Women are important to all of our lives. They are our mothers, sisters, wives, and friends. In fact, there are roughly 2% more women than men in the world. furthermore, the life expectancy of women tends to be longer than that of men. In the UK, men aged 65-years-old, on average live for another 17 years. Meanwhile, women tend to live for another 20 years. However, women are generally not preparing enough for their retirements. In fact, only about a third of women in the UK are currently contributing into pension [http://businessfinanceweb.com/loans/how-to-get-the-best-uk-pensions.html] accounts in their name. This includes both personal pensions and occupational pensions. Furthermore, research indicates that women typically tend to prioritize spending disposable income on their children, instead of for their retirement. Nevertheless, here are some viable ways for women to increase their savings for retirement: 1. Join the occupational pension scheme of your employer The standard advice regarding occupational pensions (for both men and women) is that if it is available, then avail of it. This is particularly true if the company that you work for contributes into the personal pension. Think of the occupational pension as a pay raise. You typically would not refuse a pay raise, right? In the case that the employer does not pay into the occupational pension, you should seek the advice of an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) and consider selecting your own stakeholder pension. Employees can now save up to £215,000 of their salaries in a stakeholder pension, due to recent changes in the rules of pensions. Also, consider the tax benefits of saving in a pension. The government provides tax breaks for any pensions that save at your utmost tax rate. 2. Consider a personal pension If you are a woman in one or more of the following categories: Your company does not supply an occupational pension You are self-employed You do not work then you should definitely consider a personal pension. Again, a stakeholder pension is one of the best options. If you work, then you can again avail of unlimited contributions, up to a yearly maximum amount. If you do not pay taxes, the stakeholder pension maximum contribution (after tax breaks) is £3,600. The figure of 1.5% is the maximum annual charges that pension providers can apply to stakeholder pensions. 3. Consider an alternative savings scheme for retirement It is not been carved in stone that you must take out a pension at all. You could consider investing through other means, such as ISAs. In fact, experts advise that you save for retirement using a blend of various means for saving and investing. 4. Start preparing for your retirement today Tomorrow never comes. The steps to plan for your retirement are: Start today. The longer you wait, the less you can save. Do your homework. Visit thepensionservice.gov.uk and direct.gov.uk, to get pension information straight from the UK government. Talk to an IFA. The best way to locate an IFA is through personal references. Diversity your saving and investing. Make sure to include the full spectrum of investment products, such as ISAs and pensions.