I realise that this topic could be seen as taboo by some (not sure why, but that's the way it is). Anyway, I'm coming up to a birthday in my late 20s, and was thinking about starting a pension, but I haven't a clue where to begin. Does anyone have any tips regarding this, or regarding not putting money into a pension but putting it elsewhere? I'm also concerned that potentially doing a postdoc abroad for 3 or so years could cause problems with this, so in addition, if you have any experience of this, could you let me know?

Thanks!

Moving abroad can affect your state pension (according to my Dad who lived in Australia for 8 years, but it may have changed).  It's all to do with National insurance stamps apparently! I don't think it has a massive effect though. In terms of a private pension, I can't advise you really.  I had one with my old job (before coming back to uni) but I'm now doing nothing towards my pension.

After seeing a family friend have his pension scheme collapse and have to work for an additional 5 - 10 years because of it, I'm inclined to try something else, but like you I haven't a clue what!

So I've not been massively helpful :p

Good luck!