Steve Pine

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

I received a substantial inheritance (for me) from my parents and wanted advice from a trusted advisor to ensure this amount of money was realistically invested in an ethical way and which I could access if and when life circumstances warranted eg. downsizing, future care needs, etc

How has Steve Pine helped you?

My financial affairs are now in order, with a significant increase in capital over the last two years, thus giving me peace of mind. Steve always responds to any queries promptly and his advice is timely and not loaded with jargon. I find his advice easy to understand. I appreciate the annual review with Steve where I can be updated on my financial situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely. My money is working for me due to Steve’s knowledge and expertise in a way that I never would have been able to achieve by myself.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I am completely happy with the service Steve has provided.

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

How has Steve Pine helped you since your last review?

Steve has been a great help with assisting us to plan for retirement. We have been very happy to refer friends and colleagues to him. He is approach is very tailored and measured helping clients to achieve long term goals.

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

I have been a client of Steve's for well over 25 years,since I first started looking for advice and guidance on investment and pension planning.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has always provided clear information, with pro's and con's explained in an easy to understand way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I retired well before reaching state pension age,which was a big positive for me.

What could they have done better?

Unless they had a crystal ball, I don't think that the results could have been much better.

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

How has Steve Pine helped you since your last review?

Continued advice to help us plan our finances and focus on on our goals

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

How has Steve Pine helped you since your last review?

Steve has offered general help and sound advice. My wife and I have been clients for many years, and appreciate his good awareness not only of our personal financial affairs, but also his appreciation of the needs of our wider family

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

How has Steve Pine helped you since your last review?

Continued to receive all support requested

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Steve has been so helpful, patient and informative, providing me with valuable guidance and information regarding finances and pensions, despite me not yet being a paying client. I completely trust Steve and would not hesitate to recommend him and the company to family, friends and colleagues, nor would I hesitate in going back to Steve as and when I need some further guidance around finances and my future. Thanks again for a brilliant service, Steve.

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

Lack of knowledge in these fields.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

He manages and advises on all these category’s .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

I was looking for an adviser who would be able to maximise return on investments leading up to retirement and then to manage my portfolio and advise post retirement.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve’s holistic approach has enabled me to plan effectively and to arrive at retirement with my pension and investments in a strong and stable position. He has provided a personal and bespoke service which I felt was tailored to my needs and addressed my concerns at each stage. Steve is quick to respond to enquiries and our twice yearly meetings are productive as well as enjoyable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. I have seen a very impressive growth in my investments/pension. I am confident that Steve understands my priorities and lifestyle requirements and I am more than comfortable that Steve’s advice has put me in the best possible position moving forwards.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of.

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

I have been a customer of Steve's since 2012 and after a change in personal circumstances 3 years ago continued to be a customer as I greatly value his advice and support. I have absolute trust in him to provide excellent financial advice at all times.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has always provided financial advice in a clear way that is easy to understand. After a change in personal circumstances his advice and support gave me a sense of security and the knowledge and confidence that my finances for the future would be adequate. The advice he has provided always feels like it is first and foremost tailored to my needs both now and for the future which is really important.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Currently my finances and forecasts are on track to provide me with the lifestyle and level of financial security I want.

What could they have done better?

I feel the service provided by Steve excels in all areas. I can't think of anything that could be improved.

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

Moving from full-time employment to part-time / semi-retirement and wanting impartial, professional advice on my pension / investment options.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has provided sensible, understandable advice through a sound knowledge of my financial position and desires for the next part of my life!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - all is going to plan so far!!

What could they have done better?

n/a

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

Our assets and portfolio had become confusing and complicated.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has given us honest and transparent advice which was clearly articulated, and aimed at our best interests regardless of whether this meant extra business for him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I can’t fault the service we received.

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

Sold some shares and needed to invest the money generated from the sale

How has Steve Pine helped you?

By creating a portfolio for us with investments, ISAs and sorting out our pensions into an easy to manage way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very happy with outcome so far.

What could they have done better?

Really can’t think of anything that could have been done better.

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

I first consulted Steve in 2015, when with 10 years to go prior to my anticipated retirement date i recognised that my provision for retirement was inadequate

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve was very understanding, and pragmatic. I was particularly impressed by the meticulous fact gathering process and then summary he provided. This enabled me and my wife to review a number of different options to improve our position

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Following Steve's advice we put in place a long term strategy which is now coming to fruition, and which has given us confidence about the inevitable change in our finances post retirement.

What could they have done better?

Not much! We have had regular reviews along the way and with their help have tweaked our strategy to reflect changes in circumstances - moving house, changes in income etc. This has ensured that we have all worked together to make appropriate changes - hence my answer.

