Business Details
Your Trusted Financial Planning Partner in Cumbria
At R D B I F S, we are dedicated to delivering ethical, honest, and inclusive financial planning services tailored to the unique needs of individuals in the Lake District. With decades of combined experience, our team of Chartered Financial Planners prioritises client care, treating every client with the same respect we would expect for ourselves. Our approach focuses on building long-term relationships, empowering clients to achieve their financial goals through personalised strategies that align with their lifestyle and aspirations. We specialise in wealth creation, retirement income planning, and inheritance tax mitigation, ensuring clients maintain financial security across generations. Our independence allows us to provide unbiased advice, free from product provider influence, while our local presence ensures we deeply understand the financial landscape of Cumbria and surrounding areas.We pride ourselves on simplifying complex financial concepts, offering transparent communication, and maintaining a client-centric ethos that has fostered multi-generational trust. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our regulatory compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority and our dedication to continuous professional development. By combining technical expertise with a personal touch, we aim to alleviate financial anxieties and create tailored solutions that stand the test of time. Our clients consistently praise our attentive service, market knowledge, and ability to adapt to evolving financial needs, making us a trusted partner for life's financial journey.
Services
Financial Planning
Retirement Income
Inheritance Tax Planning
Investment Management
Protection Services
Highlights and features
- We offer decades of combined experience in financial planning
- Our team includes Chartered Financial Planners with industry-recognised qualifications
- We provide truly independent, unbiased financial advice
- We maintain multi-generational client relationships built on trust
- Our local market expertise serves Cumbria and the Lake District
Associations and certifications
- Companies House
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Superb manner
Lifelong relationship
Efficient service
Great firm
Full confidence
Services
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service creates tailored strategies to help clients achieve their life goals. We assess current financial positions, future aspirations, and risk tolerance to develop actionable plans that cover investment management, retirement preparation, and wealth preservation. With a focus on long-term relationships, we provide ongoing guidance that evolves with clients' changing circumstances, ensuring financial security across generations.
Retirement Income
We specialise in creating sustainable retirement income streams that maintain clients' desired lifestyle. Our approach considers all available assets, pension provisions, and investment portfolios to develop tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. We help clients determine if they have sufficient resources for retirement while optimising state pension benefits and private pension arrangements, ensuring financial security during their post-working years.
Inheritance Tax
Our inheritance tax planning service focuses on preserving wealth for future generations. We develop strategies to mitigate tax liabilities while maintaining income security, utilising trusts and other financial instruments when appropriate. While not regulated for this specific advice, we work closely with legal and accounting professionals to provide comprehensive estate planning solutions that align with clients' family and financial objectives.
Protection Services
We offer tailored protection solutions to safeguard clients against financial disruptions. Our services include life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection policies that provide security for dependants. We assess individual needs to recommend appropriate coverage levels that balance protection requirements with budgetary constraints, ensuring families maintain financial stability during unexpected life events.
Investment Management
Our investment management service focuses on growing clients' capital while maintaining appropriate risk levels. We create diversified portfolios aligned with clients' financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Utilising a range of investment vehicles including ISAs, unit trusts, and pension schemes, we provide regular portfolio reviews and market updates to ensure investments remain on track to meet long-term objectives.
People
Phil Williams
Director and Chartered Financial Planner
With over 20 years in financial services, Phil qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner after studying Management at Leeds University. He joined R D B I F S in 2017, bringing extensive experience in delivering ethical financial advice while maintaining fellowship status in his professional body.
Urszula Nowak
Director and Financial Planner
Urszula joined R D B I F S in 2013 after graduating in Public Administration in Poland. She completed her AAT accounting qualification locally before achieving her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in 2018, demonstrating her commitment to professional development and client service excellence.
Peter Penfold
Director and Financial Planner
Peter qualified with a Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in 2019 after joining R D B I F S in 2014. His customer service background combined with his intellectual approach to financial planning enables him to explain complex concepts clearly to clients.
James Penfold
Operations Manager
With over a decade in financial services, James previously worked at Border Asset Management and Sanlam before joining R D B I F S. He is currently pursuing his Level 4 Diploma with the Chartered Insurance Institute while managing operational excellence within the firm.
Sarah Nelson
Senior Financial Services Administrator
Sarah transitioned to financial services in 2021, bringing valuable customer service experience from local businesses. As a key administrative team member, she ensures smooth operations while benefiting from mentorship by experienced professionals in the R D B I F S team.
Questions
What areas do RDBIFS serve?
We primarily serve clients in Cumbria, the Lake District, and surrounding areas, with the capability to work with clients throughout the UK.
Are RDBIFS regulated by any official body?
Yes, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under registration number 771172.
What qualifications do your advisers hold?
Our team includes Chartered Financial Planners and professionals with Level 4 Diplomas in Regulated Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Do you offer initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations with no obligation, allowing you to explore your financial needs and our approach before committing.
How do you charge for your services?
We offer transparent charging options including fixed fees and hourly rates, which we'll discuss during your initial consultation based on your specific needs.
Can you help with inheritance tax planning?
While not regulated for this specific advice, we provide inheritance tax planning guidance and collaborate with legal professionals to create comprehensive estate planning solutions.
