What IFA Clients in Scotland Are Searching For: Key Financial Questions Answered

The Challenge Facing Scots Today

Planning your financial future can feel overwhelming, especially with constant headlines about inflation, pension shortfalls, and rising living costs. In fact, three-quarters of Scots aged 40–66 feel unprepared for retirement, and almost seven in ten are worried they won’t have enough saved to live comfortably.

What People Are Really Asking

At Sterling Wealth, we hear the same important questions time and again from clients across Scotland. Here are the top five, and the facts behind them:‍

Am I on track for retirement?

With 75% feeling unprepared, it’s no wonder this tops the list. A full review with an independent adviser can help you understand your position.

How much should I have saved?

The benchmark for a “moderate” retirement lifestyle is about £300,000, yet only 8% of Scots have reached that target, while 14% have nothing saved.

Could I end up retiring in poverty?

Worryingly, almost 40% of UK adults may struggle to cover even basic living costs in retirement.

What topics should I get advice on?

The most common areas include retirement & pension planning, tax planning, inheritance tax, and investment diversification.

How have recent events impacted my savings?

24% of Scots say the last five years of economic and political uncertainty have reduced their savings.

Why These Questions Matter

These aren’t just statistics-they’re real concerns affecting people’s lives. The good news? With the right planning, these issues can be addressed. Our role as independent financial advisers is to provide clear, tailored strategies so you can move from uncertainty to confidence.

Take the First Step

If you’ve been asking yourself any of these questions, don’t wait until the gap between where you are and where you want to be gets wider.

Contact Sterling Wealth today for an independent, jargon-free review of your finances - built around your goals, your life, and your future.