think it's time to start thinking about a pension, where do I begin?!

[redhappy]

I am 31, single parent of 2, carer for my ds so recieving disablitly benefits and income support.

I have never had any sort of pension set up, but I just feel like if I don't start thinking about it now I'm going to living in poverty my whole life!

I considered regularly putting a small amount into savings, but once it reached a certain amount (I'm thinking very long term here) it would start to affect my benefits, so in effect I wouldn't have saved anything.

Would anyone be able to suggest how I can try to save for old age? If I put money into a pension fund is that different to savings and therefore disregrded?

I'd also preface the following by saying that you should talk to some independent financial advisers in order to get a professional view and also that you should pay off any debts before you start saving.

The advantage of a pension fund over other forms of long-term investment like unit trusts or managed funds is that for every £80 you put in, the state will top it up to £100 in tax relief. 'Stakeholder' pensions were set up to encourage people on modest/low incomes to plan for old age and usually have lower admin charges than other investments.

Property has been and will probably continue to be a good long-term investment. Do you own your own home?

Check how much cash savings you can have before it affects benefits. Worth building up to that amount in a tax-free Cash ISA short-term and then tipping it into a longer term investment when it hits the limit. As above, keep some short-term savings handy for emergencies.

I'm not currently employed. My son recieves dla, so I am his carer. As a lone parent then I also recieve income support. I am in preivste rented accomodation, no savings, but also no debts (apart from student loan).

I would be setting up a private pension plan, I don't even know where to start, but the Virgin one looks really simple and basic, and I like that you can pay whatever you like in each month.

I'm just very aware that I have absolutely nothing in pplace for the future, no partner to 'look after' me, and not sure if I will be my son's carer indefinitely, or if I may be able to have a career at some point, so just trying to be sensible.

The main things to compare are the admin charges when judging the various pension products on offer. Think you're being very sensible so far!