Ricardo Da Silva

Repeat review from verified client

January, 2024

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

I have been a client of Ricardo for many years now and he continues to provide an excellent service for financial planning including regular discussions on retirement income and assessing performance of that and any changes or updates that may be necessary.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

INVESTMENTS FOR GRANDCHILDREN

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

ALWAYS AVAILABLE WITH UP TO DATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE INVESTMENTS MARKETS AND PRODUCTS THAT WILL BEST SERVE MY NEEDS

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES, VERY HAPPY WITH THE OUTCOMES SO FAR

What could they have done better?

NOTHING THAT I KNOW OF - NOT ABLE TO CONTROL WORLD MARKETS OR INFLATION

Repeat review from verified client

December, 2023

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

Calculated that I can take more pension

Repeat review from verified client

December, 2023

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

Ricardo has helped me move my pension into a new portfolio and platform He performed extensive research in respect of both performance and costs before making a recommendation. Everything was clearly explained to me and Ricardo was always available for any further questions I had.

Repeat review from verified client

December, 2023

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

Available 24/7 for anything

Repeat review from verified client

December, 2023

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

He continues to advise us on what is best for our financial situation

Review from verified client

November, 2023

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

A need to provide for a secure financial future

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo has provided invaluable and clear financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is something that is still in progress.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Bereavement

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Understands my situation and listens to my thoughts and feelings and helps both to come to a agreement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still in progress

What could they have done better?

Nothing happy with the service so far

Review from verified client

February, 2023

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed to transfer a share of my ex husband's pension following a divorce to a suitable pension fund

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo helped by establishing what my current circumstances were and therefore recommending a suitable fund for the pension share to be transferred to. Following that, Ricardo liaised with the pension companies to make the transfer happen. During this process, which I thought I would just 'hand over' to a financial adviser to sort out, Ricardo made me realise that I needed to understand what my financial position meant for my life and what I would need to think about to ensure that I would have enough pension in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is that the money has been transferred to a pension fund (which I couldn't have done by myself because if the amount to be transferred is over a certain amount, an individual cannot do it and has to do the transaction via a financial adviser). I have a pension account I can look at whenever I want to in order to see what the money is doing.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Ricardo's reply

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a 5-star rating – it’s much appreciated.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ricardo

Ricardo was easy to speak with and explain what I needed. Was quick at respond. And answered my questions. Good experience all round. Cheers!

Ricardo's reply

Dear Kirsty, Thank you for your feedback. Kind regards Ricardo

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

Ricardo has continued to provide regular updates on my investments performance and deal with any questions I have had. Ricardo provides excellent customer service and always makes himself available. I gave already recommended him to a friend.

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

Ricardo has continued to give us his professional guidance .

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

Helpful support and up to date information

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

Always available to explain any changes when needed

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

He has continued to give us his help and good guidance during these difficult times

Review from verified client

October, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was due to retire in December 2020, so a couple of years before that, I wanted to get some financial advice on my pension pot and where to invest.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo has been an enormous help and source of comfort. Long before I retired, we went through all our finances and Ricardo offered some very sound advice to both my wife and I

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was starting to see some growth in my investments but unfortunately, like a lot of people, the current financial crisis has seen a downturn. This I Have to stress is no fault of Ricardo's and I was well aware that this could happen.

What could they have done better?

As mentioned above, were it not for the current financial crisis, I would have been reasonably satisfied with the returns on investment

Review from verified client

October, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I wanted to set up a private pension.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

How has Ricardo not helped me! He's done everything.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but thats because its a long term plan.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I cant fault the service I receive from Ricardo.

Ricardo's reply

Thank you for your feedback. Regards

Review from verified client

October, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Transfer of pension

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Excellent service

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much so

What could they have done better?

Not sure there is anything

Ricardo's reply

Dear Kevin Thank you very much for taking time to review me and my services. Kind regards

Review from verified client

October, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement of previous financial adviser

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo has consistently and regularly provided clearly comprehensible and well-explained financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Despite the current market uncertainty - yes

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ricardo

I lost all of my pension information whilst we were living in Spain. Ricardo has helped me with the difficult task of tracing the lost pensions. He has been diligent in his work, he has kept me informed and he has given us a very good service.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ricardo

A very enthusiastic, and informative advisor with a great deal of unbiased and helpful suggestions. He was very sure to put my best interests at heart, and to explain all options to me.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To see if I could increase my savings with investments

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

By letting me know what was available at that time

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes . And more .

