We're all busy, I get that. Most people would love to have a financial plan to work towards but never get around to setting one up because life's just, well... too busy. We're all aware of the evidence showing those who build plans and continuously work towards them, in any area of life, are proven to achieve far greater success than those who don't. And yet we all spend more time choosing our next holiday or car than we do considering our own financial futures.
David Sillars
Financial Adviser, DipPFS in Guildford
A little bit about David
I provide 'financial peace of mind' for my clients who want to protect and grow what they have so that they can reach their future goals. My client base ranges from young professionals just starting their financial planning journey to those living their best retirement. I've worked in the financial industry for over 25 years, holding an Honours degree in Economics and a Masters degree in International Securities, Investments and Banking. Professional, Reliable, Down-to-earth, Personable. But most importantly, I listen and give straightforward jargon-free advice.
Find out more about me below.
Start the conversation
Whether you want help getting your pension in a good place, or to ask me about any other financial need you might have, I’m here to help.
Contact me today
More about me
Meet David
Often the real reason for doing nothing is because it's actually a bit scary thinking about these things and it's confusing knowing where to begin. It doesn't need to be like that. Resolving to make a plan won’t just provide huge benefits to your future self, it will have an immediate impact now. You’ll find you become less stressed when thinking about money, you’ll gain greater peace of mind and probably sleep better at night. I see this happen a lot. This is where I can help and provide a lot of the heavy lifting.
I'm not here to talk at you, I'm here to listen, understand and help. Offering advice is only part of the story. Guidance and support in a long-term relationship based on trust ensures the plan stays on track when life events knock you off course. And they will. I'm a dad with all the life experiences that brings along with 25 years in financial services. I leave financial jargon at the door and my client meetings are always relaxed. I’m just here to help you make smarter decisions for a happier, wealthier and more fulfilled life. I love a good chat so feel free to pick up the phone. The worst thing that can happen is I can give you some ideas you may not have thought of already. You can also drop me a message and we can arrange a call.
Now I completely understand not everyone needs me and if you can do it all yourself then go for it, however I'm here to help should you need me. If you’re not quite ready just yet to arrange some time together please feel free to connect to me here. Likewise if you feel one of your friends or family would benefit from my help, do please pass on my details and I'll help them any way I can.
Proud to be a part of Quilter, one of the UK's largest financial advice networks. Quilter manages £120 billion of assets for over 900,000 clients. Check us out on Trustpilot where we're rated as excellent with over 11,000 reviews.
An adviser’s insight
How can you boost your pension pot?
In the UK, there are around 3.3 million pension pots that are considered as ‘lost’, containing an average of around £9,500 per pot*. Nobody wants to be missing out on money they have built up in a pension, 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. Investing can help your money grow over time, but the value of investments can go down as well as up.
If that sounds good to you, please get in touch.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited. June 2026.
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.
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 Equity Release
- The Certificate in Equity Release is a specialised and highly regarded qualification within the financial services industry. Designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide expert guidance on equity release products, this certification programme plays a pivotal role in ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about releasing equity from their homes.
Award in Long Term Care Insurance
- Develops knowledge and understanding of long term care cover, including legal, taxation and regulatory issues and the responsibilities of local authorities.
Testimonials
Diana
Dave gave us extremely good advice, and explained everything to us so we could understand the mine field of pensions.
Tim
Dave helped me to decide on withdrawing a sum from my pension and advising on re investing the remaining amount and helping to grow my pension for the future.
Fiona
He has given me clear guidance & help with amalgamation of pensions. Lots of help with planning for the future.
James
David was great at explaining the basics on pensions and the options to me and working up from there! This very positive experience (which has led me to transfer my pension) also resulted in me seeking further advice from David as to savings and financial planning.
Location
David's location
Guildford
Surrey
GU2
United Kingdom
David is located in Guildford, Surrey and offers expert financial advice to suit your needs.
What to expect
In advising you, I follow a simple and trusted 3 step process:
1. Free intro call to understand your needs
We will arrange a time to talk about your goals and plans.
2. Personalised plan
I'll prepare a tailored plan which always takes full account of your goals, and gives you the steps and expert support from me to get there. All explained simply.
3. On going check-ins, on your terms
I'll be there as your financial adviser to give you the support you need.
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.