With all the gloom that's surrounded pension schemes for the last 10 years, it's easy to be totally confused and disheartened by events. Falling stock market values, lower annuity rates and constantly changing government legislation have all added to the confusion.

In its simplest form retirement planning is all about accumulating a sum of money on which you can draw enough income to live off when you stop working. Whether you have a final salary pension scheme, an AVC or an ISA, we'll explain the differences between them and more importantly, identify if you're building the capital you’ll need.