Financial Advisers for Armed Forces Personnel

Redwood Financial has more than two decades of experience in helping Armed Forces personnel and veterans. We understand your unique position and offer expert advice and structured financial planning. Working together, we can help you build a secure financial future.

Independent Financial Advice for the Armed Forces Community

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For members of the Armed Forces community, military life can create financial challenges, and frequent moves, deployments and service commitments can make some commercial financial products and services harder to access. Yet making the right financial decisions early can have a lasting impact on your long-term security. Your choices now can help protect your family, make the most of your Armed Forces Pension and achieve a comfortable retirement.

The Armed Forces community should not be disadvantaged compared with other citizens, and special consideration may be appropriate for those who are injured or bereaved.

At Redwood Financial, your financial well-being is important to us. Our trusted Financial Advisers can walk you through your options, explain them clearly, and help you find a long-term plan suited to your circumstances to grow, protect and enjoy your wealth.

Whether you are serving military personnel or a veteran planning your next chapter, contact Redwood Financial today for advice and further information.

Our Financial & Estate Planning Services for Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans

We can provide a range of financial advice and services, including:

Armed Forces pension schemes – Understand your Armed Forces Pension benefits, including the different options available for taking pension income and tax-free lump sums.
Savings and Investments – How to grow your Savings in line with your risk tolerance.
Inheritance Tax Planning – How to legitimately minimise the Inheritance Tax burden on your loved ones.
Will writing and Lasting Powers of Attorney – Putting a Will in place to record your wishes and Lasting Powers of Attorney to appoint trusted people to make certain decisions on your behalf if needed.
Estate Planning services – Structuring your financial affairs so more of your wealth passes to your family.
Mortgages and protection – How to protect your home, income and family as your circumstances change, including specific military factors such as Forces Help to Buy or tax issues for Crown Servants posted abroad.

Wills & Powers of Attorney

For Armed Forces personnel, producing a Will is part of responsible financial planning. It can give you valuable reassurance that your loved ones will be protected and that your wishes will be carried out. Without a Will, your property, money, assets, and possessions could be distributed under the Rules of Intestacy, with uncertain outcomes, so any Will and related planning should reflect the legal position in England and Wales.

We recommend that our Armed Forces Clients put both a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) in place. While a Will protects your loved ones after your death, a Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most essential documents you can create, allowing trusted individuals to make certain financial or health and welfare decisions on your behalf in accordance with the authority given in the LPA.

Protecting Your Loved Ones’ Inheritance

Leaving a financial legacy for the people you want to benefit from your estate matters to many Armed Forces personnel and veterans. Considering the tax implications is increasingly important.

With the standard Inheritance Tax Nil-Rate Band fixed at £325,000 until April 2031, rising asset values mean more families may need to consider Inheritance Tax as part of their Estate Planning. The standard rate is generally 40% on the taxable part of an Estate after available allowances, exemptions and reliefs have been taken into account.

There are legitimate ways to reduce Inheritance Tax liability, including tax allowances, gifting and Trusts. Trusts can form part of an Estate Plan by helping to control how and when certain assets pass to beneficiaries, although the tax and legal consequences depend on the type of Trust and individual circumstances. Our Financial Advisers can help you understand your options so more of your wealth can potentially pass to your loved ones.

Key Financial Considerations for Armed Forces Personnel

If you decide to work with us, we will begin the process with a basic fact-find to gather the right details by asking key questions, such as:

What do you want your wealth to achieve? Is it long-term financial security, early retirement, or leaving a legacy for your family?
How will your Armed Forces Pension fit into your long-term plans?
When do you expect to transition from military service?
Do you need income now, or are you focused on long-term capital growth?
Will you need access to funds if you relocate, deploy, or make a career change?
How much investment risk are you comfortable taking to pursue your financial goals?

Forces MoneyPlan can provide eligible members of the Armed Forces community with an initial financial consultation to help them understand their financial position, options and priorities. If you subsequently choose to work with Redwood Financial, we can then carry out our own advice process and develop recommendations based on your circumstances and goals.

Independent Financial Advisers can consider a broad range of suitable products and providers when making recommendations, whereas Restricted Advisers operate within defined restrictions on the advice, products or providers they can consider.

Managing Your Finances During Deployment or Relocation

If your career involves frequent postings, overseas deployments and relocation, these changes can create specific financial challenges.

