Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 4 )

Mortgages ( 2 )

Pensions ( 26 )

Equity Release ( 1 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 11 )

Investments and Savings ( 26 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 5 )

Inheritance Planning ( 4 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 3 )

£200k - £500k ( 6 )

£100k - £200k ( 3 )

£50k - 100k ( 2 )

( 1 )

Up to £50k ( 4 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

February, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

At the time we were looking for mortgage and pension information.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

We stared firstly with Frank Kelly then when he retired Gary took over. Gary took over the existing products Frank set up and gave us additional information and advice and has looked after our finances ever since.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very happy with the outcome so far.

What could they have done better?

Gary has provided all the information and support needed.

Garry's reply

Thanks very much for the review and feedback Jacqui very much appreciated.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

We are looking to retire early and wanted to undertake retirement planning to find out if, when and how we could achieve all our goals once we stop working.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Based on our goals, Garry created a financial model taking into account all aspects of our finances, not just pensions and investments. What was key is that Garry took the time to properly understand what we want to do once we stop working and worked with us to create the plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As we are still some way off retiring, we are still working through the plan. However we are more confident of achieving our goals as a result of working with Garry, and we understand what we need to do to achieve them.

What could they have done better?

We found that Garry Hale was different to other IFAs we talked to because he gave advice on retirement planning through getting to know us well, rather than simply trying to sell us pension and investment products.

Garry's reply

Many thanks for the feedback Jo very much appreciated.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

I needed to discuss pension forecasts and how I could maximise the savings I had for the future.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

He discussed different ways in which I could increase the savings that I had through portfolio investments and also discussed and advised on risk factors. He also assimilated my different pension posts to enable me to look at annual incomes from pensions and how much more I would need to contribute to my pension pot to achieve a liveable 'salary' when I retire.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have made adjustments to my pension contributions following meetings and have seen my savings rise.

What could they have done better?

I do not have a comment to make on this.

Garry's reply

Many thanks for the review and feedback much appreciated.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Clackmannanshire

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

Turning 55 and looking for a new SIPP pension provider

How has Garry Hale helped you?

A good conversation about retirement income needs and strong recommendations about investment portfolio required and low cost providers

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes so far

Garry's reply

Many thanks for the review Mark, much appreciated.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

Divorce

How has Garry Hale helped you?

He helped me to choose which assets to ask for from the marital pot. He helped me with financial planning for the short term and long term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, l m very clear about my financial future and have minutes of meetings that l can refer to if l forget anything.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Garry's reply

Many thanks for your feedback and review Fiona, very much appreciated.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

Illness followed by early retirement decision at 53

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Provided clarity of our needs. Gave personal advice for our circumstances. Provided data, risk and mitigation and enabled discussion to help us decide.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, pension advise proved far more beneficial than we realised. Planning suitably has been tax beneficial. Garry provided a degree of comfort that we had made the right decisions, which can be amended if we need to, but provided financial security for both us and our sons future

What could they have done better?

Not applicable - was supported, provided with relevant and easy to understand information and not rushed to make decisions

Garry's reply

Many thanks for your feedback and review, very much appreciated.

Review from verified client

October, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

Concerns about how I was preparing ( or not preparing!) for retirement.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

He made a detailed summary of my income, expenditure, assets and investments, and then suggested ways of maximising my income for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Changes to my portfolio have seen it grow by 27% in the past year alone!.

What could they have done better?

Nothing !

Review from verified client

October, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

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

Impending retirement.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Initial advice, options and finally cash transfer of pension from previous provider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Almost a year after agreeing the transfer the fund is performing well and, in the main, drawdown as been as expected.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps a bit more proactive review of certain transactions prior to them being processed

Review from verified client

September, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

Retirement investment.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Advise and finding an investment plan then explaining it well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good.

What could they have done better?

As an annual review is the norm I found the first few months questioning what is being paid for as markets were tough so maybe a monthly news letter for new customers to make them feel ok. After a few months all was well as one settled into the long game

Review from verified client

September, 2017

Overall

Service

Value

Advice

Based in Midlothian

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

Returning from abroad.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Confident, calm and professional advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

With Garry's guidance we have exceeded our expectations.

