Kirsty Kerr
Standard Life Content Writer
"Remember, starting now could make a big difference later on."
Kirsty has been communicating with Standard Life customers about their pensions, savings and investments since 2016. She’s passionate about making important topics more straightforward and easier to understand, and getting the younger generation more engaged with saving for their future.
Our MoneyPlus features team are experienced financial journalists and writers. They’re passionate about making pensions, savings and investing as easy to understand as they can so that everyone can make the most of their money.
Articles by Kirsty Kerr
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Pension or ISA? How to decide where to put your savings
When saving for retirement, you’ll need to think about what's right for you. Here, we go into detail about pensions vs ISAs, including the tax benefits and more.
Kirsty KerrMay 28, 2025
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Pension or ISA? How to decide where to put your savings
When saving for retirement, you’ll need to think about what's right for you. Here, we go into detail about pensions vs ISAs, including the tax benefits and more.
Kirsty KerrMay 28, 2025
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Millions left unclaimed in pension tax relief
Every year, millions of pounds of pension tax relief remain unclaimed. Find out if some of it could be yours and how to claim it.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 24, 2025
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Millions left unclaimed in pension tax relief
Every year, millions of pounds of pension tax relief remain unclaimed. Find out if some of it could be yours and how to claim it.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 24, 2025
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How can you help your pension savings go to the right people?
Pension rules have made it possible to leave your pension to the people you choose without paying 55% tax. Find out how to pass on pension savings tax efficiently here.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 24, 2025
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How your 2025 resolutions could benefit you and your wallet
Find out how thinking bigger about your new year’s resolution could help you improve your finances.
Kirsty KerrJanuary 13, 2025
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How your 2025 resolutions could benefit you and your wallet | Standard Life
Find out how thinking bigger about your new year’s resolution could help you improve your finances.
Kirsty KerrJanuary 13, 2025
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Three pension conversations worth having with your loved ones
Here are three pension conversations worth having, and why they’re important.
Kirsty KerrNovember 04, 2024
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Three pension conversations worth having with your loved ones
Here are three pension conversations worth having, and why they’re important.
Kirsty KerrNovember 04, 2024
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Autumn Budget 2024: 4 things you need to know
Four things you need to know from Rachel Reeves' 2024 Autumn Budget.
Kirsty KerrOctober 30, 2024
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How do I find a lost pension?
Had multiple jobs? You might have multiple pensions too. Here’s how you can track them down for free.
Kirsty KerrOctober 17, 2024
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Taking your tax-free cash: everything you need to know
Taking your tax-free cash is a big decision. Find out all you need to know about how much you get, when you can take it and more.
Kirsty KerrOctober 14, 2024
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You’ve got an extra hour in October – use it to track down your old pensions
On 27 October, the clocks go back and you get an extra hour to yourself. Here’s why we think you should spend that hour tracking down old pensions.
Kirsty KerrSeptember 27, 2024
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You’ve got an extra hour in October – use it to track down your old pensions
On 27 October, the clocks go back and you get an extra hour to yourself. Here’s why we think you should spend that hour tracking down old pensions.
Kirsty KerrSeptember 27, 2024
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We’re almost halfway through the tax year – are you making the most of your allowances?
We’re almost halfway through the 2024/25 tax year, so here’s everything you need to know to get to grips with your pension and ISA allowances.
Kirsty KerrSeptember 26, 2024
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We’re almost halfway through the tax year – are you making the most of your allowances?
We’re almost halfway through the 2024/25 tax year, so here’s everything you need to know to get to grips with your pension and ISA allowances.
Kirsty KerrSeptember 26, 2024
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How to plan for retirement
If planning for retirement is on your radar, follow our step-by-step guide to find out how much money you will need to retire and how much you could have.
Kirsty KerrSeptember 05, 2024
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How to plan for retirement
If planning for retirement is on your radar, follow our step-by-step guide to find out how much money you will need to retire and how much you could have.
Kirsty KerrSeptember 05, 2024
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How to set a goal for retirement
Use these five steps to help you create and reach a goal for your retirement.
Kirsty KerrJuly 29, 2024
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How to set a goal for retirement
Use these five steps to help you create and reach a goal for your retirement.
Kirsty KerrJuly 29, 2024
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Five tips to help you save money this summer
Making the most of the summer? Here are five tips that could help you save a bit of cash while things are busier.
Kirsty KerrJuly 29, 2024
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What is the Money Purchase Annual Allowance?
Find out what the Money Purchase Annual Allowance is and how it might impact your pension savings.
Kirsty KerrJune 18, 2024
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How to save for your future and financially support your loved ones
Do you have people relying on you for financial support? Here are some tips to make sure saving for your future stays a priority.
Kirsty KerrJune 17, 2024
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The impact of caring for others on your retirement
Caring responsibilities can have a big impact on your retirement plans. Find out what to consider if you’re caring for someone and where you can go for help and support.
Kirsty KerrJune 11, 2024
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Want to avoid paying too much tax on your pension pot? Here are three things you could do
Wondering how to avoid paying too much tax on your pension pot? Here are our top tax tips.
