Dons legend Russell Anderson talks financial management with Dyce Academy students

Aberdeen FC legend Russell Anderson has joined Aberdein Considine’s drive to equip school pupils with the essential financial skills they need to get through life.

The former Dons skipper – who joined the firm as a financial adviser in 2017 – has been at Dyce Academy for the latest in a series of groundbreaking new lessons to teach Scottish school children how mortgages, credit cards and interest rates work.

As a firm of financial advisers, estate agents and lawyers, Aberdein Considine regularly sees the impact bad financial decisions can have on young people, sometimes burdening them with a lifetime of debt before they even reach their 30s.

Russell was invited to the school by Maths teacher Brenda Manson and covered a range of personal financial planning issues with the students as they prepare for life after the classroom.

Commenting on the visit, Russell said: “We never really received this type of financial education when I was at school and as such I left knowing very little about savings or pensions or even how to budget properly.

“The students asked some great questions, particularly one about not knowing what I did before this, but it was great to know that we could play a part in equipping young people today with the skills and knowledge they’ll need for tomorrow.

“We are delighted to be adding our practical experience of financial matters to these lessons and showing youngsters how maths is applied to everyday life.”

Russell, who played for Aberdeen 407 times, is an example of how planning properly can pay dividends later in life.

After more than 23 years in the game, the 11-cap Scotland international is forging a new career in the financial services industry.

The defender took a route less travelled by his peers, who typically migrate to coaching or media work when their playing days end.

However, after suffering a serious injury not long after breaking into the Aberdeen first-team in 1999, Russell set his sights on an alternative vocation studied for his financial qualifications whilst still a player.

His new role involves advising clients on all aspects of financial planning, including pensions, savings and investments and tax matters.

Brenda Manson said: “We’re delighted Russell could come along and give us the benefit of his experiences as a professional financial adviser.

Whether our students are going into the workplace after school or further education it’s vital they have a grasp of how to manage their finances.”