Review from verified client

June, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

Consolidating my pensions into a retirement income.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

He went over all the options with me and very patiently explained anything I was unsure about. He really took the time to listen to my hopes for my retirement after which I felt absolutely certain he knew what I wanted from my retirement income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am very happy with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

I appreciate the usefulness of constructive suggestions, but I can honestly say there is nothing I can come up with on this. Garry's openness, willingness to listen and constant courtesy made the process a pleasure.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

I wanted to review some pension plans I had and get advice on whether to combine these into one plan or not.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Gary carried out a full review of my circumstances, my attitude to risk and what I wanted to achieve when I retired. He gave excellent advice, explaining thoroughly and understandably the pros and cons of different options I could take. Most importantly, he did not press a solution on me but gave me time to consider and make my own mind up.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has only been a few months since my pension arrangements were changed so too early to see real benefits but I have confidence that over the next few years my revised pension planning will show positive results.

What could they have done better?

I honestly cannot think of anything. I received excellent service from Garry.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

I inherited a sum of money after the death of my mother.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

He explained the various options available to me when it came to investing the money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

what Garry did for me and continues to do is more than satisfactory.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

Keeping up with ever changing regulations.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Set up an improved Pension and ISA investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still early days but on the right track.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

About to retire so required some good independent advice.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Over several meetings we discussed in detail our financial circumstances and requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

A bit early to say having only been a client for less than 6 months, early indications looks good.

What could they have done better?

Always difficult to know who to trust these days, particularly with your life savings, Gary was open an honest from the outset but anything that helps build confidence would help

Review from verified client

December, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

Retired from Fire Service and required advice on lump sum.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

He advised me on potential methods of investing the money and assessing situation and thoughts regarding investing in shares etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As I have just signed up the process it may well be 10 years before I see the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Not much at all. The advice was clear, he understood our position and his explanations were understood by both my Wife and I. Very relaxed process.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

The 2008 financial crash.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

We first approached HKW during the fiancial crisis of 2008 having helplessly watched the collapse of the markets from a holiday beach in Spain. They listened to our concerns and quickly took appropriate action to stabilise and improve our position giving us confidence for the future. They continue to work with us to adapt and adopt the appropriate savings/investment/pension strategies which are explained with clarity. We are delighted with the service provided.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My wife &I are both retired so pension advice is vital particularly in view of recent changes in this financial area. I have recieved excellent support in this area of financial management from Gary Hale.

What could they have done better?

The service provided meets our needs.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

complexity of my financial situation.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Covers everything from premium bonds to equities and can therefore be objective.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

now retired and with sufficient income achieved tax efficiently.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

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

The need for future security.

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Communicates! Listens well, discusses options, takes on board client's thoughts, discusses pros and cons and various potential risks. Establishes a risk profile for each client.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Now retired, but confident that our family finances are secure for the foreseeable future and that I can enjoy myself after 42 years of toil.

What could they have done better?

A better selection of biscuits for those who might want them!

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Lothian

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Garry has been our advisor now for over 7 years and what we like most is his ability to listen to our situation and to help guide us towards making the right financial decisions. Garry does this through clear and simple explanation of what could otherwise be complex financial jargon. Also, what is totally crucial for anyone making a decision when choosing someone to provide financial guidance is Trust. We trust Garry completely to do the right thing which is why we've been with him now for so long.

What could they have done better?

Be more insistent on us to get a date for our annual financial reviews. It's ultimately up to us to get this in the diary but sometimes it's helpful to have someone gently remind you (and then assertively remind you when you've not acted on the gentle reminder).

Review from verified client

February, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Life insurance cover - Very professional service, clearly outlining all options available and what I should consider when reviewing each option. Clear unbiased professional advice - Thoroughly recommended!

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Garry

LIstened and gave very good feedback on my financial situation and way forward.

Review from verified client

September, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Garry prepares well for review meetings by providing us with all the financial information beforehand, allowing time both for us to update it and for Garry to apply our updates before the review meeting takes place. He explains, briefly, what has happened since the previous review and, in more detail, what is likely to be happening before the next review. Garry tailors his input to our level of knowledge and listens to our input as well as providing his own guidance. All changes to our investments are processed efficiently immediately after the review meeting.

What could they have done better?

In our case, Garry operates how we like to be treated, including coffee on arrival, and keeps the meetings short whilst still allowing time for non essential chat amongst the necessary business talk.

