So confused...and starting to panic.

Injured_2

I'm 35, with no debt (no wife!), and no mortgage...sadly, no pension either. I'm beginning to feel old and the jitters have set in that I'm not really being responsible enough with my money. I've got a few Premium Bonds and a few thousand put aside, but I need to do so much more.

Earlier in my youth, I think, but not certain that I contracted out of SERPS. How can I find out? What does this mean to me if I am 'out'. Is it beneficial or to my detriment?

Finally, what do I do now? Is it worthless me starting a pension (if not, where do I go now?) or should I invest, bearing in mind that investing is by no means 'safe'. I do have a First Direct shares account, but since reading a book (or half a book) I don't think I'm confident enough to share deal. Is there such a thing as share dealing that's managed for you? I think so, but everything I search for turns out to be different than I imagine it.

Any help would be appreciated. More details to follow, if required.

CIS

Get a state pension forecast, it'll give you the current state pension postition.

Get one from 0845 3000168 or online at https://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

The website will also have details to trace your occupational pension, if you dont have current details regarding it.

dunstonh

What does this mean to me if I am 'out'. Is it beneficial or to my detriment?

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=28636

How can I find out?

Ask your personal pension provider or you can find out from http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/atoz/atozdetailed/pensiontracing.asp

Is it worthless me starting a pension (if not, where do I go now?) or should I invest, bearing in mind that investing is by no means 'safe'

A pension is an investment wrapper. You can invest in the same funds available on ISAs and other tax wrappers. You can also invest in shares if you want. The only difference between all the investment tax wrappers is how they are taxed, how they pay benefits and the charges.

Is there such a thing as share dealing that's managed for you? I think so, but everything I search for turns out to be different than I imagine it.

You can pay a stockbroker but it won't be cheap.

For people that havent got a clue where to start and are unlikely to spend the time required to handle full investment porfolios, then you either pay someone to do it or you set up something at the start (such as a stakeholder pension or an ISA) and hope for the best. However, anything you do really does need periodic reviews. Even if it is only once every 2 years.