News Article: The Rise of the Finfluencer

Social media is reshaping the way people learn about money, pensions and investing. At the centre of this change is the rise of the “finfluencer”. The trend is often associated with misinformation, scams and unqualified advice, yet it also raises a more positive question. Could accessible, engaging content be encouraging younger generations to take a greater interest in their financial futures?

The scale of that influence is considerable. Around 58% of 18–24-year-olds follow TikTok or Instagram creators who discuss money, budgeting and investing. The Financial Conduct Authority has responded to the risks with increased monitoring and enforcement against unlawful financial promotions, including cautions, fines and arrests. Its research suggests that nine in ten social media followers aged 18 to 29 have been encouraged by online influencers to change their financial behaviour. This combination of reach and vulnerability makes the quality, context and regulation of financial content increasingly important.

The key message is one of balance. Finfluencers can contribute to stronger financial awareness, challenge outdated perceptions of pensions and financial planning, and introduce important topics to audiences who may not engage with traditional sources.

Greater engagement with money is welcome, but social media cannot replace regulated guidance from an experienced, qualified financial adviser who can consider goals, timescales, affordability and tolerance for risk.

In the latest article as featured in The Scotsman, Financial Planner Ryan Holmes reflects on this latest trend and explores both sides of this debate and considers how digital financial education can support better decisions without obscuring the need for context, scrutiny and professional financial advice. Read the full article here.

News Article: The importance of Intergenerational Financial Planning

Planning ahead can make a significant difference when it comes to protecting family wealth and reducing future tax pressures. This latest article from Director and Financial Planner, Alan Davidson, as featured in The Press and Journal, highlights the importance of thinking of the bigger picture beyond retirement. He discusses how taking early, informed advice on tax planning, particularly for families looking to pass on assets, support the next generation, or make the most of available allowances. By reviewing arrangements in good time, families can gain greater clarity, avoid unnecessary complications, and make decisions that support their long-term financial goals. The full article can be found here.

From Football to Finance. Russell Anderson outlines the key habits to get your finances fit for the future.

Director and Financial Planner Russell Anderson, outlines the key habit and eradicates the myths to getting your Pensions match fit for retirement.

Russell challenges common assumptions about pensions, inheritance, downsizing and retirement, warning that delay, misinformation and a lack of confidence can leave people with fewer choices later in life.

Drawing on his experience at AC Wealth, he explains why early financial planning, clear conversations and trusted financial advice can make all the difference, offering practical insight for anyone who wants greater peace of mind about their financial future. This interview, with the The Herald, featured in June 2026 and can be viewed online here.

It pays to be on the ball when it comes to pensions in Scotland | The Herald

News Article: IHT Changes could impact your pension

Inheritance tax and pensions are two areas many people think about separately, but upcoming changes mean they may soon become much more intricately linked. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds are expected to be included within a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. For families who have worked hard to build retirement savings, own property, hold investments or want to pass wealth on to loved ones, this could have a meaningful impact on future estate planning.

For many years, defined contribution pensions have often sat outside the estate for inheritance tax calculations, making them an important part of retirement planning and, in some cases, intergenerational wealth transfer. The new rules are intended to refocus pensions on their original purpose: providing income in retirement. However, the practical effect is that more estates may fall within the inheritance tax net, and some families may face higher tax bills than expected.

This does not mean everyone needs to make immediate changes, or that pensions are no longer tax efficient. In most cases, pensions remain a valuable way to save for later life. But the change does mean it is important to understand how your pension pot, home, savings, investments, life cover, beneficiary nominations, Will and wider estate fit together. A financial plan that was originally set up to work well for retirement income and inheritance tax planning may need to be reviewed before April 2027.

The impact may be particularly relevant for people with larger pension funds, unused drawdown arrangements, valuable homes, investment portfolios, or estates already close to the inheritance tax thresholds. It may also matter for personal representatives and executors, who are likely to have additional responsibilities when identifying pension benefits, gathering valuations and reporting any inheritance tax due. Good record keeping, clear beneficiary nominations and joined-up advice can make a significant difference for the people left to manage an estate.