Kirsty KerrMay 17, 2024
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The power of planning – why it’s important and how to do it
Find out more about the power of planning and the impact it can have on your finances now and in the future.
Kirsty KerrMay 16, 2024
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The Lifetime Allowance is gone – but here’s what has replaced it
The Lifetime Allowance has been removed, but three new allowances have replaced it. Find out more about the new allowances and what they might mean for you.
Kirsty KerrMay 16, 2024
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Thinking about investing? Here are a few things to consider
If you’re thinking about investing, here are some important things to consider.
Kirsty KerrApril 16, 2024
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How much do I need to retire?
Find out how much you’ll need to save to pay for a basic, moderate or comfortable retirement.
Kirsty KerrMarch 19, 2024
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Can I take money from my pension plan and continue to work?
Want to take money from your pension plan at 55 and continue to work? 5 things to consider about withdrawing money from your pension plan, continuing to work and saving more.
Kirsty KerrMarch 19, 2024
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How much do I need to retire?
Find out how much you’ll need to save to pay for a basic, moderate or comfortable retirement.
Kirsty KerrMarch 19, 2024
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Can I take money from my pension plan and continue to work?
Want to take money from your pension plan at 55 and continue to work? 5 things to consider about withdrawing money from your pension plan, continuing to work and saving more.
Kirsty KerrMarch 19, 2024
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Why it’s important to choose a pension beneficiary when you’re young
Find out why thinking about who you’d want to pass your pension to matters, even when you’re young – and what happens when you don’t.
Kirsty KerrMarch 18, 2024
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Getting your child benefit back – and avoiding the tax charge
High earner? Here’s how doing one thing could help you get your child benefit back – and fund your future at the same time.
Kirsty KerrMarch 15, 2024
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Getting your child benefit back – and avoiding the tax charge
High earner? Here’s how doing one thing could help you get your child benefit back – and fund your future at the same time.
Kirsty KerrMarch 15, 2024
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Three reasons to show a pension some love
Discover three reasons why it just makes sense to show a pension some love.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 08, 2024
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Five financial lessons we should’ve been taught in school
There are some things we’d have been better off knowing early on, particularly when it comes to money. Discover five financial lessons we think we should have been taught in school.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 08, 2024
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Five financial lessons we should’ve been taught in school
There are some things we’d have been better off knowing early on, particularly when it comes to money. Discover five financial lessons we think we should have been taught in school.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 08, 2024
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Are you missing some retirement income? Here’s how to track it down
Find out how to make sure you’re not missing any retirement income.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 08, 2024
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Are you missing some retirement income? Here’s how to track it down
Find out how to make sure you’re not missing any retirement income.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 08, 2024
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Three reasons why it pays to love your pension
Discover three reasons why it just makes sense to show your pension some love.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 08, 2024
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Divorce and your pension – what you need to know
Find out how your pension savings could be split in a divorce.
Kirsty KerrJanuary 15, 2024
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Five money resolutions for 2024 – and how to achieve them
Read our top five money resolutions for 2024 and get some tips on how you can achieve them.
Kirsty KerrJanuary 11, 2024
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Best of MoneyPlus 2023: Six of our most read articles
Find out which topics our readers have been most interested in in 2023.
Kirsty KerrDecember 11, 2023
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Top tips for managing your money during the festive season
This time of year can be tricky when it comes to staying on top of your budget. Try our top tips to keep your holiday spending under control.
Kirsty KerrDecember 11, 2023
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Singles vs couples: how retirement planning differs
What’s the difference between planning for retirement as a couple vs planning on your own? Find out some important things to consider.
Kirsty KerrNovember 13, 2023
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Time for a midlife MOT?
Find out how the government’s new ‘Midlife MOT’ website could help you get to where you want to be with your money, career and health.
Kirsty KerrNovember 13, 2023
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What is phased retirement?
Find out what phased retirement is, and its pros and cons, so you can see if it’s right for you.
Kirsty KerrNovember 10, 2023
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What to think about when giving early inheritance
Looking to give your loved ones some ‘early inheritance’? Here are a few things you should think about first.
Kirsty KerrNovember 10, 2023
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Should you start retirement planning at 36?
Research tells us that people tend to start retirement planning at 36. Find out why 36 is the magic number and if it’s early enough – or too late?
Kirsty KerrOctober 13, 2023
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Will the State Pension rise in 2024?
Find out why the State Pension could rise by 8.5% in 2024.
Kirsty KerrOctober 12, 2023
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Six questions to ask yourself when choosing a pension plan
Thinking about opening a new pension plan? Here are six questions to ask yourself before making your decision.
Kirsty KerrAugust 24, 2023
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What I wish I’d known earlier about my finances
Find out what people in their 20s and 30s wish they’d known earlier about their finances.
Kirsty KerrAugust 15, 2023
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How to choose your pension investments
The pension investments you choose could make a big difference to the amount you have when you come to retire. Find out what you should think about.
Kirsty KerrAugust 15, 2023
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What is tailored drawdown?
