Is it too late for me to start saving for my retirement?

Believe anyone who has looked after children are credited those years, up to about 14 I think, with national insurance credits which go towards pension. I had to apply in the 70's so might be worth checking with work and pensions dept.

Never too late. Even if it's small amounts. However, in the old days I would have said stock markets are the best long term strategy (and by long-term I mean anything over 5 years) but now with Brexit...who knows...?

I too would love some advice. I had a private pension about 25 years ago but stopped paying into it (badly advised) because I was short on cash. I have had nothing since and am now panicking. The whole Brexit uncertainty isn't helping any either

Could you invest in other ways - like in property?

First of all focus, if you are single and your circumstances permit, on making sure you own your home and it will be paid for when you retire that is your priority. If you have a mortgage do everything you can to pay it off as soon as possible. If you have to rent after you retire you will be entitled to housing benefit BUT only for a 1 bedroom flat if you are single and at the local housing allowance rate for new claims. You can check what your LHA will be on putting in your postcode on a website. Pension credit will also top up your income and you will get most if not all of your council tax paid if you are entitled to council tax benefit. Then once you have sorted out your housing for your retirement you can start to save for a pension as others have said contribute the maximum into your employers new Workplace Pension pension scheme all employers must offer this see . Gov website for details, Don't be taken in by any brokers or financial advisers remember banks and insurance companies are not your friends. The Martins money tips website and its forums is great for specific and general advice. You have at least 17 years until you retire so you do have time to save and and you can get a state pensions forecast from the .gov website. Most of the money pages in the press are now recommending saving into Savings accounts rather than ISAS as you will soon be able to get the first £1000 of interest tax free. If you don't already understand it check out on the web the law of compound interest which will show you how quickly your savings will grow over 17 years with an amount saved per month. 50 is quite a salutary birthday suddenly pensions are interesting!

I don't have a works pension
Up until last year I had received a care allowance for about 12 years and was unable due to circumstances to work
As part of the care allowance my national insurance contributions were paid for me.
I also believe that if( as I did) you work part time on a casual basis whilst receiving family allowance then you N/I was also paid for you.

For a couple of years after my daughter reached 18 due to family illness, I was unable to work. So there was no N/I paid.
I was duly sent a bill for the unpaid N/I amount which was optional.
I chose to pay.
I have recently got a forecast and I have got enough contributions for a full state pension when I'm 66 yrs.

So even if queenbea you have not got a works pension, I would suggest that you get a state pension forecast.
And if possible pay any shortfall in your N/I contributions.

There is also impartial financial advice at banks and building society

CAB will also give good advice re pension rights

New pension system started this April. Which is a flat rate.
I don't think the new pension has top ups, that pre April pension had.

unfortunately i never had enough spare money to save for my retirement so i'm living on my state pension and a pittance for a work pension as i only contributed for 9 years.
however, all is not lost if you have no savings and are on a small income - pension credit is there for people with a low income ............... don't hesitate to claim for everything that you're entitled to - you paid your dues all these years and it's payback time now!

small state pension

I started paying into NHS superannuation scheme when I went back to work at 50 , we had talks about pensions and some of my friends left this scheme for private pensions , I was dubious and left things as they were . I have now got a small pension to top up my even smaller old age pension , I only get a small pension because I stayed at home with the children . So it is never too late to start a pension , but make sure it is a good one ............... well as far as you can these days

I'm sure I have heard Martin Lewis say its never too late. If you are intending to work until you receive state pension that's about 15 years isn't it. I would get some advice asap.

If you are working, make sure you pay as much as you can afford, up to the maximum allowed, into your employer's pension scheme.

Im presuming your working, starting from October 2012, all employers must by law offer a workplace pension scheme. You, your employer and the government will pay into your pension if you're enrolled into a workplace scheme.