Qualifications

Richard is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and holds a Diploma in Financial Planning through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). In addition, he holds additional specialist qualifications in pensions, mortgages and equity release.

Experience

With over 20 years of experience, Richard has been delivering trusted financial advice since 2003. His credentials reflect a deep commitment to professional excellence and delivering trusted financial advice to both personal and commercial clients. Richard brings specialist expertise in complex pension arrangements, particularly within the nuclear sector, having supported numerous employees at Sellafield with their retirement and financial planning needs.

Expertise

Richard focuses on pre- and post-retirement planning, helping individuals navigate key life transitions with confidence. His approach is thoughtful and highly personalised, ensuring each client receives clear, practical advice that aligns with their specific long-term goals and circumstances.

Personal

Away from the office, Richard enjoys fell walking in the Lake District and is a passionate supporter of Carlisle United and Workington Reds. He is married and is a devoted father to three children, balancing a fulfilling family life with his dedication to his local community, whilst helping others achieve financial security and peace of mind.

You could retire on paper. So why does it still feel like such a big decision?

For many people in their 50s and 60s, the problem isn’t a lack of pensions or spreadsheets – it’s a lack of clarity and confidence.

You might have several pension pots, some savings and a rough idea of “your number”, but still find yourself asking:

Am I really ready to retire – or should I wait?

What if I stop too early and regret it?

What if I leave it too late and miss my best years?

In Retirement: It’s Personal, Chartered Fellow FCSI and independent financial adviser Richard Cakans shows you how to decide when to retire by aligning three things that must work together:

Money – what you have, what you need, and how to turn pensions and investments into a sustainable income
Emotions – fears about running out of money or time, guilt about stopping work, and the deeper questions behind “Am I ready?”
Lifestyle – what you actually want your days, weeks and years to look like in this next chapter

Drawing on years of real client conversations, this book helps you:

- Understand what “enough” looks like for you

- Make sense of your pensions and income options in plain English

- Use tools like “The Lottery Question” and the three phases of retirement to clarify your thinking

- Build a simple, flexible plan you can review each year

If you’re unsure whether to retire, reduce your hours or just keep going, this book will help you move from anxious guesswork to informed, confident decisions about the rest of your life.

Find More about my book here: Richard Cakans