Self Employed National Insurance Conts'

Hi all

I am fairly new to being self employed and it's only really come to mind about National Insurance Contributions. I have read conflicting information (on the HMRC website!) about whether I should be paying Class 2 or Class 4. I am a one-girl-band sole trader and am currently working at a loss - I read on HMRC that if you earn under £5,595 you can claim exemption from paying NICs. However, I know you can still pay it voluntarily so my two questions are as follows:

- Is there any point in paying NICs anymore given the mess of state pensions?!
- If there is a point, should I be paying Class 2 or 4?

If there's no point I'll apply for the exemption and get a private pension!

Thanks in advance :o