 30s could help you take control early, avoid last-minute pressure later on, and help build towards a lifestyle that works for you.  

A clearer picture of what you might need 

One helpful thing you could do in your 30s is take stock of your future income needs. According to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, a moderate retirement lifestyle for a single person requires about £31,700 a year. A comfortable lifestyle sits closer to £43,900. 

If you’re unsure how much you may need, or what you’ve already saved, there are simple tools like the MoneyHelper pension calculator that can help you run different scenarios.  

What if you’ve already started? 

If you’ve already begun saving into a workplace pension, that’s a strong foundation. In your 30s, it can be helpful to review your contributions if you get a pay rise or switch jobs. Even small increases over time can make a difference, especially with the added benefit of employer contributions and tax relief. 

And if you’re saving outside of a pension too, it might be worth reviewing whether those savings are working for the long term. Some choose to explore options like Stocks & Shares ISAs or diversified investment platforms. Whatever you decide, the key is understanding how different types of saving can support your goals.  

Retirement planning doesn’t mean figuring everything out today 

You don’t need to have all the answers now. But the sooner you start thinking about your future income, the more choice and clarity you may have later. Whether you’re adjusting your budget, checking your pension balance, or exploring what’s realistic for your retirement lifestyle, every step counts. 

Ready to take the next step?  

Saving for retirement in your 30s doesn’t have to mean overhauling your finances. But building on the habits you already have could help you feel more in control of what’s ahead. Whether you’ve made a start or are just beginning to think about it, every small step counts. 

Our free guide, ‘5 top tips for retirement planning in your 30s’, is here to help. It’s simple, practical, and written for real life, ideal for reading on your lunch break, train journey, or whenever you’ve got five minutes to spare. 

Complete the form below to access your copy

Get in touch
If you would like to discuss how to save for retirement in your 30s, or if you wish to schedule an initial consultation, please contact us.advise-me@fosterdenovo.com

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested. Investments do not include the same security of capital which is afforded with a deposit account. Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances. The tax treatment of pensions in general will be based on individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation, which are subject to change in the future. A pension is a long-term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Pension savings are at risk of being eroded by inflation.