What If I Live Too Long?

It's a question I often ask people.

And almost every time, people laugh.

"What if I lived too long?"

Surely that's a good thing?

Well yes, when we're talking about life.

But when we're talking about money, it's a very important question.

Because what people are really worried about isn't living too long.

They're worried about running out of money before they run out of life.

Living Longer Is Becoming More Common

When I build cashflow models for clients, I almost always model their finances to at least age 100.

The response?

Usually a look of disbelief, followed by:

"There's no way I'll live that long!"

Perhaps.

But perhaps not.

Using the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Life Expectancy Calculator, I discovered that, based on my age and gender, I have:

• A 48.9% chance of reaching age 90
• An 8.2% chance of reaching age 100*

Suddenly age 100 doesn't seem quite so unrealistic.

After all, Sir David Attenborough recently celebrated his 100th birthday. And whilst reaching 100 is still relatively uncommon, it's becoming far less extraordinary than it once was.

Retirement Can Last Longer Than You Think 

Many people still picture retirement as a relatively short stage of life.

The reality can be very different.

Today, retirement can easily last 25 to 35 years.

In fact, some people will spend longer in retirement than they spent paying off their mortgage.

That means your pension, investments and savings may need to support you for three decades or more.

That's a long time for your money to keep working.

The Challenge Isn't Just Living Longer

Longevity is one of the biggest financial risks we face.

Ironically, it's the only financial risk that's caused by something positive.

Living longer means:

• Your money needs to last longer.
• Inflation has more time to erode spending power.
• Investment returns become increasingly important.
• Care costs may become a consideration.
• One partner may need to support themselves financially for many years after the other has died.

These aren't reasons to worry.

They're reasons to plan.

This Is Why Cashflow Planning Matters

One of the most powerful tools I use with clients is cashflow planning.

Rather than simply looking at pensions, ISAs and investments individually, cashflow planning helps answer questions such as:

• Can I afford to retire when I want to?
• Am I saving enough?
• What happens if I spend more?
• What happens if investment returns are lower than expected?
• Could I help my children financially?
• What if I need care later in life?
• What if I live to 100?

We can't predict the future…

…But we can explore different possibilities and understand how they may affect your financial future.

My job isn't to make sure you die with lots of money.

My job is to help make sure you don't run out of money while you're still here to enjoy it.

Confidence, Not Crystal Balls

The biggest benefit of financial planning isn't necessarily having the largest pension pot.

It's confidence.

✅ Confidence to spend money and enjoy life.

✅ Confidence to retire when the time is right.

✅ Confidence that your finances are working as hard for you as you worked to earn them.

✅ Most importantly, confidence that you're unlikely to run out of money, no matter how many birthday cards you end up receiving.

Because living a long life should be something to celebrate.

Not something to fear.

*Source: Office for National Statistics Life Expectancy Calculator, accessed 6 June 2026. The probabilities quoted are based on Naomi Haynes' age and gender and will differ for each individual. ONS Life Expectancy Calculator: 

Equity investments (and Stocks and Shares ISAs) fluctuate in value, so returns aren’t guaranteed. While cash savings provide short term stability, inflation can erode their purchasing power over time. This is why many investors use equities for longer term goals, although you could still get back less than you invest.

Long term care may involve a referral to Karehero, a care navigator and matching service provider, whose services are separate and distinct to those offered by St. James's Place.

Although the content of the article was correct at the time of writing, the accuracy of the information should not be relied upon, as it may have been subject to subsequent tax, legislative or event changes.