Mary Waring

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

Divorce.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

She guided me through the process with kindness and charm.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

She couldn't have done anything better. All was effortless and smooth

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

I needed to sort out my financial, pension and retirement information. Mary Waring was recommended to me by someone who had worked with Mary. She spoke very highly of Mary.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary helped me to gain a better understanding of my financial matters in a way which was very straight forward and easy to understand. She answered any questions and if she couldn't answer the questions at the time, she did what was necessary to find out the answer ASAP.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I'm happy with the outcome and advice which I've received.

What could they have done better?

Mary Waring provides a service which really takes into mind the person she is working with. The personal approach, making sure that a person feels that they are being listened to is something that Mary Waring is excellent in providing to her clients.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

I wanted a female financial adviser to help me review my current pension arrangements & advise on best options regarding retirement.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary's approach has been extremely practical - a detailed conversation to help clarify some short & long-term goals to work towards and a financial software package that demonstrates whether you have the funds to achieve your objectives. Mary's online book certainly helped lay the necessary groundwork, establishing a personal financial statement and household budget.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has been more positive than anticipated. My retirement plans are now on track & I'm no longer anxious about the future. Having a professional of Mary's calibre guide me through the process & advise on a more suitable portfolio has been invaluable & I look forward to seeing how my income fares.

What could they have done better?

Mary was accessible & responded promptly to any questions I had so can't think of anything she could have done better.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

Job change and worries about impact on pension. Aware of need to futureproif finances.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Lots of great advice and supporting explanations..introduced idea of financial software..did review...Mary then used the info to offer advice. Particularly helpful on awkward teacher pension changes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Almost there!.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

need to make provision for a pension.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Great advise re the options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

Divorce.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

By giving clear guidance and advice. Also, Mary's book is first class.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much better. The future looks rosy.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

Lack of help from our bank. And need for explanation of pension options. And independent honest financial advice and planning.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary was excellent. She took time to get to know us and our attitude to both financed and to life! She explained things very clearly and patiently, making the unintelligible understandable; outlining our options re pensions and other financial planning with great clarity and skill. And checking our understanding at each stage. She came to our house which was very convenient. Mary is highly professional and knowledgeable but also has a warmth and humour that makes doing business with her a pleasure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have seen a good outcome In a number of ways. Firstly on Mary's advice, my husband has transferred his pension to a more appropriate supplier which is more tax efficient and meets our changing needs better. And, more broadly, we both feel more confident about our financial situation. Mary's input and hand holding will definitely help us make better informed life decisions both now and in the future,.

What could they have done better?

I honestly can't think of an area of improvement. Everything has been excellent from the face to face meetings to the admin and follow up.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

Retirement and sale of a business.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary provided comprehensive and detailed advice on pension provision, long term investment and inheritance planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The plans Mary suggested are in the process of being implemented. The current outcome - confidence in our future financial security - is exactly what I was hoping for.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Mary has been attentive, efficient, reliable, accurate and friendly. Not cheap, but undoubtedly good value.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

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

As a widower well past normal retirement date I had myself reviewed my deferred direct benefit pension & direct contribution annuity deferred entitlements and had in principal decided that I wished to transfer the bulk of them into a personal SIPP allowing greater future control over my finances(potentially through ability to take a 25% tax free capital sum and/or drawdown including the potential to pass them on to my nominees after my demise. In order to facilitate this I was required to take advice from an Independent Financial Advisor(IFA) authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority(FCA).

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Both through questionnaire and personal interview she gained an understanding of my financial situation, attitude to risk and future plans including concerns as to inheritance tax liabilities. While her analysis generally concurred with my preconceptions she was also able to present them in a way I found understandable. I think it helped that she had an accounting background. Although implementation was not part of her remit - as I have a background of personal investing - she had an interesting idea that I have followed up as to where to securely deposit cash and also suggested a suitable SIPP provider who I have signed up with and as to other tasks reminded me to review my will and consider establishing the basis for Powers of Attorney (both financial & health matters) should they be required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Approach agreed - and I am in process of implementing main aspects of it.

What could they have done better?

