Home / About

KMD Financial Planning LLP - Hartley, Kent

Chartered Financial Adviser in Kent

I’m Kris Dabner, founder of KMD Financial Planning LLP and a Chartered Financial Planner based in Hartley, Kent. I provide independent, whole‑of‑market advice across pensions, investments, mortgages, protection and estate planning - helping individuals and families across the South East build confident financial futures.

CharteredIndependentFCA RegulatedFree initial consultation

2015Advising clients since

5Areas of financial planning

100%Independent & whole‑of‑market

FreeInitial consultation

About Kris Dabner

My career began in the car industry, where I discovered a genuine passion for helping people make important decisions with confidence. That led me to NatWest in 2015 as a Mortgage Adviser, before moving into broader financial planning roles where I could support clients across every aspect of their financial lives.

Over the following years I deepened my expertise across pensions, investments, protection and estate planning, ultimately achieving Chartered Financial Planner status, awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute for advanced qualifications, experience and a commitment to ethical practice. I founded KMD Financial Planning LLP to offer the kind of genuinely independent, holistic advice I had always believed clients deserved.

Most days you will find me working from my office in Hartley, Kent, or travelling to meet clients across Gravesend, Dartford, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Tonbridge and the wider South East. I have always been described as a “proper financial geek” - and I take that as a compliment. My job is to turn financial complexity into clarity, structure and peace of mind.

Being independent means every recommendation is based solely on what is right for you. I am not tied to any provider or panel. Every client receives whole‑of‑market advice tailored to their specific goals, circumstances and values.

Chartered Financial Planner

Qualifications & credentials

Chartered Financial Planner
Awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute for advanced qualifications, relevant experience and a commitment to its Code of Ethics.

FCA Authorised & Regulated
FCA reference number 1032694. Verified on the Financial Services Register.

KMD Financial Planning LLP
Registered in England and Wales no. OC454846. Melsetta, Church Road, Hartley, Kent, DA3 8DZ.

Career Journey

From the car industry to Chartered Financial Planner - a career built around helping people make confident decisions at every stage.

  1. 2015Mortgage Adviser - NatWest Moved from the car industry into financial services, advising customers on mortgage products and developing a deep interest in financial planning.
  2. 2016Broader Financial Planning Expanded into pension, investment and protection advice, supporting clients across all areas of their financial lives for the first time.
  3. 2024Achieved Chartered Financial Planner Status Awarded Chartered status by the Chartered Insurance Institute, following advanced qualifications well beyond the regulatory minimum.
  4. 2026Founded KMD Financial Planning LLP Established an independent practice to offer truly whole‑of‑market advice - free from the constraints of tied or restricted panels.
  5. NowAdvising Across Kent & the South East Helping individuals and families across Gravesend, Dartford, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Tonbridge and beyond with holistic, independent financial planning.

How I Work With Clients

My approach is built on six principles that guide every piece of advice I give and every client relationship I build.

Independence
Not tied to any provider, lender or insurer. Every recommendation is assessed whole‑of‑market against your specific circumstances - never against a panel or product incentive.

Transparency
All fees are explained clearly in writing before any work begins. No hidden charges, no commission that influences recommendations, no surprises.

Holistic planning
Your pension, investments, mortgage, protection and estate planning are all connected. I consider the full picture to ensure every part of your financial plan works together coherently.

Clarity over jargon
Financial advice should be understandable. I explain complex topics in plain English so you can make genuinely informed decisions rather than simply trusting what you are told.

Long-term relationship
Good financial planning is not a one-off event. I work with clients over the long term, reviewing and adapting their plans as life changes, legislation evolves and goals develop.

Your interests first
As a regulated independent adviser, I am legally and ethically required to act in your best interests. There are no sales targets, no product quotas and no pressure to buy anything.

Areas of Advice

I provide whole‑of‑market advice across all the main areas of personal financial planning. Click any service to find out more.

Pension & Retirement Planning
Consolidation, drawdown, annuities, contribution strategy and tax-efficient retirement income planning.

Learn more: Pension & Retirement Planning

Investment Advice
ISAs, GIAs, investment bonds and evidence-based portfolio management aligned to your goals and risk profile.

Learn more: Investment Advice

Estate Planning & IHT
Inheritance tax planning, trusts, gifting strategies and wealth protection for the next generation.

Learn more: Estate Planning & IHT

Mortgage Advice
Whole-of-market mortgage advice for first-time buyers, home movers, remortgages and buy-to-let.

Learn more: Mortgage Advice

Protection & Insurance
Life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection and family income benefit tailored to your needs.

Learn more: Protection & Insurance

Transparent Fees
All fees confirmed in writing before work begins. View our full fee structure including mortgage, financial advice and ongoing service fees.

