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.

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.

Get Ready for Retirement in 2026

Make 2026 the year to achieve Retirement

The past year's headlines painted a stark picture: countless UK adults face uncertain financial futures as they approach retirement. With economic pressures mounting and recent Autumn Budget changes taking effect, professional financial advice has shifted from being a luxury to a necessity.

The encouraging news? Regardless of where you are in your retirement journey—whether you're planning to stop work entirely or transition to a more flexible arrangement—it's never too late to establish a solid retirement plan.

Plan Your Retirement Lifestyle

Start by envisioning your ideal retirement. Will you be travelling, volunteering, pursuing new hobbies, or working part-time?

Create a realistic retirement budget that reflects both your anticipated pension income and expenses. Factor in essential costs like mortgage payments and household bills alongside discretionary spending such as holidays. Remember that retirement can span several decades, so your pension savings must stretch accordingly, including contingencies for healthcare costs.

Review Your Pension Savings

Gather current statements for every workplace pension and personal pension you hold. These reveal crucial information about your pension pot value, charges, and investment strategy.

Track down any forgotten pensions from earlier in your career using the free GOV.UK Pension Tracing Service. Professional financial advice can help you understand what you've accumulated and identify any shortfalls.

Check your State Pension entitlement through GOV.UK to determine your payment amount and eligibility date. The full new State Pension currently requires 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. If your NI record shows gaps, voluntary contributions might increase your State Pension amount—but act promptly as deadlines apply.

Maximise Your Retirement Savings

Ensure you're capturing the full value of employer pension contributions through your workplace pension scheme, maximising valuable tax relief benefits.

Review your pension investments carefully. Pension funds invest for long-term growth, potentially delivering stronger returns than savings accounts. As retirement approaches, reassess whether your investment strategy matches your risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Focus on eliminating high-interest debts—particularly credit cards and loans—before retiring. Clearing your mortgage can significantly increase your available retirement income.

Seek Professional Financial Advice

An authorised financial adviser delivers personalised retirement planning tailored to your circumstances. Independent financial advisers assess products across the whole market, assisting with tax efficiency, pension withdrawal strategies, and keeping your retirement plans on track.

Those aged 50 and above with defined contribution pensions qualify for free, impartial pension guidance through Pension Wise from MoneyHelper.

Stay alert to pension scams. Unsolicited pension cold calls are illegal. The FCA's ScamSmart service allows you to verify whether a company is legitimate.

Prepare for Your Next Chapter

Retirement represents a significant life transition. Consider how you'll structure your time and maintain social connections to create a fulfilling post-work life.

Keep your legal affairs current by reviewing your will and confirming that your pension beneficiary nominations reflect your wishes.

Janice Dallas is a Financial Planner at AC Wealth, based at our office in Glasgow.

Finalist in The Professional Adviser Awards 2026

AC Wealth have been announced as a finalist in The Professional Adviser Awards 2026 for Adviser Firm of the Year (Scotland & NI).

The Professional Adviser Awards, now celebrating their landmark 21st year, are among the most respected accolades in the UK financial advice industry. The awards recognise excellence across regional advice firms, multi-asset investing, platform provision, adviser support, client engagement, and technology.

This year saw a record number of entries, making the shortlist exceptionally competitive. Almost 300 advisers, firms, and product providers are considered annually, with finalists selected based on their commitment to excellence and client-centric values.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 18 March 2026 at The Brewery in London, bringing together the industry's leading professionals to celebrate the achievements of the past 12 months.

Jen Paice, CEO of AC Wealth, commented

"We are delighted to be recognised as a finalist for Adviser Firm of the Year. This nomination reflects our team's dedication to delivering an outstanding financial planning service and putting our clients' needs at the heart of everything we do. As one of the largest independent firms in Scotland, being shortlisted among the UK's finest advice firms is a testament to our commitment to excellence, our client service, and our fantastic team."

For more details, please contact Jill Lepre, Head of Marketing on communications@acwealth.co.uk or 01224 560678