Redwood can help by keeping your financial plans stable, wherever you are. For example, we can help review your mortgage arrangements, review your investment arrangements where appropriate if you are deployed or living overseas, and ensure your Savings continue to work hard. We can also consider issues relevant to your circumstances, such as Forces Help to Buy eligibility and the potential tax implications of an overseas posting.

With our sound financial guidance, you can be confident your affairs are well managed while you focus on your responsibilities in service, with expert guidance on hand while you are away.

Planning for Life After the Armed Forces

As an active member of the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or Royal Air Force, leaving service is a significant life transition, and Advisers with personal experience in the Armed Forces often understand the transition and retirement issues veterans face. Moving into civilian life raises important questions about income, Pensions and career choices, all of which affect long-term financial security.

Planning ahead and choosing the right time to start can make this move easier. With our financial guidance, you can move into the next stage of life with confidence, knowing that the benefits you have earned through your service are working hard for you and your family.

Forces MoneyPlan helps recipients become more informed about their financial well-being and less vulnerable to misinformation and scams.

We can provide confidential financial guidance on maximising your Armed Forces Pension benefits, investing any tax-free lump sums, and building a strategy to achieve the retirement lifestyle you deserve. Veterans can also start with a free consultation through Forces MoneyPlan with a fully qualified and regulated Financial Adviser.

Why Use an Independent Financial Adviser?

If you have dedicated yourself to a career in the services, you deserve a financial plan that reflects your goals, circumstances and attitude to investment risk. Working with a regulated Financial Adviser gives you access to professional advice that must meet applicable FCA requirements. An Independent Financial Adviser can consider a broad range of suitable products and providers when helping you make decisions about your financial future.

At Redwood Financial, we are always delighted to share the benefits of our expertise with Armed Forces personnel and veterans. Our Advisers understand that military life can create particular financial considerations, including Pensions, deployments, relocation and the transition to civilian life. We can help you make informed decisions about Pensions, Investments and tax planning to help build your future.

Speak to an Independent Financial Adviser for Armed Forces Financial Advice

For many military personnel, Forces personnel and veterans, financial decisions carry a lot of weight. Years of dedication, discipline, and commitment deserve a financial strategy to match.

Should you decide to work with Redwood Financial, we will take the time to understand your circumstances and the future you want to build.

We are a family-run firm of fully qualified Financial Advisers, and Redwood Financial is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can meet us in person or by phone. Our team has decades of experience supporting Clients across the UK, so you can rely on us to help you make strong and confident decisions about your finances.

If you would like to speak to us, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your circumstances and explore how we may help.

Please contact us by phone or request a callback, and we can arrange a face-to-face meeting where appropriate. We look forward to speaking with you.

We welcome you to join our free webinars

Our plain English, jargon-free webinars are designed to help you take proactive steps to grow, protect and enjoy your hard-earned wealth.

Rest assured, we will not try to sell you anything. If you decide you’d like to talk to us after the event, we will be delighted to offer a no-obligation meeting to discuss your needs.

Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Webinar

Topics include:

- The five common mistakes that can make many Wills ineffective and how to avoid them
- How effective Will and Estate Planning can help protect your Estate and manage potential Inheritance Tax liabilities
- Understanding the Residential Nil Rate Band allowance
- The importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney

Pensions Webinar: Roadmap To Retirement

Topics include:

- The benefits of starting Pension savings early
- How to calculate what you may need to save for retirement
- Diversifying your investment portfolio
- The key steps to building a retirement plan
- Balancing risk and reward when developing a Pension strategy

Arrange a Consultation with an Expert

Please use the Contact Us link below to request a callback or to book a meeting with one of our Advisers.

Contact Us

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Based on 184 reviews

Redwood Financial, Droxford, Hampshire

5.0

Paul V

Just to say that my wife and I recently attended (via Teams) our personal annual financial review meeting with Nicola at Redwood, which we found most helpful. Nicola prepared a very informative set of slides, but, also dovetailed into her presentation explanations of the key issues that we had said we were unsure about. The set of data illustrated clearly the path that we are on with our finances and we discussed the various options that we could consider both in the short and longer term to tailor our investment portfolio to our needs. All in all a very helpful and encouraging meeting. Many thanks.

Phillip E.

Thanks to Nicola and team for warm welcome when visiting the office for our annual review of our mother’s investment.We found the experience very professional and comforting that investment was being looked after in capable hands.Thanks Phill & Jez Evans

Simon B.

Im very pleased with the promptness and quality of the work Redwood does for me. I’m confident in my future thanks to them.

