For a third running, Standard Life will be celebrating it's National Women’s Pensions Day. To celebrate they will be offering a free half day expert session for 40 women covering: "Everything you wanted to know about pensions but were afraid to ask," in an independent environment led by Fiona Reddan, Irish Times personal finance correspondent and Emma Kennedy, Money editor with the Sunday Business Post.  

Standard Life had a great response to last year’s 100 free hours of independent advice offered to women for National Women’s Pensions Day. Over 130 women applied and with the help of Connect Women in Pensions, 100 women were given advice by a team of enthusiastic, professional female advisers who said it was a very positive and fulfilling experience helping other women with their finances. 

According to their research, pension ownership as measured by Standard Life’s most recent survey of almost 600 women fell significantly from 42% to 29% in two years. This means 71% of women do not have a pension. In addition, this survey reveals the average female retirement income remains at a paltry €2,000 p.a. compared to twelve months ago while men’s expected annual income has risen from €4,000 per annum to €5,400 per annum. 

Aileen Power, creator of the Standard Life National Women’s Pensions day and head of corporate communications with Standard Life said, "Over 70% of women don’t have a pension and if they do, they’re not saving enough. We’re trying to change that. We believe in educating women about pensions and helping them empower themselves and their families so they can look forward to a more comfortable and enjoyable retirement."   

For more visit: www.businessworld.ie