I had expected a 'Transfer Analysis' in relation to my DB entitlements - her view was that as I was wishing to transfer my benefits well after normal retirement age that one was not possible! I was keen though to know what growth rate(or rate of return) I would need to achieve on my to be invested SIPP monies to match that available from taking the inflation proofed (in part) pensions on offer. In response at my request and she produced for me guidelines as to what matching annual return was required if I survived for either a further 15 or 20 years,

Review from verified client

August, 2015

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

After my divorce I needed advice on how to make my money work for me, so it would last for my lifetime.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Together we looked at my financial situation, Mary is excellent at explaining all the financial jargon and making the whole process a lot less scary. Since Mary has taken over my finances I no longer worry, I know my financial future is in the best of hands.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mary has made a financial plan for me until I am a 100! It is reassuring to know that I will be ok in my old age. We will meet once a year and then take any life style changes into consideration with regards to my annual budget and my investments - this has given me peace of mind.

What could they have done better?

Mary couldn't have done better I think - I just wish I had found her earlier.

Review from verified client

June, 2015

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

I was moving from one job to another in another country. In addition, I was finalising a divorce and refinancing my house. I realised I had no idea of my finances or future finances. I knew I had to get a grip on my circumstances and opportunities. A good friend recommended Mary to me for which I am ever grateful.

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary compelled me to analyse my finances and life arrangements. She took me through this gently. To say I have a strong aversion to dealing with this stuff would be to underestimate it. Mary made it almost enjoyable: certainly the results were far better than I realised. Mary's work and advice gave me the confidence to move forward in ways far more adventurous than I had imagined.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My divorce is finalised; the house is refinanced; and the job move took place with the prospect of a new move now. I know what my finances are and how my future retirement will shake out. Yes, I've arrived at a safer more assured place than I used to be. Knowledge is power.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure I have anything to add here because Mary did what I needed. Maybe her fees could be less, but then everyone likes a bargain. However, I believe the cost justified.

Review from verified client

June, 2015

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary helped me sort out my financial life plan following my divorce. I now feel confident that my finances are organized well into my retirement.

What could they have done better?

As with any financial adviser, if the plan is not looking like it is suiting your needs or goals , you must keep asking the advisor to relook at the plan to see if they cannot develop something more suitable. Mary and I did this a couple of times until we came up with a plan that felt the most advantageous for me - don't be afraid of giving your financial advisor more work!

Review from verified client

June, 2015

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Thus far, positive - but I guess the proof of the pudding will be in the success of the investments. I thought the service was expensive.

What could they have done better?

Have pretty much finished this stage of the consultation, what would be really useful would be a simple summary - maybe just one or two pages - of where our investments now stand.

Review from verified client

May, 2015

How has Mary Waring helped you?

I am a Chartered Accountant and I confidently refer Mary to clients on a regular basis. She takes advice to the next level by offering clear and practical solutions from often complicated situations. Highly recommended.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

April, 2015

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary is helpful reassuring and sympathetic

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary made things easy to understand but did not talk down to me.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary reviews my investments and risk analysis on an annual basis and advises how to change the balance of my investments. She gives me full information and evidence of her advice. She also makes sure I am making best use of the ISA and any other allowances. She is interested in me and my life and advises how best to maximise my resources. So far, my money is working very well for me, which is all I ask!

What could they have done better?

Mary came to me on personal recommendation, which in my experience is usually the best way. I therefore did not make any comparison on basis of costs, but she has provided what I needed. I am not totally clear on the fees charged, so it would be helpful to be reminded of that when I have my review

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mary

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

I contacted Mary upon recommendation from a friend. My requirements were for Mary to look at my pension situation as I was about to Retire. She took on board all my pension entitlements and presented me with a plan for annuities and investment advice to cover my tax free lump sums. The result was better than I expected and Mary has been looking after my portfolio since with regular yearly review. I am happy with the results and find her friendly and positive to talk to.

What could they have done better?

I have no benchmark to Judge Mary's Advice and Value for money which is the only reason I have not scored 5 stars across the board.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

I was lost in a minefield of options, and rather ignorant of how the financial world works. Mary was invaluable with advise on what to do, explaining things, so that I understood fully what would happen to my money and investments, mortgage advise and long term strategies were put in place. Marys was understanding of my position and did not make me feel inadequate needing help, I now feel secure, my mind put at rest with Marys expertise.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary was recommended to me by my solicitor to deal with my pension share. She very quickly identified an error in the pension sharing report. As a result the figures were then recalculated and I received a larger share. Had I not used Mary who is an expert in this area, I can't be sure the error would have been spotted. Renata Dzilinska