With inheritance tax charged at 40% above available allowances, even small misunderstandings can become costly. The key is not to act in haste, but to take informed, measured steps. That may include reviewing pension arrangements, checking death benefit nominations, updating a Will, considering the role of trusts, assessing gifting options, reviewing protection needs, or speaking to both a financial planner and a solicitor.

This article from Sam Goult as featured in The Scotsman, explains what is changing, why the inheritance tax treatment of pensions matters, who may be affected and what practical steps you can take now. If you are unsure whether the new rules could affect your family, pension savings or estate planning strategy, read on for a clearer overview or get in touch to discuss your circumstances with a member of our team.

News Article: Get your retirement plans in place for the biggest holiday of all.

How much money do I need to retire comfortably, is a common question. The answer is very personal to the individual, but it's often more than anticipated. In this latest article, Financial Planner, Niall Duffy based at our office in Stirling, provides a summary on the points to consider when seeking financial advice and importantly, explains how a financial planner can help with plans for retirement.

Retirement is often described as life’s longest holiday, but planning for it is far more complex than choosing a destination and booking flights. From understanding pensions and investments to working out how much income you need in later life, retirement planning can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. That is why financial advice can play such an important role: it helps turn a collection of savings, pensions and ambitions into a clear, personalised plan for the future.

Despite the importance of these decisions, in the last two years only 9% of the UK population paid for financial advice, with many people navigating major financial choices without professional support. Recent research from Vanguard, The value of personalised advice in the UK, highlights that advice should not be judged on investment performance alone. The report explores how advisers can add value through financial planning, portfolio decisions, emotional confidence and time saved.

For those building up their assets, there are pension calculators and free advice on websites such as moneyhelper and most pension providers. Once you have built up assets of around £200,000 or more, financial advice can be a worthwhile consideration.

An independent adviser will offer options across the whole of the market, whereas with a restricted adviser, the options are limited to their own financial products and investment. Fees for financial advice vary and should be explained clearly at the first call or appointment. It is worth noting that not all firms charge the same rate, so it is worth shopping around. Our fees are explained here

In the UK, financial advice has evolved to a comprehensive service over the long-term between adviser and client process, with annual meetings, regular communications included in this service. This often includes a cashflow or financial model; like a thorough health check, this includes a meticulous review of everything you have in place financially; savings, pensions, investments, debts, all current and future outgoings. With the right financial advice those decisions can help you move with greater confidence towards your ultimate retirement destination.

The full article featured in the summer edition of The Business in The Sunday Times, and can be found online here. Appointments with Niall Duffy and all our financial planners can be arranged by calling 0800 046 1660 or completing the enquiry form on our contact page.

AC Wealth Team Members Nominated for Women in Financial Advice Awards 2026

We are delighted to share that several members of the AC Wealth team have been nominated for the Women in Financial Advice Awards 2026, a national celebration of the outstanding women and organisations helping to shape the future of the financial advice profession.

Hosted by Professional Adviser, the Women in Financial Advice Awards celebrate achievement, leadership and positive impact across the UK financial services sector. The awards highlight the contribution of women working in financial advice and related services, while also recognising firms that are helping to promote diversity, equity and inclusion across the profession.

The nominations are a proud moment for AC Wealth and reflect the talent, dedication and professionalism shown across our team. To have several colleagues recognised in this way is a testament to the care they bring to client relationships, the support they provide to one another, and the important role they play in strengthening the advice profession.

Commenting on the nominations, Jen Paice, CEO of AC Wealth said: “We are incredibly proud to see members of our team recognised among so many inspiring women from across the financial advice sector. These nominations reflect their hard work, commitment to clients and contribution to a more inclusive and supportive profession.”

We would like to congratulate all of our nominated colleagues and everyone recognised in this year’s awards. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of women across financial advice and continuing to support a sector where talent, leadership and opportunity can thrive.