Jude S.

Wonderful support from a "family feel" business

Martin & Jayne C.

Really sound advise from Steve and his team- very professional with every step explained clearly with our best interests in mind. Would not hesitate to recommend them.We have just had a follow up signing meeting with Steve and his lovely staff along with our sons. Everything was explained to them in language that was easy for them understand - they were made to feel very at ease and encouraged to ask questions at ever point.

Janine B.

Neil D.

Easiest planning ever.

Anne G.

I have been taking Ken Bannister's advice for financial planning for many years through his different enterprises and am now very happy to continue to do so with Redwood. As a company I have found them to be extremely helpful, knowledgeable and very clear in everything we cover, with excellent communcation. For estate planning Stephanie has given me confidence that my inheritance plans are well in place for future generations. To sum up, friendly and professional!

Rosanna V.

The incredible team at Redwood are nothing short of fantastic! Sorting out finance things can be so overwhelming and Redwood have made it easy and accessible to understand -dare I say enjoyable! Thank you all so much for all the care and time you take with all of us clients, you are all miracle makers!

Wendy G.

I was recommended Redwood Financial Services by a friend some years ago. I have used them for financial advice as well as Estate planning too.They do not make me feel foolish, when I ask questions about my finances or when dealing with my Will. Nothing is too much trouble. They are so patient.I have recommended them to friends and family.

Terri S.

Always professional, friendly and tolerant!

Darren S.

Fantastic service, from face to face meetings to phone calls and email help. Can't recommend Redwood enough, Justine is superb.

Margaret G.

I have been with Redwood for over thirty years and have always had full confidence in their services. The markets may have fluctuated over the years but Redwood's finance knowledge and controls has meant that my finances have always been in safe hands.

David C.

Have used the Redwood services for a many years and have always found their staff professional and helpful. You are treated as a person (not just a number) and they explain the pros & cons in a straightforward manner. Would recommend them.

Nicki S.

Redwood have supported us for a number of years now and we continue to be very happy with the service they provide. They listen carefully to our needs and their advice is clear and concise. They are highly responsive and we feel like we are in very safe hands.

Janet G.

Very pleased with Redwood Financial. Ken has been our advisor for many years & always explains things very clearly. The office staff at Redwood are very friendly & helpful. I am very happy with my investments

Barry S.

Excellent customer service would recommend

Doug “cloudstuff” C.

We really value the breadth of experience and expertise that Redwood Finance bring to support our specific needs and options surrounding important decision making. Whether it’s savings and pension matters or estate planning, wills and trusts, you know they’ll equip you and guide you with practical understandable advice. Financial SatNav.

Chris W.

Redwoods have patiently helped us prepare our financial affairs through changing government schemes, keeping us advised of up-to-date requirements and influences. With a family trust and IHT to negotiate, we are fully confident in Redwood's service.

David G.

With Helena's poor state of health we needed to urgently review our estate planning especially with impending changes in inheritance tax on April 2027. Having started the search for advice we liked the clear approach in the Redwood webinars. As we have traveled along the estate planning pathway set out by Redwood we have been pleased with all the staff attention to detail and pleasant approach especially Steve, Lisa, Justine and Chloe. They have set out options and advice clearly and we are happy to recommend them.

Henrietta V.

So professional and so interested in all their clients as individuals. A really lovely, efficient, knowledgeable bunch, and super human beings at that! Highly recommend. Thank you for sorting our future out!

Mark P.

Fantastic organisation and great people

Tina T.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with this independent financial advisory firm for many years, and I can confidently say they have been exceptional every step of the way. From the very beginning, their approach has always felt genuinely personal—they take the time to understand not just the numbers, but my goals, concerns, and long-term aspirations.Jasmine and the team are truly outstanding. They are approachable, knowledgeable, and consistently go above and beyond to ensure everything is clear and tailored to my situation. No question ever feels too small, and their guidance has always been thoughtful and reassuring.What really sets them apart is the combination of professionalism and care. Over the years, they have helped me achieve great financial outcomes, always with a steady, well-informed strategy that gives me confidence in the future. It’s rare to find a team that balances expertise with such a strong personal touch.I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jasmine and the team to anyone looking for trusted, long-term financial advice.

Glen H.

The help and advice that Redwood Financial Services has given us now over a number of years has been absolutely first rate. Not only the service but the professional yet friendly manner all the team have treated us has been award winning - we feel like they are our friends not just our advisors. The culture Jasmine and Steve have instilled in this company is what others should aspire too. For Amy organising us, Claire updating us and Nicola doing our annual review a huge thank you.