Find out how tailored drawdown could help you to pay less tax on your retirement income.
Kirsty KerrAugust 14, 2023
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Moving from employed to self-employed? Here’s what to think about when it comes to your pension plan
Becoming self-employed? Here’s what to think about when it come to your pension plan so you can stay on track for the retirement you want.
Kirsty KerrJuly 03, 2023
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What is Pension Credit – and how do I get it?
Find out what Pension Credit is, how to claim it and how much you might get.
Kirsty KerrJune 12, 2023
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Got your own business? Try our pension tax tips
If you’ve got your own business, your pension plan can offer some serious tax breaks. Read our article to find out how to make the most of them.
Kirsty KerrJune 06, 2023
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The normal minimum pension age is changing – here’s what you need to know
The minimum age at which you can take your pension savings is increasing to 57 in 2028. Here’s what the change could mean for you and your retirement plans.
Kirsty KerrJune 05, 2023
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How does working part-time impact your pension?
We explore the impact part-time working can have on your pension savings and what you should consider if you are, or have been, working part time.
Kirsty KerrMay 12, 2023
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How to balance saving with living when costs are high
When costs rise, it can become hard to keep up with saving for your future. If you’re struggling to find the balance, read our article for five helpful tips.
Kirsty KerrApril 13, 2023
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Lump sum payments vs regular pension contributions
Should you pay a lump sum into your pension or increase your regular contributions? We explain both options to help you decide which option could be best for you.
Kirsty KerrMarch 16, 2023
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Five reasons why everybody’s talking about pensions
With internet searches for ‘pensions’ spiking this month, we give five reasons why pensions have got people talking.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 22, 2023
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The small pots problem: what you can do with yours
The amount of small, forgotten pension pots has become a problem. Find out how to check if you have a small pot and what you can do with it.
Kirsty KerrFebruary 08, 2023
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How long will my pension pot last?
How many years do your retirement savings currently cover? Find out how long your pension pot might last and what you need to consider to make sure it does.
Kirsty KerrJanuary 16, 2023
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What is the State Pension triple lock and how does it affect me?
Receiving the State Pension? Find out how the triple lock affects your State Pension income for 2023-24 considering inflation and the rising cost of living.
Kirsty KerrNovember 17, 2022
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Five ways to get retirement ready
If you’re approaching retirement, it’s a good idea to starting thinking about what you need to do to get your pension savings ready. Try these five tips to get started.
Kirsty KerrOctober 12, 2022
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Five things you need to know about taking money from your pension savings
Here are five things worth knowing to help you make the most of your retirement savings.
Kirsty KerrOctober 12, 2022
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Caring for loved ones in retirement
Caring responsibilities can fall to you at any age - even in retirement. Find out what to think about when it comes to caring for a loved one in retirement and what support is available.
Kirsty KerrJune 06, 2022
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Saving vs investing - and how to make the most of your money
What's the difference between saving and investing and which option is right for you? We explain what you need to know and give some tips on how you can make the most of your money.
Kirsty KerrMay 10, 2022
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Worried about the impact of inflation on your savings? Here's what to consider
Find out what steps you can take if you're worried about the impact of inflation on your savings.
Kirsty KerrMay 10, 2022
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Making the most of a pension plan when you're young
It's worth paying into a pension early in your 20s and 30s. Find out how the younger you start saving into your pension plan the better prepared you could be for your future.
Kirsty KerrApril 07, 2022
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7 tips to help get your savings in order | Standard Life
Tidy up your finances this spring by using our top tips to saving more. With a spring clean, the money you invest now could help towards a more comfortable future.
Kirsty KerrApril 05, 2022
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5 pension tips that could help give your savings a boost
Follow our simple pension top up tips on how to make the most of your savings today and it could help your money go further in retirement.
Kirsty KerrNovember 17, 2021
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Uncomfortable money topics and why it can be good to talk about them
Having uncomfortable conversations can improve your overall wellbeing and financial future. We give you some simple steps to help make the uncomfortable, comfortable.
Kirsty KerrNovember 03, 2021
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How does pension tax relief work?
Read our simple guide to see how pension tax relief can help to increase your pension savings. Find out how it costs you less to save more for your future.
Kirsty KerrOctober 11, 2021
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6 tips to get your savings and investments back on track
The start of a new season is a good time to take stock and get organised. Here are six tips to get your savings and investments in check.
Kirsty KerrSeptember 01, 2021
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Fed up of your 9 to 5? Here's how you could get financial freedom sooner
Many people would like to retire early and want to find out how they can do just that. Here's how much money you might need - and how to save for it.
Kirsty KerrAugust 11, 2021
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What is drawdown and is it right for you?
We cover the basics of pension income drawdown to help you decide if it's the right option for you.
Kirsty KerrJuly 13, 2021
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7 tips for how you could grow your money in your 30s and 40s
There's still plenty of time to take control of your finances, build your wealth and shape your future. Start by reading these 7 tips on how you could grow your money.
Kirsty KerrJune 22, 2021
Read more6 mins read
