Recent research from interactive investor has revealed the reality facing many women approaching retirement, with older women estimated to only have enough pension wealth to last four years in retirement compared with 14 years for men of the same age[i].
Based on Department for Work and Pensions data, interactive investor found that women aged 62 with DC pensions have average savings of just £28,500, compared with £90,000 for men. This is prompting growing interest in alternative ways to boost retirement savings and build long-term financial security, including physical gold investments.
According to Matthew Jones, Precious Metals Analyst and Co-Founder of Britannia Bullion, more women are now considering gold as part of a broader retirement planning strategy.
Jones said: “Many women are becoming increasingly aware of the retirement savings gap and looking for ways to diversify beyond traditional pensions and cash savings. Gold has historically been viewed as a long-term store of value and a tangible asset that can provide reassurance during periods of economic uncertainty.”
One woman who has turned to gold is Samantha Nelson, an interior designer from Croydon, who decided to invest in gold coins after looking for ways to make her savings work harder as part of her long-term retirement planning. Having previously sold a flat, Samantha had proceeds sitting in the bank but wanted to diversify part of her savings into a physical asset.
“I’m quite cautious when it comes to money,” Samantha explained. “I wasn’t going to invest a significant amount without making sure the company I was investing with was legitimate or understanding exactly how it worked.”
After contacting Britannia Bullion, Samantha visited the company’s office where she met with market experts who guided her through the process and explained how physical gold can perform over the long term. Samantha said she was particularly attracted to gold because of its tangible and low-risk nature.
“I see gold more like a currency than stocks or shares,” she said. “You can always sell a coin if you need to, and I don’t trust the banks to protect my money. That gives me real confidence in this investment.”
In March, Samantha made her first purchase of four one-ounce gold coins worth approximately £20,000 using a staged instalment payment plan starting with a £1,000 deposit. Encouraged by the experience, Samantha later purchased two more coins worth £8,500.
Among her collection are coins from the sought-after Queen’s Beasts series, including one coin featuring all the Beasts at Hampton Court and a separate coin of the Greyhound of Richmond. Samantha now plans to hold the coins for around 10 years as part of her retirement savings strategy.
“The coins are beautifully produced, certified and part of limited collections,” she said. “I can track their performance online or via an app and knowing I can sell a coin if I need to gives me extra peace of mind.”
She also appreciates the practical benefits associated with investment-grade gold coins. Samantha’s Queen’s Beasts coins are Capital Gains Tax exempt, VAT-free and were delivered fully insured. Reflecting on her experience, Samantha said the professionalism of the Britannia Bullion team played a major role in building trust and confidence.
Samantha continues to monitor gold prices and values the reassurance of having part of her retirement savings invested in a tangible asset as part of her long-term financial planning.
Matthew Jones adds: “Gold is not about replacing pensions. For many people, it is about diversification and having part of their savings in a physical asset they can access and monitor over the long term.”
As retirement concerns continue to grow, industry experts believe alternative assets such as physical gold could become an increasingly important consideration for women seeking greater financial confidence later in life.
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[i] https://www.ii.co.uk/analysis-commentary/womens-pensions-could-run-out-just-four-years-retirement-ii538354