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

Long term financial advice and security for the future for our children and grandchildren were key factors in seeking professional advice

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve and his team have always offered impartial and balanced advice without any feeling of pressure to make quick decisions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely and more

What could they have done better?

Hard to say as we are very pleased with our financial position

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

Pension and retirement advice.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has given us a clearer understanding of our different retirement options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still in progress

What could they have done better?

Nothing, we both felt that all our questions where answered professionally and in a friendly manner

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

Discipline for future planning

How has Steve Pine helped you?

We are debt free with a plan for the future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Financial Planning for Retirement

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Pension Transfer, Drawdown and Investment Advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcomes to date has been very positive

What could they have done better?

I worked in Financial Services for over 30 years. During that time I only had 2 financial advisors (Steve and Robbie- now retired). Steve is 1st Class and I wouldn’t consider using anyone else. Apart from being a polished professional he’s also an extremely personable and nice guy.

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

My main objectives in looking for an advisor was to work with someone I knew and could trust, had a background in Financial Planning from the Family business and to deal with a younger person who could continue to advise me in my old age,

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has helped me in many ways giving financial advice. My main passion over the years was to build a successful business where money was not my motivator. I left everything to Steve to look after my investments. He helped me obtain mortgages for house purchases, commercial building purchases, advice for my three Daughters house purchases and gift planning to my Children. He has also helped over the years introduce me to Investors, Bank lenders, Solicitors and recently a new contact for updating our wills.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most certainly and after a little investigation I have been dealing with Steve Pine for some 31 years. I think that may speak for itself.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say as I have been happy with the relationship over the years.

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

Very little knowledge of retirement options.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Advice on all aspects of finance and retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Needed to review financial matters post divorce.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

He has provided me with good, comprehensive and easy to understand advice which is relevant to me and my situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No areas in need of improvement that i can think of.

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

I was thinking of retirement and wanted to ascertain my options in order to maximise my income and whether I could afford to retire (which I could!)

How has Steve Pine helped you?

As part of the advice, my investments have been structured in such a way as to minimise exposure to IHT and also reduce exposure to CGT when taking cash withdrawals

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I retired and since then, have had twice yearly meetings with Steve in order to update him on my financial needs and for him to update me on where the investments are going / best placed to be. In addition, Steve has always been available for the occasional "emergency" piece of advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - very happy with the service and outcomes.

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

Planning for future financial independence

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve helps you to understand what is important to you, areas you may not yet have considered, and ultimately formulate a plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its too early to judge but I'm confident I have made the correct decision

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

I have known Steve for many years, from the outset I was looking for someone who could unbiased advice on a clear and concise manner.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Explained in simple terms the pro's and con's of making significant financial decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

With so much matket volatility in the past few years, I think the outcome has been as good as is possible.

What could they have done better?

Unless Steve had a crystal ball, I don't think much could have been better

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

Been with Steve for 40 years

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Advised and supported us in all ways we have requested

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

We needed professional help to give us a good overview of our finances and how best to plan for the future.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has given us the best balanced advice and has made us focus on how best to achieve our goals financially.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely.

What could they have done better?

No issues with anything I can think of

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

Need for good general financial advice

How has Steve Pine helped you?

In many ways, also helping my whole immediate family

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing of which I am aware

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

Need to plan for retirement

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has been a brilliant adviser. His advice is specific to May needs and very tailored to the objectives I want to achieve. I have recommended him to a dozen or so friends with a glowing endorsement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

Very prompt response good clear communication about the options his firm offers

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

We had a lovely welcome by both Steve and the office when we visited. Steve took his time explaining their services and how he could help us. From the beginning we felt we would be a valued client. I would definitely recommend speaking to Steve.

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

I had a small amount of money that I wasn't sure how to invest. I'm not financially/investment savvy and just couldn't decide what the best option would be for me.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve advised me about the timescale and possible outcomes of investment bonds, what I was hoping to achieve with my money and narrowed down my options so I could make a decision. He was extremely professional and courteous and I won't hesitate in recommending him to family and friends.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my options are now a lot clearer.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of.

