If you’ve built up pensions, ISAs or other investments in different places over the years, it can feel hard to keep track.
If you’ve built up pensions, ISAs or other investments in different places over the years, it can feel hard to keep track. We often speak to clients who have multiple accounts spread across old jobs, different banks or platforms — and no clear view of how everything fits together.
So it’s no surprise one of the most common questions we’re asked is:
“Should I consolidate my pensions or ISAs?”
Here’s what to think about — and why, in some cases, bringing everything together could help you feel more in control of your financial future.
Why consolidation might make sense
Life moves quickly. You might have opened a pension at each job you’ve had, set up a few ISAs over the years, or simply left things running quietly in the background.
But when your money is scattered, it’s harder to see how it’s really working for you.
Consolidating doesn’t mean moving everything into one place automatically. But when done with care, it can help you:
- Get a clearer picture of your overall finances
- Make better use of tax allowances
- Cut down on duplicate fees and admin
- Feel more confident in your planning
That clarity can be especially valuable if you’re preparing for retirement, supporting family, or simply wanting to make sure everything’s on track.
Can bringing things together help grow your wealth?
Not by magic. But there’s a helpful connection here.
When you consolidate, you’re more likely to engage with your finances — and take advice that reflects the bigger picture. That often means you start using your pensions and ISAs more efficiently, avoid gaps or overlaps, and make decisions that support your long-term goals.
Data from Quilter backs this up. It shows that clients who hold both a pension and an ISA on one platform tend to build up more in total investments than those who don’t.
Why? Because you can’t plan well for what you can’t see. When you view your finances as one joined-up plan, you’re more likely to make smart, informed decisions — and avoid missed opportunities.
But is it always the right move?
Not always.
Some accounts come with valuable guarantees or tax features that are worth keeping. Others may involve exit charges, or be linked to benefits you’d lose by transferring.
That’s why consolidation should never be a blanket recommendation. Instead, it’s something to explore carefully — with the right checks, conversations, and support.
You might be wondering...
Can I bring together old workplace pensions?
Often, yes — but it’s essential to check what you might be giving up. We’ll guide you through the detail.
Could I save money on fees?
You might. Modern platforms often offer clearer, lower charges — but we’ll compare the numbers to be sure.
Isn’t it risky to have everything in one place?
We only work with trusted, FCA-regulated platforms. If you prefer to keep some separation, we’ll take that into account too.
What’s the best next step?
Whether you decide to consolidate or not, it’s helpful to start with a clear view of what you’ve got. A review can show you what’s working well, what could be simplified, and what opportunities might be worth exploring.
If that sounds helpful, we’d be happy to talk.
If you’re based in South East London, you may like to pop into our office between Blackheath and Greenwich. Or, if you prefer, we can meet with you online.
By Daren Wallbank
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited 15/07/25.
The value of pensions and investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
