A growing family

Having reached retirement, I sought advice on how best to invest my pension pot and savings. Nick discussed the pros and cons of the various options open to me. He provided projected scenarios to test how robust the various options would be long term. He took the time to establish our needs and goals and tailor our investments accordingly. He explained the whole procedure in a patient, clear and sympathetic manner, without any pressure to steer us in any particular direction. Nick is always available and is very approachable. He conducts himself in a very professional manner and merits our confidence in the management of our finances.

I have several pensions which I needed to review, and I had also recently received an inheritance. I wanted to do an overall review, so I knew what to do with the large sum of money, with a view to sorting out an early retirement. Shona speaks in plain English. She understood exactly what I wanted and why. Shona has invested my inheritance and offered advice regarding a trust fund and future investments. She has kept in touch and reviews my portfolio regularly.

Nick helped me understand all the ins and outs of drawing down from my pension pot. His advice was excellent. He explained in layman’s terms about all aspects of this procedure. The final choice was definitely my own, with no pressure whatsoever. The whole experience was very professional.

I was planning to take early retirement and wanted advice on how best to utilise my savings, investments and pensions to provide an income. Shona confirmed that the monies I had available would provide me with the level of income I was looking for. She explained everything in a manner that was easy to understand. I was able to retire as I had planned. Shona is not afraid to recommend moving money to another provider if it will increase my retirement pot and I am delighted that my investments have realised a profit

Nick keeps in regular contact, so is often up to date with my business and personal situation. Nick’s help is always to take my requirements and present the possible options, as well as the pros and cons of each. I never feel I am being pushed in any particular direction; just guided by Nick’s undoubted experience and client care. The secret of Nick’s success is that he stays in touch and so is always alert to my needs.

Shona calculated the age I would be able to afford to retire. She appreciated that I was worried I may have to keep working until State Pension age of 67, and I didn’t want to do that. I was very pleased to learn that my pension provisions were better than I thought and that I could afford to retire now if I wished. I am now working on a plan to build up and sell my business and retire in just less than two years’ time.

I lost my wife and then took early retirement from work in 2014. A friend of 33 years, who is a partner in a local law firm, recommend Nick to me. Nick was my friend’s financial adviser and his recommendation was good enough for me. He spoke to me about my finances and my plans for drawing on this money in the future. From those discussions, Nick recommended what he considered to be the best way to invest my money. I can’t think of anything Nick could do better. He is always available for help and advice, usually by email, and always replies very promptly.

A friend recommended I speak to Shona. She helped me to understand the complexity of finances and investment in a calm, reasoned way; she took on board what my needs were and advised accordingly. First class.

I received a redundancy package and I sought advice on the best way to invest it. Nick clearly explained the available options and answered any questions I had so that I could make an informed decision. Nick keeps his finger on the pulse and will advise and explain why changes may be more beneficial for my investments. There is flexibility if I require an increase or lump sum at any time. I trust Nick to oversee my investments and rely on his advice. It’s an important area which I don’t need to worry about. What more can I ask!

I was made redundant and needed to move my pension fund. Shona discussed my pension fund needs and tailored a portfolio to suit me. My fund is growing, and I receive regular updates. Shona has been meticulous throughout.

I needed a complete re-organisation of my finances – from top to bottom! Nick asked lots of questions to evaluate our current family financial situation, then advised various different investments and pension plans to best suit our needs. I feel far more comfortable about our planning for the future. I know exactly where and why my money is invested and that is very comforting to know – it certainly helps me sleep at night! The investments are working well and our whole portfolio is in a far better place.

Shona provided a very professional and personal service, taking our views into account and recommending the best way to manage finances more effectively. We have seen the outcome we hoped for and we are satisfied with the excellent service Affinity provides.

Nick listened, gave good advice and was not pushy. He worked hard to understand my needs, preferences and provide options for me to consider. By moving to an independent organisation, Nick has far more flexibility and variety in services he can now offer – this is a large plus for me.

