* PEoPlE in the UK are more likely to put off thinking about saving for retirement than thinking about their next haircut or holiday, new research has found. Only going to the doctor or dentist came ahead of retirement saving in the list of delayed plans, according to a survey for Scottish Widows of 2,000 people who are currently in employment. Robert Cochran, key accounts pension development manager at Scottish Widows, says: "With life expectancy continuing to increase it is encouraging people are recognising the need to save for their retirement, however those putting holidays and shopping before saving for their future need to urgently rethink their priorities to ensure a comfortable retirement and a less stressful life now."
* One in five people does not know the level of savings generally considered necessary to guard against a financial emergency, research has found. People should aim to have easy access to a nest egg which is equivalent to three months' essential outgoings to act as a "financial buffer" if something unexpected happens, according to the Lloyds Bank Savings Report. But 20 per cent of more than 3,600 people surveyed did not know how much they needed to have saved for an unexpected event.
* Bulgaria has been tipped as the "best value" ski destination this February half term, with a week's holiday for a family of four costing around £3,000 less than one in Switzerland, according to research. M&S Bank, which also looked at the cost of a skiing trip to the United States, France and Italy, said that a trip to Bulgaria this February half term would cost around £6,225 for a family, while in Switzerland, the cost was around £9,499. Holiday costs were calculated for a family of four, including seven nights' accommodation, flights, transfers, dinner, £140 spending money and ski pass/equipment hire. Packages looked at were for a 3-4 star rated hotel or accommodation. Fraser Millar, head of travel money at M&S Bank, says: "It is worth considering some of the less traditional ski destinations as well as looking at local costs and exchange rates."