Independent Financial Solutions (IFS) – Kirsten Richardson
Unit 2 The Old Flour Mill, Queen Street, Portsmouth PO10 7BT
Contact Kirsten Richardson
01243 432 430
Get a consultation
Hi, my name is Kirsten and as a parent to a lovely and very loud 4 year old, I understand the importance of ensuring I have my finances, firstly to ensure that if the worst were to happen both my daughter and family would be provided for, but also because having a clear plan to reach a specific financial goal is the best way of achieving it.
I believe that obtaining financial advice for many people seems out of reach and unaffordable. My aim is to try and bridge this gap and show people how useful and important receiving advice can be, both now and in years to come. Everyone has the right to clear and easy to understand advice. I believe that one of the most important aspects of financial advice is a basis of trust between the adviser and client. When meeting with a new client, any initial meeting and associated research is always carried out without charge, as well as providing my recommendations to achieve your goals. Any charges related to work required to proceed with this would then be laid out clearly for discussion before I proceed with putting anything in place.
About IFS and my Career as a Financial Adviser
I work at Independent Financial Solutions (IFS), which is a family run business that was established in 1989 and has been providing holistic financial advice to families and individuals ever since. Our main office is based in Emsworth, although I live in Fareham and as a firm we cover all areas both in between and further afield. With technology at the forefront of our administration service (backed up by a great team based in-house), we are no longer restricted by location. The IFS team are welcoming, diligent, and professional, allowing you to rest assured that the administration aspect of your case is also handled with care and attention. Importantly, IFS is fully committed to the ‘Treating Customers Fairly’ (TCF) initiative.
I have worked at IFS since 2012 in various roles. Starting as an administrator, I have progressed through the company and since qualifying in 2015 I am now working as a fully qualified and registered Independent Financial Adviser. I provide regulated holistic advice in all areas of financial planning, with a focus on planning for families.
What services do I provide?
I can assist you and your family with independent and holistic financial planning in the following areas:
- Protection – Considering different options to ensure that in a difficult situation, like death or contraction of a critical illness, your family would have adequate funds available to cover any outstanding liabilities (like a mortgage or loan) and have tax free funds available to provide for the future. As an example, life insurance policies tend to have a relatively low monthly premium (although this is based on age and medical history, but quotes are quick and easy to obtain) and is easy to understand. Putting a plan like this in place would not only give your family financial protection in the event of your death (or serious illness), it will also give you piece of mind that this has been covered.
- Pension/ Retirement Planning – Saving for retirement is an important consideration and is best started when you are young, especially due to the tax benefits provided. With the start of auto-enrolment in 2012, most UK employees are now enrolled within an employer provided pension scheme. This is great, but you may end up with lots of different pension pots as you change employer over the years. It is important to keep track of these pensions and review them regularly. I can assist with this, as well as considering additional pension saving.
- Investment Planning – Considering putting some money away for a rainy day is important and will provide you with a sense of comfort knowing that if you need it, you have cash readily available. Saving can be difficult, but putting away a small amount regularly will quickly build up over time. You should aim to hold at least 3 months expenditure in cash, just in case the worst should happen. However, holding too much in cash isn’t ideal as interest rates are so low, therefore considering investing funds you don’t need immediately within a tax efficient investment like a stocks and shares ISA could be beneficial. I can help you consider long term saving options.
- Mortgage Advice – Thinking of buying your first home, moving home or lending more money to pay for something big, like home improvements? If so, I can assist in each of these areas. I also have access to lenders who will consider cases for people with adverse credit.
If you would like to discuss any of the above points, or anything else related to financial planning, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Get a consultation
- Insurance & protection
- Pensions & retirement
- Mortgages
- Financial planning
- Investments
- Savings
- Tax & trust planning
- Business
- Long Term Care
Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
Certificate in Equity Release
Certificate in Advanced Mortgage Advice
Certificate in Mortgage Advice
Award in Long Term Care Insurance
Certificate in Life & Pensions