Shona took time to understand my circumstances, explained things in a way that was easy to understand. She recommended a solution that meets my requirements to help give me and my wife a comfortable retirement. We’re delighted.

I have known Nick for more years than I care to remember, and first got to know him when he was a financial adviser for one of the high street banks. He is now my independent adviser. A very pleasant and professional person and I would have no trouble in recommending him to someone looking for an adviser.

My wife and I both retired recently and had lump sums and various unclaimed pensions. We needed advice on how to best organise our finances to meet our future requirements. We also needed advice on how to organise our wills and property to protect our children’s inheritance. Shona listened to our current financial situation and discussed our expectations for the future. Based on this information, she provided a plan which we understood clearly and agreed would meet both our present and future expectations. The most important thing Shona did for us was to take over the responsibility of the legal and financial organisation of our paperwork. Shona provided a well-documented plan which gives us a clear understanding of our personal financial situation.

I had numerous dormant pensions from previous employers and wanted to consolidate them. Nick informed me of all the options open to me. I am very happy with the advice and help given to me, culminating in a satisfactory outcome.

Shona is extremely approachable and explains everything in straightforward terms. She instils confidence and I can trust her recommendations. Shona is also extremely helpful and flexible by offering me home visits at a time that suits my personal and work commitments. My personal pension pot appears to be growing each year, so yes, I am seeing a positive outcome!

Having saved and taken out different policies over the years with different companies, I felt it was time to amalgamate and make the savings work better. So, I got in touch with Nick and we talked about my needs for the future and how much risk I was willing to take. With the way of the financial market over the past few years, it is reassuring to get expert advice from a professional who is also up to date with recent changes in the financial and tax world. Nick makes me feel valued as a customer, whilst receiving a friendly and excellent service.

I have a good Final Salary pension scheme, but had three other pensions that I wanted to consolidate to make things easier when I do retire. Shona explained my options clearly. She allowed me time to digest the information and think about my decisions. I was also kept up to date with how things were progressing at all times. Shona and her staff were very professional throughout the process. I am very happy with the advice and help given by Shona and her staff. I believe that I have achieved my pension objectives.

I was delighted to get advice on setting out a framework for my financial future. I was provided with a handhold over SIPPS and how better to investment my pension. Nick’s approach was to listen and understand my objective and provide an after service as and when required.

I heard Shona talk at a BNI meeting and decided it was time to look into my financial affairs. Shona listened to my concerns, made me feel very comfortable and did not dismiss my concerns or patronise me for leaving it so late; as I was thinking I would be. I now feel confident that I am financially secure for the future and that I can now relax and enjoy the last years of employment. I look forward to my retirement.

Shona is highly qualified and listens thoroughly to her clients before any advice is given. She does not push people into making decisions and is a thorough professional in a profession which has had its moments in the past. I have no hesitation in recommending her services.

Shona is very helpful, professional and friendly. I have every confidence in Shona and the advice given to me. I am totally satisfied with my relationship with Shona and her staff.

I have dealt with many independent financial advisers over the years and I have found Shona to be the best. Trustworthy and honest.

Shona is very professional; always on time and well prepared with suggestions and details of our investment situation. She makes you feel you are important. You never get the impression she is rushing you or in a hurry to get to her next appointment.

I am very pleased with the level of friendly service and honest advice I receive from Nick. He is always available if I have any questions and gives me a regular update on my investments, which is a service that was lacking in any past financial advisers I have dealt with. Judging by the recent figures on my investments, I am confident that the goals we discussed at the start of our dealings will be realised. I would highly recommend Nick to anyone who is seeking sound top-class advice on any financial dealings they are thinking of undertaking.

In a relaxed but confident manner, Nick took the time to listen to the details of our situation and then provided us with a comprehensive and personal plan for our next few years. Having a better idea of projected income and outgoings has given us more confidence in our financial future. I would be happy to, and indeed have already, recommended him to friends and colleagues.