Employee Benefits Team & HR Network

Our Employee Benefits Team attended the annual HR Network Conference in Edinburgh. With a key theme on 'Transformation through People & Technology' our consultants had a successful event with some of the leading HR and People Managers in Scotland.

Keynote speakers included; Kat Gray, Director of Talent & Culture ASOS UK, John Jarvie, HR Director of Highland Spring Group, Owendale Advisory, The Big Picture and Right Management. All covering some of the key challenges and solutions for teams working the Human Resources professiom.

The Employee Benefits team from AC Wealth were delighted with the event and interest in the services and solutions available from our team, and look forward to supporting future events.

News Article: Are your pension plans match fit?

Retirement planning, much like preparing a national team for a major sporting event, requires a clear strategy, expert support, and consistent review. This recent article by Janice Dallas, financial planner at AC Wealth (Aberdein Considine Wealth) in Glasgow, highlights the importance of taking a structured, personalised approach to pension planning rather than leaving it to chance.

With the rise of financial influencers on social media, awareness of pensions and retirement is growing but exposure to unqualified commentary and advice can create confusion. Despite this increased interest, data from the Financial Conduct Authority in 2024/25 shows that only 30% of pension plans accessed for the first time involved regulated financial advice, meaning nearly seven in ten people made significant financial decisions of their lives without professional guidance.

This article outlines the three primary pension types available in the UK: the State Pension (based on National Insurance contributions), Workplace Pensions (with employer-matched contributions), and Private Personal Pensions (offering additional flexibility for the self-employed, business owners, and others). It also flags the significant issue of lost or unclaimed pensions, estimated at 3.3 million plans worth approximately £31.1 billion across the UK.

Pension planning is not one-size-fits-all. Regular reviews with a qualified financial adviser help ensure your strategy evolves alongside your circumstances, keeping you on track for a financially secure retirement.

The full article was published in The Herald on Saturday 9th May 2026. Read the full article at www.theherald.co.uk

This content is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Why Financial Advice in Your Fifties Could Improve Your Retirement Outlook

For many people in their fifties, retirement planning often sits on the to-do list without ever becoming a clear, confident plan. While there is no shortage of information online about pensions, investments, and tax planning, turning that information into the right financial decisions can be challenging.

This is where professional financial advice can make a real difference.

The financial advice gap in the UK

Millions of adults in the UK are making important financial decisions without regulated support. Research from the International Longevity Centre and Royal London found that people who received financial advice were, on average, more than £47,000 better off over a decade than those who did not. The findings suggest that good financial planning can have a lasting impact on both pension wealth and non-pension assets.

Why your fifties are a key decade for financial planning

Your fifties are often one of the most important decades for shaping your future finances. Decisions around retirement income, pension contributions, investment strategy, and tax efficiency can all have a major effect on long-term financial security.

Working with an independent financial adviser can help turn complex choices into a structured, personalised plan that reflects your goals, lifestyle, and retirement expectations.

The value of personalised financial advice

Good financial advice is not just about products or policies. It is about creating a tailored approach to wealth management, retirement preparation, and long-term financial wellbeing. With the right support, you can make more informed decisions, stay focused on your goals, and avoid costly mistakes.

Read the full article in The Press and Journal, to find out why seeking financial advice in your fifties could help you build a stronger and more secure retirement plan.

Financial Planner Alaina Howie is based at our office in Aberdeen.

News article: Spring Clean your Finances for the New Tax Year

The start of the New Tax Year provides a great opportunity to review your financial circumstances and plans for the year ahead, taking into consideration key factors that may impact your personal financial situation. This can include income tax, ISA allowances, Pension Allowances, Salary Sacrifice arrangements and Inheritance Tax Changes. Financial Planner Ryan Holmes, explains the key points to consider for getting your finances in order.

The full articles can be found online in The Money Supplement on The Scotsman website here. For more questions on your financial situation for the tax year ahead, please get in touch with a member of our team.