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all .

Review from verified client

November, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Enhance savings and future planning for retirement

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

By giving me the benefit of investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing-We are completely satisfied with the outcome

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ricardo

Ricardo is very knowledgeable, personable and in my experience really goes out of his way to put the Customer interests first. I would not hesitate to recommend.

Review from verified client

October, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was looking for a financial adviser to help me deal with my pension pot when I retired last year.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo was recommended to me. From my initial consultation, Ricardo was honest and open and took great patience to reassure me about my finances. Everything was explained fully and simply and I had no hesitation in accepting Ricardo's recommendations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is still early yet but I am confident we will see the outcomes that are excpected

Ricardo's reply

Thank you for your feedback. I will endeavour to maintain my standard of service and I will ensure that I always be open, honest and trustworthy.

Review from verified client

July, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We received a lump sum and wanted to invest and make a good return on a long term investment.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo has been brilliant at giving us financial advice. He is very good at listening and understanding your situation and ambitions and advising on the options that are available to get there. Ricardo is clear and concise with his advice and has definitely helped us to make good investment returns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ricardo's advice has not only helped us to make informed choices about our investments but the return has also far exceeded what we expected.

What could they have done better?

I like to monitor the performance of my portfolio but do not like having to create a valuation on the Personal Finance Portal in order to do so.

Repeat review from verified client

July, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

He has continued to give the best advice on our pension incomes and how to best manage these.

Repeat review from verified client

June, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

More of the same really. He periodically reviews our investment status and suggests changes to maximise growth whilst remaining within the constraints of our preferred strategy. Ricardo has also arranged the transfer of my wife's company pension. We'd thoroughly recommend Ricardo to anyone planning or considering their financial future.

Ricardo's reply

Dear Jeff, Thank you for the great feedback. Very grateful.

Review from verified client

June, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Wanted to take my work pension and put it in a private pension

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Advised all the way and arranged it

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Ricardo's reply

Dear Kevin, Thank you for your 5 star feedback and for your private message of trust .

Review from verified client

May, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Original adviser died.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo asked me what I wanted to do with my investments and explained my current situation regarding stocks and shares ISA. He listened to and understood my worries and advised me on my best options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet it is too soon.

What could they have done better?

Ricardo was very understanding and patient with me, I couldn't have asked for better.

Review from verified client

May, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Pension pot withdrawal.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Mr Da Silva pointed me in the right direction and was there to answer any questions that arose.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very happy with how it is going.

What could they have done better?

nothing in my opinion.

Ricardo's reply

Dear Ian, Thank you for your 5 start review.

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2020

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

YES. WITH ADVICE RE NEW CIRCUMSTANCES AND THEN PROMPT ACTION TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO FUNDS.

Ricardo's reply

Dear Christine, Thank you for the review and hope you well. We will meet soon.

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2020

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

On top of the regular reports I get from Penlife we had a review at 12 months from my initial advice. I am more than satisfied with what I have done in taking his advice and in this most unusual year with the performance attained.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I sold a rental property a few years ago and wanted to reinvest the money.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo explained the different levels of risk investment and we tailored my portfolio accordingly .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes my investments have performed better than I thought they would.

What could they have done better?

This is a hard one to answer. While my investments are performing well , it is hard to know how Ricardo could have advices me better.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Wanted to find an advisor we could trust to help plan for retirement

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He has helped us look forward and move our savings to safer and more productive schemes We now have a short and long term plan which gives peace of mind

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes has exceeded our expectations in the first year despite the charges

What could they have done better?

Nothing negative. Ricardo has always been available if we had questions and takes time to explain details

Review from verified client

January, 2020

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We initially needed advice regarding inheritance tax and assistance in managing our daughter's pensions.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

As above.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

We feel as if Ricardo has done in all areas covered.

Review from verified client

December, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Annual review

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Full of positive ideas

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Things need to be done to realise outcomes

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ricardo

All I can say is that we have received first-class treatment from Ricardo and the team at PenLife. Having entrusted my pension to Ricardo and the team, I feel safe in the knowldge they have my best interests at heart. I would thoroughly recommend them

Review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Having taken a redundancy package I wanted to understand whether I should Transfer my Final Salary Pension and take advice on the best way forward Mortgage wise.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo helped me explore my future plans to understand my requirements and work out how best to maximise my redundancy payment. His clear information gave me the confidence to make decisions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am confident that the plans now in place will provide the security I was looking for

What could they have done better?

