I don't have a pension but since the government took away the tax-free status of contributions it seems the pensions system has completely fallen apart.

You can't seem to go a week without hearing about pension fund deficits and shortfalls.

Makes me think I should just avoid pensions entirely, and that I would be better off in practical terms to simply invest in a second mortgage, once I have my first, and treat that as my pension fund.

Anyone agree or have I got it wrong?

I don't think you can go a week without hearing about some type of pension scheme having problems.
http://www.platinax.co.uk/news/web/pensions/

Jay: I agree you should avoid pension funds. Too much corruption.

I think it's generally accepted that some provision needs to be made for retirement - but that pension funds themselves are failing as a proper means to save for it.

While at present there may be some tax benefits in going with a pension scheme, you certainly shouldn't assume this will be the case when you retire - it was only a few years ago that contributions to pension schemes were added to by the government, but then were got rid off.

Personally speaking, I'd probably be more interested in buying a small property via SIPPs as a pension option, but even then, the property market as it is, that also has its drawbacks.

2c.

Very interesting points everyone. I remember hearing a story about a financial planner who shared her story that she used to have a 10 year plan and a 5 year plan but after she got breast cancer, she made it a daily plan.
I think it is important to plan, but what i have experienced in my life is it’s better to always anticipate and be creative about what’s coming around the corner...whether you see it or not because no one can really predict the future.

What about buying gold and silver bars? I heard that if the stockmarket crashes and everyone’s stocks and bond go kaput due the manipulation of hedge funds...then silver and gold will shoot up like a rocket. What about buying bars and putting them in a safety deposit box until that time?

I'm currently doing some reading up on SIPPS in the UK - basically, you develop and maintain your own pension scheme instead of using a third-party.

Not sure if it may be worth it yet, but definitely worth a look considering that most UK options look pretty poor at present.

I've got a compulsory pension plan and that is the only pension plan I have.

Regarding gold and silver bars, I think they are good investments. I can't think of a reason why prices of gold or silver bars can go lower. Although prices may lessen from time to time, the trend is that price will go up. Unless of course, some metals better than gold or silver will be discovered in the next years to come.