Bermuda's investors will be able to learn more about savings their finances for later life with the launch of Pensions Awareness Week next week by The Argus Group.

The event, which takes place between March 3 and March 7, will provide important information about pension planning and saving for retirement and has been endorsed by Finance Minister Paula Cox.

On Thursday March 6, Argus will hold a series of information seminars about pensions for their pension clients, totalling more than 10,000 employees.

The insurance company will also be running an educational advertising campaign to raise awareness about the importance of pensions. The following day, on Friday March 7, Argus will hold a cocktail party for its longest-standing pension customers, some of whom have been with the company since the 1950s.

During the week Lauren Bell, executive vice-president of Life & Pensions at Argus, will also give a speech to Hamilton Rotary Club on the development of pensions in Bermuda, the current pension environment and the importance of planning for retirement.

Gerald Simons, president & CEO of the Argus Group, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating 50 years in the pensions business. With life expectancy increasing and the birth rate declining, planning for retirement has never been more important."

Ms Bell added: "Many people retiring today will live for another 20 or 30 years. In order for retirees to maintain the standard of living they enjoyed in earlier years, they need to plan ahead and save."

Minister Cox said: "Retirement is an exciting time for many people. However our people must be as prepared as they can be for their retirement years.

"Financial planning for retirement is essential, so the earlier you plan, the better. We are pleased that the Argus Group is helping to raise awareness of pension planning and investment through this special week of activities."

Mr. Simons will also join Mrs. Bell to speak about pensions on a number of radio talk shows including:

• Ingrid Brown - Tuesday March 4 - 8.30 a.m. - VSB (106.1 FM)

• David Lopes - Wednesday, March 5 - 7.15 a.m. - ZBM (1340 AM)

• The Captain -Thursday March 6 - 7:30 a.m. - Power 95 (94.9 FM)