Robert E.

We have been associated with Redwood for over ten years, dealing with a wide range of aspects concerning our finances. They have advised us on pensions, estate planning and investments. Throughout all this time we have found them to be totally professional, helpful and friendly. We have absolute confidence in the team and know that they are always ready to help us with any advice or questions that arise. Particularly useful are the review meetings, which guide us on the performance, future legislation and our future requirements. No hesitation in recommending Redwood Finacial!

Brenda S.

Our association with Redwood Financial began, several years ago, from tentatively attending a presentation at a local hotel about options on making a will. Steve and his daughter, Jasmine, were incredibly impressive in presenting the information, exemplified with various family case studies. These were fictional, but highlighted how complex it could become to create wills which suited every need. Thus, we started our relationship with this company and promptly updated our wills. This led onto Estate Planning and setting up Trusts for our sons.We were so pleased with the clarity of explanation and transparency of fees that my husband felt completely confident in placing his pension planning with Jasmine.Our sons are now looking to make their own wills and will use Redwood Financial, with the confidence of having a family based business to inform them. Finding a company that offer a personalised, professional approach is like finding a hen's tooth in today's big corporate environment. At Redwood, you have the best of both worlds; an individualised relationship but with access to the best performing platforms/ investors which enable our family to feel that we have made sound decisions. With opportunities for regular revues, you can adjust your planning for changing circumstances. Trusting Redwood Financial is one of the best decisions we have made.

Paul K.

Another excellent Annual Review Meeting with Ken Bannister of Redwood Financial. Redwood provide a first class service. Redwood staff are all highly motivated and make their customers feel valued as individuals. It is a pleasure to deal with this Family Business.

Peter N.

Superb financial advisers (family based).Put their clients totally to the forefront of their business, with excellent service and communication. Regular client events ensure involvement and openness with their own business and the financial providers they use. Very family finance orientated with long-term & generational planning at the forefront. I totally recommend a discussion with them so they can show what they can achieve.

Trev L.

Very Good[Ed to original review]I have been working with Redwood Financial for approximately seven years now, from my initial assessment at a presentation through personal meetings, conferences and social events. Redwood has something which, in my experience, is a rarity these days: humanity and family values. Thank you so much, Redwood, for helping to bring peace of mind to the next stage of my life so that I can separate key signals from the noise. Thank you to the WHOLE team because we rise and fall as a TEAM. 🙏🙏#GodBless #31stMay2025[Update: 17022026: Thank you, Redwood, for your continued great support and care in furnishing our familial needs. Steph and Justine epitomise your care, and teamwork continues to shine through. 🙏]

Mary C.

My annual review with Ken was as always elegant

keith S.

I was recommended Redwood by a friend. I needed some Will & Estate planning and found them 1st class for both the information supplied and the service.

Graham J.

We attended the Redwood client conference last Friday. It was the usual excellent informative day with brilliant guest speakers. If anyone is looking for a professional and friendly financial advisor Company then I would highly recommend Redwood. They continue to deliver high levels of service for their clients including the best possible financial returns.

John G.

All very good. Everything was explained in detail . Everyone is very pleasant and try to make it a good experience. They even provide tea / coffee and biscuits as well as a designated parking place. Excellent.

peter B.

We discovered that we needed Trust Wills through the excellent Redwood seminar program, and found a world unknown to us. Engaging them to produce our new wills, we were very impressed by their depth of knowledge and attention to detail.The quality of the staff is unusually high and their interpersonal skills are outstanding, extending to Roxy, our springer, being present at every meeting. They all love her and she shows it. Lovely to see.We give the highest recommendation for Redwood to solve your age related issues, e.g Wills and Trusts, Pensions, Estate planning and Investments.Our special appreciation goes to the magnificent Justine, who steered us with ease through the complexities of the signing stage for completion.Love to all,Hazel, Peter and Roxy

Colin E.

This is a company who takes a personal interest in your investments. Well recommended.

Robin B.

Redwood Financial have provided reliable, prudent and very well-informed advice and support for my investments and pension for several years and I have found them to be professional, conscientious and exceptionally diligent in their approach to every aspect of their services. Their financial advisors have an exceptionally broad understanding of their brief and a comprehensive product and market knowledge which results in a tailored approach to individual financial requirements. The team around them, maintaining client relations and process administration, is delightful, hugely competent, motivated and client-focussed which makes any and all interactions easy, efficient and assured. Highly recommended.

