This is how you'll retire early

Another day, another gloomy survey into the parlous state of the nation's pensions provision. And according to research released today by Prudential, almost half of us now believe that we won't have enough for a comfortable retirement.

The anticipated retirement incomes of men and women have been plummeting, in short, and have now reached a five-year low. Taken together -- and including private, company and state pensions -- retirees' anticipated income is just £15,500. Put another way, that's over £1,000 lower than expected income levels this time last year.