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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Pensions4 minsKirsty KerrHow 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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty KerrMillions 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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Savings3 minsKirsty KerrHow 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. -
Savings3 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty Kerr
Three pension conversations worth having with your loved ones
Here are three pension conversations worth having, and why they’re important. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty Kerr
Three pension conversations worth having with your loved ones
Here are three pension conversations worth having, and why they’re important. -
Other3 minsKirsty KerrAutumn Budget 2024: 4 things you need to know
Four things you need to know from Rachel Reeves' 2024 Autumn Budget. -
Recommended2 minsKirsty KerrHow 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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty KerrTaking 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. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty KerrYou’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. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Savings2 minsKirsty KerrWe’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. -
Savings2 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Recommended4 minsKirsty KerrHow 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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty KerrHow to set a goal for retirement
Use these five steps to help you create and reach a goal for your retirement. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty Kerr
How to set a goal for retirement
Use these five steps to help you create and reach a goal for your retirement. -
Savings3 minsKirsty KerrFive 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. -
Pensions2 minsKirsty KerrWhat is the Money Purchase Annual Allowance?
Find out what the Money Purchase Annual Allowance is and how it might impact your pension savings. -
Savings3 minsKirsty KerrHow 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. -
Other3 minsKirsty KerrThe 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. -
Recommended4 minsKirsty KerrWant 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. -
Other3 minsKirsty KerrThe 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. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty KerrThe 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. -
Investing4 minsKirsty Kerr
Thinking about investing? Here are a few things to consider
If you’re thinking about investing, here are some important things to consider. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Recommended4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Tax3 minsKirsty KerrGetting 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. -
Tax3 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Recommended2 minsKirsty KerrAre 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. -
Pensions2 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Recommended3 minsKirsty KerrThree reasons why it pays to love your pension
Discover three reasons why it just makes sense to show your pension some love. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty Kerr
Three reasons to show a pension some love
Discover three reasons why it just makes sense to show a pension some love. -
Savings4 minsKirsty KerrFive 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. -
Savings4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty KerrDivorce and your pension – what you need to know
Find out how your pension savings could be split in a divorce. -
Savings3 minsKirsty KerrFive 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. -
Recommended3 minsKirsty KerrBest of MoneyPlus 2023: Six of our most read articles
Find out which topics our readers have been most interested in in 2023. -
Other3 minsKirsty KerrTop 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. -
Recommended3 minsKirsty KerrTime 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. -
Savings3 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty KerrWhat is phased retirement?
Find out what phased retirement is, and its pros and cons, so you can see if it’s right for you. -
Tax4 minsKirsty KerrWhat 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. -
Recommended3 minsKirsty KerrShould 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? -
Recommended3 minsKirsty KerrWill the State Pension rise in 2024?
Find out why the State Pension could rise by 8.5% in 2024. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty KerrSix 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. -
Savings4 minsKirsty KerrWhat 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. -
Recommended3 minsKirsty KerrHow 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. -
Recommended4 minsKirsty KerrWhat is tailored drawdown?
Find out how tailored drawdown could help you to pay less tax on your retirement income. -
Pensions3 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Cost of living support3 minsKirsty KerrWhat 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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty KerrGot 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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Cost of living support3 minsKirsty KerrHow 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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty KerrLump 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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty KerrFive 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. -
Recommended4 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Recommended5 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions4 minsKirsty KerrWhat 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. -
Pensions5 minsKirsty KerrFive 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. -
Pensions6 minsKirsty KerrFive 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. -
Pensions5 minsKirsty KerrCaring 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. -
Cost of living support4 minsKirsty KerrSaving 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. -
Cost of living support5 minsKirsty KerrWorried 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. -
Pensions5 minsKirsty KerrMaking 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. -
Savings5 minsKirsty Kerr7 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. -
Savings6 minsKirsty KerrPension or ISA? How to decide where to put your savings
When saving for retirement, it can be hard to choose what's right for you. Here we go into detail about pensions vs ISAs, including the tax benefits and more. -
Pensions5 minsKirsty Kerr
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. -
Pensions5 minsKirsty KerrUncomfortable 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. -
Tax5 minsKirsty KerrHow 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. -
Savings5 minsKirsty Kerr6 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. -
Savings6 minsKirsty KerrFed 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. -
Pensions6 minsKirsty KerrWhat 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. -
Savings6 minsKirsty Kerr7 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.