Review from verified client

September, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Clackmannanshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Garry is very approachable and deals with any issues quickly and efficiently. He has recommened investment decisions which have turned out to be excellent for our circumstances but always avoids the 'hard sell'. He does not pretend to know all the answers and freely admits when he is not sure as to the anwser to any particular question. He has always done his 'homework' prior to any financial meeting. He makes clear what charges are incurred by any particular transaction.

What could they have done better?

We have had no cause for complaint and hesitate to suggest any improvements.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

We first approached HKW during the fiancial crisis of 2008 having helplessly watched the collapse of the markets from a holiday beach in Spain. They listened to our concerns and quickly took appropriate action to stabilise and improve our position giving us confidence for the future. They continue to work with us to adapt and adopt the appropriate savings/investment strategies which are explained with clarity. We are delighted with the service provided.

What could they have done better?

The service provided meets our needs.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lanarkshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Garry is very approachable and I feel comfortable asking for his advice on any financial matters at any time. He is thorough in identifying personal objectives and directing me how to work towards them. I feel reassured that I am receiving excellent advice on savings and pensions planning. I was encouraged to do the things one often puts off like make a will. I am very happy with the service I have received from Garry and have already recommended him to my friends.

Review from verified client

April, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

During initial consultation Garry ensured that he had a full understanding of my financial circumstances and future needs as I approached retirement. Implications and benefits of all actions suggested were clearly explained. I was encouraged and given ample opportunity to ask questions and assessed to establish my attitude to risk before decisions made. Garry's in depth knowledge of financial products and planning was evident throughout discussions. For the above reasons and the positive results of financial products recommended I have no hesitation in recommending Garry Hale at HK Wealth Managers.

Review from verified client

March, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Garry listens well to my needs and provides appropriate advice when asked, always provides full information and backup paperwork at the annual review.

Review from verified client

March, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Midlothian

How has Garry Hale helped you?

We were recommended to make contact with Garry approximately 9 months ago and have been very happy with his help and guidance in the tranference of our funds from a previous coompany. He is patient and courteous and his approach is entirely professional with an easy manner.

What could they have done better?

Garry matches our needs with a relaxed yet confident and evidently well informed approach and we can offer no constructive suggestions on how he could have done this better.

Review from verified client

March, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Gary is always on hand to give advice and guidance. Web have been registered with HK Wealth for about 10 years and would recommend them.

What could they have done better?

I don't think there is anything I could suggest to be make their service better.

Review from verified client

March, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Communicates! Listens well, discusses options, takes on board client's thoughts, discusses pros and cons and various potential risks. Establishes a risk profile for each client.

What could they have done better?

A better selection of biscuits for those who might want them!

Review from verified client

March, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Garry is responsive in acknowledgement of requests and then provides considered advise that has proven to be sound (over our years of dealing with him). Whilst keen to maximise our investments for which he considers a range of options, Garry does consider and counsell us on risk to ensure that we remain on a sound financial planning footing.

What could they have done better?

As part of the service Garry provides a full financial plan - hard copy. Would be good if Garry could evolve a portal that that allowed his customer's to access meeting minutes, headline records of investment vehicles and other documentation - this in the context that regular updates go direct to the client.

Review from verified client

March, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Perthshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Garry responds well to matching my financial planning to personal goals and lifestyle choices. Non judgmental with just the right amount of advice / challenge to my own choices. For investments he takes the weight off me having to decide through an enormous array of options, again matching advice to my attitude to risk and based on his own personal experiences of investment vehicles and companies. In fairness I feel I have a good grasp of my financial planning which does help since decisions have to be made in partnership with your adviser. But I do still feel confident and secure in Garry's choices.

What could they have done better?

Nothing major really - more of an enhancement of the service. After several years financial planning with HKWM I would be interested in articles or publications throughout the year - perhaps bi-monthly - selected by Garry that are of interest to my portfolio and goals. It might encourage broader awareness for me at the time of our annual review.

Review from verified client

March, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Approachable, accessible and knowledgeable.

What could they have done better?

A formal document in an annual review format would be a useful reciord and help us when we are discussing things at home to see that we have all areas covered.

Review from verified client

March, 2013

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Garry Hale helped you?

Covers everything from premium bonds to equities and can therefore be objective