Business Details
29 Years
experience
Independent Financial Advisers in Southampton
Established in 1997, Sheila Tarr Independent Financial Services has built a reputation as a trusted provider of independent financial planning and investment management services. Our team combines decades of collective experience with a client-first ethos, delivering bespoke advice tailored to individual aspirations and life stages. We specialise in pensions, retirement planning, investments, protection, estate planning, and long-term care, ensuring clarity and transparency in all our recommendations. Our commitment to technical excellence is matched by our dedication to listening and understanding client needs, maintaining ongoing relationships to adapt financial strategies as circumstances evolve.With a focus on education and empowerment, we guide clients through complex financial decisions while prioritising ethical standards and professional integrity. Our Hampshire-based team prides itself on local market knowledge and a personalised approach that sets us apart in the financial services sector.
Services
Financial Planning
Pensions Advice
Investment Management
Estate Planning
Mortgage Advice
Protection Services
Retirement Planning
Long Term Care
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Over 25 years of experience in independent financial planning
- Client-first approach with transparent fee structures
- Bespoke advice tailored to individual life stages
- Specialist expertise in pensions and retirement strategies
- Dedicated team with Chartered Financial Planner status
What people say
Exemplary service
Clear advice
Second to none support
Client-centred approach
Passionate team
Services
Financial Planning
We create tailored financial plans addressing individual goals across all life stages. Our approach combines technical expertise with personal understanding to develop actionable strategies for long-term security. Services include cashflow modelling, tax-efficient planning, and regular portfolio reviews to ensure ongoing alignment with client objectives.
Pensions Advice
Specialist guidance on workplace, personal, and final salary pensions. We help clients consolidate pension pots, navigate complex tax rules, and optimise retirement income strategies. Our advice covers lifetime allowance management, pension transfers, and phased retirement options to maximise financial benefits.
Investment Management
Personalised investment strategies for first-time investors and experienced portfolio holders. We offer risk-appropriate solutions across equities, bonds, and diversified funds, focusing on long-term growth and income generation. Regular performance reviews ensure investments remain aligned with evolving financial goals and market conditions.
Estate Planning
Comprehensive advice on inheritance tax mitigation, will creation, and asset distribution. We help clients structure their estates efficiently while considering family needs and charitable intentions. Services include trust planning, probate guidance, and lifetime gifting strategies to preserve wealth for future generations.
Mortgage Advice
Expert guidance on residential and buy-to-let mortgages, including first-time purchases and remortgaging. We assess clients' financial situations to recommend suitable products, negotiate competitive rates, and manage applications. Specialist support covers complex cases involving self-employment or adverse credit histories.
People
John Howse
Director & Adviser
Qualified Financial Planner with specialist Equity Release and Long-Term Care credentials. Joined Sheila Tarr Independent Financial Services in 2012, becoming director in 2014. Focuses on demystifying financial planning through clear communication and practical solutions.
Jeremy Tarr
Managing Director
Joined the family business in 2006 after Australian university studies. Chartered Financial Planner committed to maintaining Sheila Tarr's client-first ethos. Specialises in building long-term relationships and community-focused financial solutions.
Rebecca Fritter
Chartered Financial Planner
Director since 2014 with 25+ years' experience. Specialises in later-life financial planning, combining technical expertise with emotional understanding to help clients make informed decisions during significant life transitions.
Eleanor McIlroy
Chartered Financial Planner
Financial services professional since 1999, delivering bespoke whole-of-market advice. Focuses on creating tailored investment strategies and retirement plans while maintaining a first-class client service standard.
Kathryn Thomson
Adviser & Paraplanner
Qualified Financial Planner supporting clients with investment and retirement strategies. Provides paraplanning expertise to ensure comprehensive documentation and regulatory compliance for all advice processes.
Questions
What financial planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive services including pensions, investments, retirement planning, estate planning, mortgages, and long-term care solutions tailored to individual circumstances.
How do you charge for your financial advice?
Our fees are transparent and flexible, matching the complexity of advice required. We provide clear cost breakdowns before starting any work.
Are you regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority?
Yes, we are fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 169923.
Can you help with existing pension arrangements?
We specialise in reviewing and consolidating existing pensions, including final salary schemes, to create cohesive retirement strategies.
What areas do you cover?
While based in Southampton, we work with clients across Hampshire and the wider UK through face-to-face meetings and virtual consultations.
How do you stay updated with financial regulations?
Our team maintains ongoing professional development, with Chartered status holders committed to technical excellence and regulatory compliance.
