David Ratcliffe
Financial Planning Consultant DipPFS in Hitchin
A little bit about David
I’m a qualified Financial Adviser (DipPFS) with over 10 years of experience, based in Hitchin and working with clients both locally and remotely across the UK. I provide tailored advice to help people plan for retirement, manage their investments, protect their families, and reduce inheritance tax. I take pride in making financial planning clear and approachable, helping clients feel confident about their future.
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
Holistic planning
Establishing and reviewing trusts, complete personal risk management planning, short- and long-term savings and investments.
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.
Pensions
Expert advice to help provide comfort in your retirement.
Protection
Whole of life and term assurance protection, private medical arrangements, critical illness insurance.
Income Protection
Permanent health insurance to provide a regular income should you be unable to work due to illness or injury.
General Insurance
Home contents insurance, buildings insurance.
Business Services & Protection
Commercial mortgages/remortgages, workplace pension and employee benefits. Commercial mortgages are by referral only.
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.
More about me
I’ve worked in the financial services industry for over 10 years and am proud to be a qualified Financial Adviser and member of the Personal Finance Society. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the financial challenges and opportunities people face at different life stages, and I’m passionate about providing clear, personalised advice that supports long-term financial wellbeing. I help clients with a range of needs - from building investments, protecting their family, and planning for retirement, to passing wealth on tax-efficiently to the next generation. My focus is on creating tailored strategies and building lasting relationships that offer real value over time.
Outside of work, I live in Hitchin with my wife Jade, our son Magnus, and our British shorthair cat, Maurice. I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, playing golf, and swimming when time allows.
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.