Darren McCabe
Financial Planning Consultant DipPFS, Cert CII (MP) in Belfast
A little bit about Darren
I am an experienced financial planner and pride myself on giving excellent client service whilst remaining friendly and approachable.
I am planning to start studying for my chartered exams to help clients with more complex needs.
Start the conversation
Whether you want help getting your pension in a good place, or to ask me about another financial need you might have, I’m here to help.
Contact me today
An adviser’s insight
How can you boost your pension pot?
In the UK, there’s an estimated £26.6bn1 in lost or forgotten pensions. That means the average UK worker is missing as much as £28k2 from their retirement money. But there’s good news - this kind of financial hit is completely avoidable.
Here are three simple ways to make sure your pension is working its hardest for you.
1. Check up on it
This one might seem obvious, but it’s easy to lose track of your pension pots, where they are, and what they’re doing. If you make a note of your pension providers, and check your pot(s) regularly, you’re far less likely to lose one of them over time.
2. Look at your investment allocation
Your investment allocation is where and how you’re investing your pension. Often, people will just use their pension provider’s default setting. But this might not actually be right for your retirement goals and risk profile. So, it’s a good idea to revisit this every few years.
3. Bump it up
If you’ve had a windfall recently, like a pay rise, bonus, or inheritance, putting a portion of it into your pension is a good idea. Not only is it tax-efficient, but you’ll be glad when your retirement comes around.
As an adviser, my role is to help you get all of this done simply, with all the facts and information you need. That might be helping you review your risk profile, consolidating old pension pots, or making a plan to help you retire early.
If that sounds good to you, please get in touch.
The value of pensions and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested. Tax Planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change.
2 Source: https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/average-uk-worker-has-28-000-in-unclaimed-pensions
Services
Business Services & Protection
Commercial mortgages/remortgages, workplace pension and employee benefits. Commercial mortgages are by referral only.
General Insurance
Home contents insurance, buildings insurance.
Holistic planning
Establishing and reviewing trusts, complete personal risk management planning, short- and long-term savings and investments.
Income Protection
Permanent health insurance to provide a regular income should you be unable to work due to illness or injury.
Investments
Wealth management advice to make your money work as hard as it can for you, including making the most of any tax breaks available.
Mortgage
First time buyers, remortgages, buy-to-let.
Pensions
Expert advice to help provide comfort in your retirement.
Protection
Whole of life and term assurance protection, private medical arrangements, critical illness insurance.
Qualifications
Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- The Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute develops core technical and initial financial planning understanding.
Certificate in Mortgage Advice
- The Certificate in Mortgage Advice (Level 3) meets the FCA standards for mortgage advisers. It develops an understanding of the sector and the mortgage process, and enables advisers to meet individual client needs.
Testimonials
Donna E.
Darren was fantastic from start to finish of the process.
He advised me on different mortgage products and his service was both professional and friendly.
I would definitely recommend Darren if you need any advice or help with a mortgage!
Thanks Darren!
George B.
Darren is very advisable with best offers and advice for you.
He worked around my busy schedule, sometimes even out of normal working hours to ensure I had the best customer service.
Would highly recommend Darren to anyone.
Grace J.
Darren is not only knowledgeable and professional but he strives to find you the best rates possible.
He helped us find the best mortgage for our new house and was really friendly and helpful along the way.
I have recommended him to family and friends as a result of the great service I received.
I would not hesitate to use his services again in the future. Highly recommend!
Dee K.
Darren has provided me with a professional, efficient, reliable and effective service. I was very impressed with his commitment to going the extra mile. The process of buying a property can be very stressful, however, Darren has kept me informed regularly about what some of the pitfalls may be along the way and I am glad to say that I have not had or experienced any negativity throughout the whole process from start to finish.
Darren has exceptional market knowledge, has outstanding communication skills, written and verbal which he used to personalise his approach towards helping me purchase a property as a first-time buyer.
His positive attitude and demeanour throughout the process and genuine care and support also suggests that he has strong negotiation skills and that he is a respected member of his community.
I would very much strongly recommend Darren as a broker who is able to cater to the needs of the individual by putting his customer's priorities first.
Location
Darren McCabe's location
Darren is located in Belfast and offers expert financial advice to suit your needs.
More about me
Before becoming a Financial Planner, I was a Secondary School Teacher, teaching in Essex for 10 years.
I taught Business, Economics, Personal Finance and Maths. During Covid, I wanted a career change and having loved educating students about personal finances, I knew becoming a Financial Planner was the perfect fit.
I worked in an independent firm as a Practice Manager/Financial Adviser advising clients on all aspects of mortgages, investments, and pensions.
I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter and having family days out as well as catching up with family and friends. I also enjoy eating out, going on holidays, learning how to box and play golf.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some employee benefits, tax planning, inheritance tax planning, estate planning, succession planning, trusts or some buy-to-let mortgages.
The guidance and/or information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Registered Office: Quilter Financial Advisers, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Tel: 0207 562 5856. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 05693185. Lighthouse Financial Advice Limited, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Tel: 0207 562 5856. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 04795080.