There were some delays in the supporting processes which added pressure on the timescale for decision making however Ricardo was always available to answer any additional questions.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Father being admitted to care and need to invest the sale proceeds of his house

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Explaining the best way my father's monies could be invested

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

Kept us updated with our investments and kept us well informed

Review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My private pensions and an inheritance all arrived at once when I retired. I realised I needed help!

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo took over my files at a later date and continued the good service I had received so far.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, despite the economic downturn I have been able to achieve what I wanted.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My previous financial advisor recommended Pen Life to myself and some of his other clients as he no longer had the bandwidth to deal with his existing clients requirements.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo helped with me with medium/long term savings planning and also pensions advice. I found Ricardo to be extremely knowledgeable in a broad range of areas within financial services. He also took the time to get to know me and my requirements before presenting appropriate options. He is very personable and takes the time to clearly explain different options available.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In terms of setting up the investments I wanted then yes. In terms of investment performance then is too early to say as I invest for the medium/longer term but so far there has been nothing to suggest the outcome I want will not be achieved.

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

Ricardo continues to give us good advice and always checks to see if our circumstances and needs have changed in any way.

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you since your last review?

N/A

Review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We wanted our lump sums from work pensions to make extra money for our retirement.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

“We have had really good service in our first year with PenLife and are pleased with the growth in our investments. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience and our queries have been answered quickly and efficiently. Thank you so much Ricardo and all the team.”

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are really pleased with it.

What could they have done better?

We are happy with all the advice and service given.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed someone nearby to discuss my pension planning as I near full retirement.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He fully covered my concerns and I had no hesitation in transferring my pension fund from previous holder to PenLife for reviewing and further advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To early to tell yet but hoping all will be well.

What could they have done better?

In the circumstances of my case and requirements, all necessary actions were taken.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Draw down pension

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Advised which company to invest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Reduce charges after period of time.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

At retiral age wishing to consider my options as I have a number of pensions from a variety of schemes.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo took the information from all of the schemes and advised which I needed as pensions and which could be more advantageously used by me as investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are moving forward with his recommendations but it is too early yet to honestly comment on the success of his advice.

What could they have done better?

I am in fact very satisfied with the work Ricardo has done with me at this stage and am looking forward to a long term relationship.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We have a yearly meeting

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Suggested changing investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but live in hopes

Review from verified client

November, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Pension help and dealing with proceeds from house sale.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

By understanding our requirements, providing and explaining options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Plans are long term so desired outcomes not yet achieved - as expected at present.

What could they have done better?

Have had to wait longer than expected for actions to be completed.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Early retirement, downsizing and relocation.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He has carried out a detailed review of our current financial position and provided corresponding investment and pensions advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet, as it’s too early still for assessment.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

pension.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

produced various options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

possable.

What could they have done better?

nothing. everything was well explained

Review from verified client

October, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To get pension advice.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Sorted a pension for my husband and myself.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Wanted pension advice.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

By assessing my income requirements for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

Review from verified client

October, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We have been with Pen life for many years, and was asked if we would mind transferring our business to Ricardo, due to staff re-organisation. This we did and have had no regrets whatsoever.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He re arranged our finances, giving us more income than in the past.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have. He was the first advisor to point out the charges we would be receiving for dealing with our finances.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I am aware. I did say we had too much paperwork, which he immediately reduced.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Previous financial advisor retired and recommended new company.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Reinvesting original investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too soon to tell.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Dissatisfaction with services of another.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Many ways - analysis, clear report of situation, explanation of suggested course of action.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Some - some still in progress.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything - he was a breath of fresh air

Review from verified client

October, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Due to my last financial adviser taking retirement , I needed a continuation of my investments.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He told me how much to invest and gave me an estimated forecast from his knowledge of working in the financial market.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not had my investments long enough to check it performances.

What could they have done better?

Would of liked more facts and figures at the first meeting to workout in my own mind if I was doing the correct thing investing so much money.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We had a lump sum of money and wanted to achieve a better return than the banks were offering.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He looked at our current financial status and what we would need in the future to make sure we had enough money so we wouldn't have to touch the investment. He also looked at what types of risk we were willing to take.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The investment has only been in a few months so can't assess how well it will perform.

What could they have done better?