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary carried out an extremely detailed review of our overall financial position by asking questions and listening to what we wanted to achieve from a financial perspective for our family. Mary then developed a detailed plan that contained a number of recommendations on a suitable way forward to achieve our goals. Mary guided us in the decision making process but always left us to make the final decision. Mary is very very easy to talk to and we feel confident to have a really open and honest discussion about our financial position with her. Overall I'm really pleased by the decisions that we have made following Mary's advice and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with her in helping us to reach our financial goals.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Quite simply, Mary cares. She completely understood our requirements regarding the many existing bits of pension that we had accumulated over different employments and that were dwindling through lack of attention. She researched fully the existing pots, made recommendations regarding moving some into a better managed fund with low fees, leaving some as was where appropriate to do so. She further considered our unique situation and recommended a suite of insurances that complemented each other and which give me the confidence that both we, and our finances, are finally in good hands. The annual review is always welcome and lets me know we are no longer just a line in some corporate list, to be ignored until the maturity date of the investment.

What could they have done better?

Mary suits me just fine as is! Cannot think of any area where I feel dissatisfied with her service.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

I met Mary after a recommendation from my divorce lawyer. We examined my current pension arrangements, made some changes and she advised on where to place my pension share from the divorce settlement. She then took care of the process including chasing the original pension scheme when they were dragging their feet. Mary responds very quickly to emails. She's also extremely pleasant to talk with and very good at explaining financial concepts.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary Waring is an excellent financial adviser. Every aspect concerned with transferring my pension share post divorce was dealt with meticulous attention to detail, efficiency and speed. Mary analysed my financial position, ascertained my attitude to risk and above all listened to what I wanted. I did not once feel overwhelmed with financial jargon or pressurised to go in a direction I did not want to. Throughout the process Mary communicated clearly, answered my emails very promptly and all of her letters turned up when she said they would. Mary has high integrity and strives to do her best for her clients because she actually cares about them.

What could they have done better?

To be absolutely honest, I cannot think of any area where Mary Waring could do better.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Provided clear understandable advice about my options. Listened to what i wanted to achieve and facilitated it. Mary is efficient , reliable and i would highly recommend her.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

After many years of working with several very poor IFAs, I was very suspicious of the industry and all who worked within it. However, a change of employment status meant that I really needed some advice and Mary was recommended to me. She has dealt well with my cynicism and wide ranging "testing" questions with the utmost professionalism and patience!

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

I was referred to Mary by my divorce solicitor to advice me on my pension share. My main concern was if I would be all right financially in the future and not run out of money. After our work and time spent together, I was relieved and delighted to see that, not only I could afford to spend what I wanted, but have some funds left for my children. Thanks to Mary, it was a weight off my mind and no more worries about my money running out in the future. Thanks for being there for me.

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied with her work and approach.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

I was referred to Mary by a friend (who had also been particularly pleased with the service she received from her) when I received a pension share following my divorce, and needed advice as to how to invest it. I warmed to Mary immediately, she was thoughtful and considerate, yet direct and professional. She listened carefully to my plans, after giving her advise as to which portfolio was the most suitable. She sorted all the paperwork – which I was most grateful for with two small children to take care of – and followed it through for me, making the whole process very straightforward and completely stress free. I would highly recommend Mary, who continues to be on-hand to discuss or indeed clarify any queries I may have. Thanks so much Mary!

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

Mary spends time to find out what your circumstances are and provides clear advice across a variety of products.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

In my life I have only had two financial advisors. The first, a huge friend for 30 years, died early and very sadly a few years ago. Another friend recommended Mary Waring to replace him. What luck! Mary has been superb. She takes great care to understand my financial needs and then shepherds my resources into the best position to meet them. In short she is at the top of her game and I cannot thank or recommend her enough.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to add. Mary is on top of her game.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Mary Waring helped you?

I love Mary's approach; she actually explained the real value of contributing to a pension in 5 minutes in such a sensible way that I watched a room full of bright professional businesspeople clearly all having aha! moments, me included. Having always been baffled by those annual pension statements and their lists of funds and so on I was delighted to find her. Mary has done an excellent job of bringing together a very scattered portfolio of pensions and getting my investments on the right track going forward, and will provide an annual review service. She clearly understands the value of offering "proper" customer service. I would thoroughly recommend her services, she is extremely professional and a lovely lady to do business with.