s financial worries increasingly prompt Britons to attempt to review their finances and reduce their debts, one aspect that may be overlooked is the pension.
With various surveys demonstrating the extent to which people are finding themselves having to cope with mounting credit card bills and loan payments, thoughts about saving for retirement could be pushed to the back of minds.
Yet it could well be that the current economic problems highlight just how important careful financial planning is.
This is certainly the view of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), which has produced a guide aimed at addressing the issues and concerns consumers may have.
Simply entitled 'People need pensions', it intends to make just that point.
The ABI observed that confidence is the most important factor in pulling through the recession, but investments and long-term savings have taken a knock due to stock market falls.
Director of consumer strategy at the organisation Maggie Craig explained that pensions remain an excellent prospect, particularly as savers can benefit from "free money" - both from the government and employers.
"Saving for retirement is crucial both for individuals, as it helps to ensure they will have a more comfortable retirement, and for society, as it reduces the burden on future generations of taxpayers," she remarked.
And the importance of having a nest egg in place has been emphasised by a recent study by Help the Aged and Age Concern.
Beginning early could be the key, as nearly half of those over the age of 50 told the charities that they are less confident their pension and savings will be enough to fund retirement than they were six months ago.
The organisations also cited Office for National Statistics figures showing that the number of unemployed people in this group has risen nearly 50 per cent over the last year, which could mean even more people are relying on their investments.
One provider that has recognised the need for investments to be made is Scottish Widows, which has announced the launch of two new multi-manager funds.
Through these, customers are being offered the chance to see their money spread across a range of assets - including equities, commodities, bonds and property.
This particular approach may not be to everyone's liking, but the advice from various quarters does appear to be clear - consumers should not forget about pensions despite the economic problems currently taking hold around the world.
To this end, Ms Craig stated: "In these difficult economic times, it is especially important that people make the right decisions about their finances, now and in the future.
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