Not sure what Ricardo could have done better, as he is already patient and doesn't mind explaining things several times ,he doesn't pressure you into a decision

Review from verified client

September, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Company Pensions.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He sorted out our pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Ricardo was great from the off, I can't fault his professionalism and advice

Review from verified client

September, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My existing financial advisors hadn't been in touch for over 10 years, so it was time to move.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He assisted in moving my pension closer to home as my existing advisors were over 50 miles away.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet, as i've only just signed up.

What could they have done better?

In all honesty i don't thing Ricardo could have done any better, the advice he has given is more than i expected for someone moving a pension from one provider to another.

Review from verified client

January, 2018

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Seeking financial help with savings, pensions and investments.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Very informative, went to a lot of trouble to make sure we understood everything that he advised us. Extremely pleasant and efficient.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

suggest the paperwork could maybe be reduced, and only given the necessary notes.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2017

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ricardo

Ricardo was punctual polite and respectful, he explained everything in sufficient details so we could understand the issues, he expalined the process and exactly what the next step will be and we felt under no pressure what so ever to commit to engaging Pen Life at this stage.

Review from verified client

January, 2017

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Redundancy and retirement investments: future planning.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

It was clear that Ricardo listened to us and understood or current and future planning requirements and provided information on the types of plans and opportunities we could progress. All plans , risk factors and associated pros and cons were comprehensively explained in ways that non-financial people can understand. In the instances of any uncertainties, Ricardo is very approachable so you can ask him to explain more in 'layman's terms'.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is too early to tell as we opted to take longer term investments.

Review from verified client

January, 2017

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Voluntary redundancy with final salary pension and remuneration.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He listened. This was evident when he came for a chat about our aims. On his next visit he'd already created an investment package that met all of the requirements we'd stipulated. He produced a mix of tax-free pension investments and lump sum diversification that should produce what we want within the desired timeframe. He's also a nice chap :-).

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to tell as we're looking at a 12 year package. All investments are now in place though; this was expedited by Ricardo without any delays or errors.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, he was a good find for us.

Review from verified client

December, 2016

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

No one had reviewed my financial situation and pension arrangements for many years, this was long overdue!.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Ricardo was able to review my current pension arrangements and then clearly explain how a consolidation of the various pensions I had would be beneficial. This was duly organised.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I feel I now have a much better understanding if the pension assets I have, where they are invested, and that I am now benefitting from a regular review of how they are performing. I welcome the periodic mails to alert me should some of the investments need re-balancing. I now feel in more control of my pension arrangements.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To manage a trust.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Explained my options, prepared an assessment of my needs/requirements/ set up investments that best suited my needs/ kept me updated with progress/ advised on changes & options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome/results are better than expected.

What could they have done better?

?

Review from verified client

September, 2016

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I wanted to restart a dormant pension fund.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He assessed my current pension and transferred it across to Penlife's pension company Aviva. No alternative pension company was mentioned.However i was happy with Aviva. He understood my requirements.He was very clear and concise on his explainations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The growth of the policy he presented on his last visit were encouraging.As a result i am considering increasing my pension contributions.

Review from verified client

April, 2016

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Future planning.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Good advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, happy with everything so far.

Review from verified client

April, 2016

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To help plan for the future.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Through Ricardo' s extensive Knowledge he was able to guide me into the best ways to invest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very happy so far.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2016

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ricardo

First meeting arranged for 27th April, however I am still awaiting the confirmation letter of the appointment. He said he would send this over a week ago. I cannot comment or review anything else until after our meeting/discussion, so the ratings and answers are not really appropriate at the moment.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Redundancy close to retirement.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Identified requirements and provided multiple personalised options. Advised on pros and cons for each Was patient, understanding and generous with his time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

pretty much perfect

Review from verified client

February, 2016

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My current pension provider had no advisor to give advice.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

Was very clear on potential gains to be had by switching pension provider in a non pressure way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say just yet.

What could they have done better?

Apart from tell me the winning lottery numbers, not a great deal!

Review from verified client

October, 2015

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was nearing retirement and needed advice regarding pensions and investments.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

By talking through my options and putting everything in place.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes everything is now in place.

What could they have done better?

Cant think of anything

Review from verified client

September, 2015

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

The offer from Penlife of a free consultation at a time when options where available to me.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He reviewed my current investments and showed where better value could be obtained.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say with certainty, but it seems so.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Not knowing.

How has Ricardo Da Silva helped you?

He open my eyes to how my pension was not working for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

nothing

Review from verified client

June, 2015

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.