Karen Etheridge

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Karen

Even though she was mis-represented on Vouched for regarding the services she offered, she went above and beyond assisting me by seeking further advice on my behalf. Very impressed!

Review from verified client

December, 2016

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

Retirement Planning and Redundancy. My husband and I also received some inheritance following the death of our parents. At the same time, our only daughter went to University. All of these significant 'Life Events' were stressful and meant that our circumstances were changed forever, and had an immediate effect upon our finances, current and future.

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

Karen saw us on a number of occasions and continues to. We completed information about our attitude to Financial Risks, and what we wanted to achieve from our finances. This is a complicated area and we were extremely aware that whatever we did at the time, would have significant impact upon our futures, and that of our daughter. Like many people, we wanted to do what was right for us, whilst at the same time, be made aware of the consequences of following that through. At the same time, we were acutely aware that long term financial planning is an area that we were not fully conversant with. Karen helped us through this whole process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have seen the outcomes we were hoping for. Because Financial Markets are volatile, we are not sure what this means for our investments in the future, but have 'Future Proofed' them as best we can with Karen's help and advice. Before we met Karen, our finances were mostly in Cash ISA's and accounts spread over various suppliers. These were not profitable then, and even less so now. We had invested in areas for ease and security, but not with long term satisfaction and profitability. As a result of Karen's advice and intervention, we looked at all of our investments, salary, pension plans, existing mortgage, future property and investment for our daughter, and income for myself and husband as we were both to retire from our occupations in the next 5years or so. We also looked at our attitudes to money and risk. As our circumstances develop, so do our investments and the financial advice that Karen offers. We do believe that with Karen's help, expertise and advice...together we have achieved what we set out to. In the future, and as our investments prosper, we do expect to have more of our estate to pass on as a result.

What could they have done better?

Karen was helpful, constructive, patient and kind. When we first met her, my husband and I had both suffered recent bereavements and were very conscious of the fact that...our parent's had worked extremely hard for their money; as we had. We needed reassurance that our financial decisions would prosper and not erode our parent's legacy, or that of our own. This has been a step by step process, and it continues. Circumstances and finances change, as do products and financial markets. Karen is in tune with both, reviews our circumstances regularly, makes suggestions for us to consider, put things into practice and re-evaluates our financial plans and goals as they evolve.

Review from verified client

December, 2016

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

Needed a knowledgeable person to deal with my investments.

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

Directed me in the most profitable direction.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing else as she offers a complete service

Review from verified client

December, 2016

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

The values involved and my own lack of knowledge not to mention time!.

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

Karen, has helped in all aspects I have asked about!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More or less, I am a cautious investor to the level of returns reflect this but these are my wishes.

What could they have done better?

Don't think there is much really, Karen is a person who is open with what is possible and steers me to a projected outcome. It wouldn't matter who I employ I would have been much more comfortable with a final salary occupational pension which guarantees outcomes (almost) against definitive investments, this is not possible for obvious reasons but I think I am doing the best possible with Karen's guidance!

Review from verified client

December, 2016

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

Buying my first home.

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

She provided quotes and recommendations for insurances and cover for the mortgage I was applying for.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

December, 2016

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

We wanted our money to work for us.

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

Karen is always on hand with friendly and very sound advice. She has always pointed us in the right direction.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes considering the financial situation of the country.

What could they have done better?

No.

Review from verified client

December, 2016

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

I retired and had savings that needed to be invested to give an income in the future.

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

Karen explained the options available to us and we carry out a review every 6 months of the investments. Should we require any advice during that time, Karen is always very approachable and helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Over the last 4 years Karen has advised on the most tax efficient way of investing our savings and we have seen positive results with year on year increases.

Review from verified client

November, 2016

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

I required assistance with my Occupational Pensions and also required help in connection with inheritance monies, investment and insurance following my husbands death.

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

She helped me tremendously firstly with my private pensions by ensuring that I knew all the options and that I understood them. She later helped me with my inheritance monies following the death of my husband and with insurance and future investments. All this was handled efficiently and most of all, with great sensitivity and understanding.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have most certainly had the outcome I was hoping for in relation to my private pensions, insurance, inheritance and will be asking Karen for further help in the coming weeks with regard to investment.

What could they have done better?

She could not have done anything any better for me.

Review from verified client

November, 2016

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

Monies left to me not doing anything.

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

She helped me by advising on investments,ISAS personel savings etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I'm sure she could'nt have advised or explained everything any better

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

Everything was explained very clearly. Karen is very approachable. She gives good advice and competitive rates.

What could they have done better?

Eveything asked for was covered in a proffessional way. I have no improvements.

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

I recently had to revise my pension and found that no question was too much trouble and everything was answered. I felt very comfortable and in safe hands

What could they have done better?

I felt everything I needed was taken into account and was very happy

Review from verified client

May, 2014

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

Karen knew exactly how to explain the different types of investments available so that I could understand what was available to me. I am not experienced and was very nervous about going down this route, but not any more. She is patient and understanding and always happy to help. I would recommend her to any of my friends and relatives who needed help and guidance in the complex world we now live in. looking at Karen's best qualities, they are all her, easy to talk to, communicates clearly, fair charges and efficient.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

Karen is an extremely professional advisor who is always willing to go that extra mile to help her clients.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Karen has left me with no complaints, she has time and again exceeded my expectations

Review from verified client

March, 2014

How has Karen Etheridge helped you?

She always has answers for all our questions which are usually are more than satisfactory.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps our only criticism is that she often fails to keep her appointments but does let us know if there is to be a change of time or date or she is running late with previous clients. It's probably a sign of keenness to please with many other satisfied clients.