Smart Pension has launched a new guided retirement journey through its Smart Retire solution, aimed at helping savers prepare for retirement from the age of 45 onwards.

The new service combines digital planning tools, educational guidance and tailored human support to help members make informed decisions in the years leading up to retirement.

At the centre of the launch is a new ‘get retirement ready’ feature, available through the Smart Pension app and desktop portal for members aged between 45 and 55.

Using a checklist-style approach, the feature combines planning tools, educational resources and follow-up support designed to help savers take practical steps earlier, while there is still time to improve retirement outcomes.

Alongside the digital journey, members aged 45 and above will also have access to Smart Pension’s retirement support team, offering tailored human support alongside digital guidance.

Smart Pension said the service forms part of its wider investment in technology and artificial intelligence (AI), supporting specialists with routine tasks while allowing greater focus on member interactions.

The launch also builds on a series of retirement capabilities introduced by Smart Pension over the past year, including fully digital retirement claims, faster identity verification and expanded pension freedom options through its app and desktop portal.

While Smart Pension does not provide financial advice, the firm explained that the new retirement solution is designed to offer earlier guidance and support to help members access their savings.

Through Smart Retire’s four-pot model, savers can gradually move from saving into spending while keeping their pension invested and drawing an income, before later moving into a guaranteed income option if desired.

Commenting on the launch, Smart Pension proposition manager, Andy Fergusson, said: “A modern retirement is no longer a single moment at the end of someone’s career, which is why we are focused on helping savers engage with their pension in their 40s and 50s to support them through that journey.

“For many savers, these are the years where earnings may be higher, financial priorities begin to shift, and retirement starts to feel more immediate, creating an important opportunity to review contributions, understand available tax benefits and make more informed long-term decisions.

“By combining practical digital tools with more tailored human support, through a dedicated retirement support team, we are helping savers approach retirement with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of their options.”

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