To pause pension contributions on mat leave

[Sparksi]

I understand about the pension gap, and that pension contributions are very worthwhile as they gain interest & often employers match your contribution.

I am wondering though if 9 months really makes a difference? Yes I want to be comfortable in retirement but I also want to be comfortable now, and £150-200 extra (can’t remember what I pay exactly) would really help.

AIBU to pause contributions over mat leave?

We viewed my lost pension contributions as an expense to come from the joint pot. IE: our joint pot paid for the difference between me working FT and being on ML, and then the difference between me working FT and PT when I returned to work. We are not flush - most of my ML was funded by a 0% credit card but I prioritise my pension (and hope RR leaves it alone!)

I did exactly the same thing and I don't regret it at all, I only did it for the six months where my leave went down to statutory as I felt like every penny counted! My contributions were/are really substantial as well and I've massively noticed the difference in what I've been able to pick up through pausing it

I would avoid doing this if possible. You’re likely to regret it further down the line.

No no no no no no. Do not do this.

I really regret doing that . 59 now and I really notice that gap

Please talk to other mums at your work! My terms and conditions meant that my pension contributions and childcare vouchers were covered by the company once my maternity pay ran out. I would have stopped both if it weren't for the kind person that told me. I also didn't completely believe it til I saw my payslips. I took loads of time off so had nearly 2 years of full contributions which really added up.
You might be the same.