
John Kirkwood
Financial Planning Consultant DipPFS in Edinburgh
A little bit about John
Having had a previous career as an Army officer, I know the value and importance of planning ahead. Whether you're thinking about retirement, helping your children onto the property ladder, protecting your family's future, or passing on your business or estate, I can help set the right conditions for maximum benefit to you. I work with individuals, families, and business owners to turn long-term aspirations into achievable goals through financial planning that looks at the whole picture. Every client’s situation is different, so taking the time to listen and understand what matters most to you is intrinsic and means that plans I create can evolve as your needs change.
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An adviser’s insight
Aim to maximise your cash savings
It might shock you to know that 28% of people hold their cash in interest-free savings accounts(1), receiving no return on their hard-earned money. Because under current rules a basic rate taxpayer can earn up to £1,000 in interest from their savings without paying tax, these people could be missing out on a significant financial boost that they could be enjoying.
This is even more relevant when you consider that the average person typically holds up to 25% of their available money on cash deposit(2). So, by reviewing your cash and tackling any ‘lazy money’, you’ll be making a great start at getting your finances in shape and achieving longer-term financial security.
If your money isn’t working as hard as it could, I can help. By making it easy to access potentially better interest rates, I can help you to aim to maximise your cash savings – giving you more money to spend on the things you enjoy or helping you grow your money towards a longer-term goal.
1 Building Societies Association Sept 2024
2 The Lang Cat: Cash as an asset class survey June 2024
Cash on deposit advice is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Services
Business Services & Protection
Commercial mortgages/remortgages, workplace pension and employee benefits. Commercial mortgages are by referral only.
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.
General Insurance
Home contents insurance, buildings insurance.
Income Protection
Permanent health insurance to provide a regular income should you be unable to work due to illness or injury.
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.
Location
John's location
Edinburgh
Scotland
United Kingdom
Based in Edinburgh, I regularly travel across Scotland and northern England - including Aberdeen, the Borders, and Newcastle - to meet clients in person.
More about me
Areas I can support you with include:
- Growing and protecting your wealth
- Estate and inheritance tax planning*
- Retirement planning
- Business and succession planning
- Financial protection for life's unexpected turns
No question is too small, and no goal is too ambitious, so I'm always happy to talk things through if you're not sure.
Outside of work, my main interests revolve around aeroplanes and cricket. When I’m not with clients, you’ll likely find me near one or the other. If you’re looking for someone who can bring structure to your financial circumstances, and help make things easy to understand in an empathetic way, I’d be glad to chat.
*Succession planning, Estate and inheritance tax planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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.