Is University pension (USS) good?

Alechjo

Dear All,

Could you please advise me on University pension scheme (USS), should I take it or not? I just got employed at a University (and most likely to be an academic for the rest of my life). I know that there is employer's contribution to USS, but on the other hand it is less flexible than personal pension and I cannot figure out what I can actually get in the end and how would it be compared to other pensions. I am 24 and basic tax payer. Do I need to start pension now or is it better to build cash ISA first? Or is it better to start the pension earlier and get tax relief and uni contributions?

I am really confused planning 30-40 years ahead, what could you suggest?

EdInvestor

AFAIK the USS scheme is one of the best final salary schemes around and you should go for it.

ard123en

my other half is in the uni scheme it looks one of the best scheme ive seen and final salery schemes are not easy ot find now id join it now if I were on your positon

clairehi

Agree with the others. Join!

pjala

Ok, comparing the AVC and the buying addional years of the university pension scheme (teachers pension scheme), which is better? Or is it better to buy into a SIPP?
Thanks