Mike B.

I worked with Steve and the team at Redwood recently for estate planning. They were very helpful, provided clear information, and enabled me to make the best decision for my future. Nothing was too much trouble - they made a complex subject easy to understand.Highly recommended!

Steve

I have been with Redwood for nearly 15 years and have found Steve, Jasmine, Nicola and the wider team to be both knowledge and extremely helpful. I would highly recommend them as a totally professional team committed to providing high quality advice and guidance and always with my best interests at heart.

James T.

I contacted Redwood to discuss consolidating my pensions. Also I knew Ken Bannister from previous experience. I am delighted with the progress made to date. I have had excellent meetings with Ken where everything is explained to me clearly and in terms I understand. The communications from Kayleigh and the reports being sent to me are also excellent quality and informative. Very pleased with progress to date.

G A.

Excellent advice as always, thank you Ken.

Robert A.

Thank you Ken for your excellent advice, much appreciated.

graham S.

Thankyou for your efficiency, knowledge and Professionalism.

Colin E.

I moved to Redwood Financial to manage my Pension Portfolio in April 2023 following the retirement of my previous adviser who introduced me to them. Their services have been excellent, their advice sensible and clear and their charges competitive. My position as an Owner Director of a lLmited company makes my position slightly different to the mainstream and they have understood my requirements and worked with me to create a sensible retirement plan. I would highly recommend them.

Andrew B.

Nicola reviewed our investments in a pension and some ISAs, held by my wife and I. She has recommended some changes which we expect to give better returns. Everything was well prepared and explained to us. We remain very happy with the advice and support from Nicola and the Redwood team.

Fiona W.

We have been very impressed by the professional and knowledgeable service from Redwood. All the staff have been exceptional and clearly want to provide excellent customer service

Deborah H.

Redwood have supported my family and I for many years and their service and support in all issues is amazing.I cannot recommend the team enough especially if you are unsure of what you need to do regarding wills , trust funds, savings and pension advice.Thank you Redwood team for being such great friends and I hope this will continue for many years to come

Graham S.

We had reached our 70's and realized that we needed to ensure our estate was not open to possible extra taxation costs and security for our direct family. We attended a Redwood seminar and decided to take further advice. They were very proffesional, patient and understanding. They treated us with respect and kept everything in simple laymens terms.

tim D.

Steve and his team did a fantastic job sorting out a new Will and Power of Attorney for myself, in addition to setting up a Trust Fund after the death of my wife. They were sympathetic throughout the process during a difficult time and I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending them for similar work.

Kathy C.

I really cannot recommend Redwood Financial enough. All members of the team were so friendly and helpful and Steph did a sterling job guiding us through all options and ensuring we were happy with our decisions. The information provided throughout the process was clear and concise and the provision of the Will Commentary is brilliant - it will make life much easier for those who have to look after our affairs when the time comes.Thanks Redwood Financial for a fabulous service.

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Dealing with Jasmine and her firm has been an absolute pleasure. Practical, sensible and kind advice, in sometimes difficult circumstances, with total efficiency and dedication. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone else who needs some help with their financial circumstances.

Excellent friendly service with positive advice. Made us feel relaxed and at ease with sorting out our pensions. Everything taken care of and explained in detail that was easy to understand. Would recommend.

Practical down to earth advice, no pressure, and very supportive. I now have a set of plans in place that have ensured my estate will be well managed in the future in the way I would wish it to be, for the benefit of my family.

I cannot thank the staff at Redwood enough, especially Sophie as she has been so patient and caring to my needs. I have found them to be highly professional and efficient in executing their often delicate and personal work. Would highly recommend their services.

Throughout our dealings with the firm, all the representatives we have dealt with have been very courteous, patient and friendly, which has made the experience a pleasure; in fact, nothing has been too much trouble for them and at no stage have they made us feel inadequate in asking too many or too simple questions, or in requiring too obvious explanations.

Steve Blofield and his team are excellent! Friendly and helpful advice is readily at hand and has opened my eyes to the importance of estate planning. A brief phone conversation is always followed by a comprehensive email. This firm deserves its awards and excellent reputation.

Jasmine Lambert

Jasmine was awarded the British Young Practitioner of the Year in 2018. She is a qualified Chartered Financial Planner and full member of Society of Will Writers.