As the days shorten and the evenings draw in, autumn is a natural time to pause and take stock. As we prepare for the colder months ahead, it can be a good time to hunker down and reflect on your financial resilience. Are your plans in good shape for whatever lies ahead – and are there steps you could take now to feel more confident about the future?

Establishing robust financial foundations is essential in times of economic uncertainty and elevated living costs. A recent study (Royal London’s Financial Resilience Report 2025) found that essential bills, such as energy and food, have continued to increase for most people in 2025, although around a quarter of respondents reported that their housing costs have eased slightly.

Positive signs – but knowledge gaps revealed

Despite ongoing cost of living challenges, retirement planning is back on track for at least half the population. In this year’s survey, only 43% of UK adults said their retirement plans and savings had been impacted by higher living expenses compared with 75% in 2024 – a positive shift.

Although this bodes well for long-term financial resilience, the report revealed a worrying disconnect. Seven in 10 people don’t know the value of their pension pot and 52% have not considered how much money they need to fund their retirement.

Check in on your pension

Reviewing your contributions, underlying investments and whether your strategy still reflects your goals can help strengthen long-term security. Small adjustments today can compound into meaningful differences tomorrow.

Cash savings – need a boost?

The report paints a mixed picture when it comes to savings – the number of people going overdrawn after covering their living expenses has fallen, but at the same time there’s a worrying lack of short-term savings. Building short-term resilience, in the form of a savings buffer, is important as this can help you withstand unexpected financial shocks.

Sow the seeds for security and success

Resilience is about balance – not letting current financial challenges derail your long-term planning. By taking time this autumn to review your pensions, savings and investments, you can feel more confident that your financial future is on track.

We can provide the support you need to move beyond short-term survival and build lasting financial resilience – helping you thrive with confidence in the years ahead.

*The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.