I spoke to a friend of the same age recently who asked me to help with his company pension literature as it was "too daunting". Wanting to help, I asked him to read through the documents and call me with any questions. In fact it transpired that he was happy and had thought it would be far more complicated. He wouldn't have read the literature had I not asked and offered support and so would still be ignoring retirement saving because of the assumed complication - this is certainly not a unique experience.

Perhaps the experiences of our elders but certainly the media and successive governments have portrayed pensions, whether intentionally or not, to be over complicated and risky. If this were the case, why would anyone yearn for defined benefit schemes when defined contribution is far more simple and transparent?

For some years now new pensions have been, quite simply, "easy". The literature is straightforward and the options available to us can allow that financial risk is managed within strict guidelines. Despite this we are continually thrust the message that it is complicated and something that's easier to avoid if at all possible.

With the welfare system in this country as it is, young people in employment have, in my opinion, a responsibility to do all they can to ensure they do not become a future drain on resources. However, unless we as a nation stop providing ready-made excuses, mistrust will reign.

Young people believe that the age of retirement is going to keep increasing and that they will be obliged to work until they day they die - this certainly will be the case if the media and our leaders do not stop tarring pensions with such negativity.

Anna-Marie Smith, Business Analyst, Friends Life