View fees: Transparent Fees

What Clients Say

Trusted by individuals and families across Kent and the South East.

Posted on Google Google
Andy Colbert profile picture
Andy Colbert
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kris service is excellent, he has great technical knowledge and has a calm and thoughtful demeanor which makes for great experience, the outcome for us was better than expected, would highly recommend.
Posted on Google Google
Lenny Firmin profile picture
Lenny Firmin
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kris has been amazing from our initial consultation to his patience with all the questions in-between being first time buyers and helping us traverse all the jargon and feel confident in our purchase. Very generous with his time and nothing is too much or a stupid question :) Proactively kept his finger on the pulse with uncertainty in the wider world and we secured a fantastic rate and made the right decisions at the right time with the right help all thanks to Kris A wealth of knowledge and would happily recommend Kris to anyone. 5*****’s

Owner's reply
Thank you Lenny. I wish you both many happy memories in your new home.
Posted on Google Google
G BrM profile picture
G BrM
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kris as always is extremely helpful and presents everything in a fair and well explained way. Recommended to many others.Thanks Kris!
Posted on Google Google
Amanda Jones profile picture
Amanda Jones
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kris is a very knowledgeable, values-led finance and mortgage advisor. The advice and recommendations he gave made my unusual mortgage situation easy and stress-free. Kris was also always available to chat, explained things brilliantly and went out of his way to make sure I got the best deal. Couldn't recommend him more highly!

Owner's reply
Thank you Amanda so much for taking the time to share this review. It was a real pleasure helping you navigate your mortgage options, and I’m delighted to hear the process felt clear and stress‑free. I know unusual situations can feel daunting, so I’m glad the guidance and support made a difference. If you ever need anything in the future, whether it’s mortgages, protection, or wider financial planning, I’m always here to help. Your recommendation means a great deal.
Posted on Google Google
Nikki Frances Hobbs profile picture
Nikki Frances Hobbs
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kris is great!! Really informative and patient! Explains things really clearly and gives amazing advice! Would and do recommend him

Owner's reply
Thank you Nikki, always a pleasure helping you.
Posted on Google Google
Dee Ade profile picture
Dee Ade
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Always great service, responsive and knowledgeable about products and services. Would highly recommend

Owner's reply
Thank you, always a pleasure working with you.
Posted on Google Google
Kat C profile picture
Kat C
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I've been with Kris for a few years now. He's been great with my pension and investments during a stressful time, and happy to explain the financial jargon I don't understand! I can recommend his services.

Owner's reply
Thank you Kat. Always happy to help.
Posted on Google Google
Debbie Murphy profile picture
Debbie Murphy
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kris is fantastic - he deals with everything and advises you every step of the way - I cannot rate him highly enough - if there were 10 stars he would get them.

Owner's reply
Thank you Debbie.
Posted on Google Google
James Mathers profile picture
James Mathers
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can’t recommend highly enough! Very thorough and provides clear and honest feedback. Managed to get me a fantastic deal not only the first time round but also the second time round. When my renewal comes up there’s only one place I’m heading!

Owner's reply
Thank you for your review James.

Ready to get started?

Whether you are planning for retirement, reviewing investments, thinking about estate planning or simply want to understand your financial position more clearly, the first step is a free, no‑obligation conversation.

No obligation · No cost · In person or by video call

Frequently asked questions

The things people most often want to know before getting in touch.

What does Chartered Financial Planner mean?

It is a professional title awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute. It requires advanced qualifications, a minimum period of relevant experience and a commitment to an ethical code.

Are you genuinely independent?

Yes. KMD Financial Planning is independent and whole-of-market, which means we are not tied to any provider, panel or product range. Every recommendation is based solely on what suits your circumstances.

Are you regulated?

Yes. KMD Financial Planning LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 1032694, which you can verify on the Financial Services Register. The firm is registered in England and Wales, number OC454846.

Where are you based, and where do you meet clients?

The office is in Hartley, Kent. We work with clients across Gravesend, Dartford, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Tonbridge and the wider South East, meeting in person or by video call, whichever suits you.

What do you advise on?

Pensions and retirement planning, investments, mortgages, protection and insurance, and estate planning. Where you have a defined benefit pension we plan around it, but we do not advise on transferring out of a defined benefit scheme: that requires a separate permission we do not hold.

Is the first meeting free?

Yes, and it carries no obligation. Fees are confirmed in writing before any chargeable work begins.

Important information

The information on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute individual financial advice.

As a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.

THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY DOES NOT REGULATE TAXATION ADVICE.

Please seek regulated financial advice tailored to your personal circumstances.