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

As my financial situation has started to become more complex, with various decisions to be made now or in the future, I realised I needed financial advice.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has provided some clear options, tips and actions that it would be beneficial for me to undertake. Steve has a friendly, calm demeanour and explains his advice in simple terms.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

No room for improvement, I’d really recommend Steve.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

I have had a great first impression working with Steve. He is a strong communicator and calm in approach, with in depth attention to detail which has given me a high level of confidence and trust. All interactions are very business like and organised. T&C's very clear so you know exactly what will be delivered and when. I also appreciate the holistic approach across financial and life planning which is not just important for me, but for my dependants in the future.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

I have not use a financial advisor before and approached a number, including firms offering a full discretionary service. I found Steve to be very approachable and knowledgeable but also quite prepared to challenge my views on my investments. I concluded that he would be my first choice for financial advice.

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

My company was looking for financial advise around pensions and financial planning. Having given us very useful and clear advice we started using his services for personal financial planning.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

He has given advice on financial planning, tax planning and investment advice. He also managed the transfer of a number of previous pension pots into a single managed diverse global fund, and has more recently provided pension advice around crystallisation and ISA investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - we are considerably happier that our finances are being well looked after in a professional and competent manner.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

I was happy with Steve. It is true that we didn't work together, but that is another matter.

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

Financial planning for our new blended family 25 years ago.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

He has been the constant source of great advice support & reassurance in an otherwise unpredictable financial world.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.. and more!

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I have total peace of mind that I have received a very high standard of advice & financial planning.

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

Pension advice along with financial planning 30years ago

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has left no stone unturned in the pursuit of my financial stability and security for myself and family’s future .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Tenfold could not have asked for more .

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Steve has been the consistent source of good advice and support through my financial journey for 30years .

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

The need for long term financial planning advice.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve Pine's calm and professional attitude to all matters of financial planning under pin his years of knowledge and expertise. It is always a pleasure to discuss with him tax efficient schemes, and his advice over many years has enhanced my life. I enjoy my retirement free from financial worries, which is entirely due to The Aspire Partnership.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

No.

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

Increasingly complicated income streams & looking for long term (retirement) income

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Offering tax efficient saving plans including expert personal pension advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No issues

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

Needed to get advice on plans for eventual retirement

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Mortgage, pensions, savings advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

nothing

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

I was recommended Steve by a former colleague of hid

How has Steve Pine helped you?

He has drastically reduced our IHT liability. His advice, which has extended to other members of my family, has always been sound, prompt and reliable

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Very little. He has an excellent memory, takes a keen interest in whatever is under scrutiny, and is helpful whenever asked.

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

To receive some advice regarding my daughter’s investment and my pension.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

He is now looking after my daughter’s investment. Steve is approachable and very professional. His advice was clear and straightforward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

As iam approching 55 i was after some direction for the future , i met with steve for about 1.5 hrs explaining all my financial details which i had got prep for him and he gave a break down of what was best for me in very easy way for me to understand and i felt alot more confident and with more understanding of my position and realistic targets that i was hoping to achive in the future .

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

We had had difficult dealings with a financial advisor and needed good reliable professional advice.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve gave us that advice which given has confidence in our plans. We have dealt with Steve for 30+ years which shows the value of his advice and given us peace of mind in our retirement years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I was lucky enough to have a final salary pension, a number of colleagues had transferred their pension. I was tempted based on their feedback and the 7 figure transfer value! However, this was a significant decision and my wife and I needed to make sure it was the right decision for us for the long term.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

The main question was, could we achieve the lifestyle and goals we had utilising our savings and the final salary pension, or should we transfer away from the final salary pension. We discussed our goals, several potential scenarios and our individual appetite for risk. Steve and the team built models that visualised how we could achieve our goals by utilising the benefits of an indexed link final salary scheme. For us Steve helped us define clear goals, demonstrated how we could achieve them without taking any potential additional risk of moving away from the final salary pension in a clear, professional and personable way. We have regular reviews on performance with Steve, which includes discussions on any changes to goals, circumstances and whether any investment decisions need to be made. Another benefit has been utilising the Steve Aspire teams broad knowledge across a variety of areas which has included; setting up Power of Attorney, a Will and re-mortgage advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Although we only just a year into the investments our lifestyle is simpler, we have a clear plan and we can tap into Steve's advice at anytime, which has been helpful as I set up a limited company during the last 12 months.

What could they have done better?

Based on our experience absolutely nothing.

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

I had lots of small pensions that needed collating

How has Steve Pine helped you?

He’s sorted us out and given us a clear path to retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I have no complaints at all.

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

I knew that I needed to start financial planning with my husband at the time. This was started with Steve's father and it was a natural progession to go to Steve after his father died and remain with the same firm.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has helped me with all aspects of my financial planning for many years. He has assisted me and guided me through some very difficult times financially, followng the death of my then husband and also my father. Over the last fifteen years, he has provided me with sound advice to secure my financial future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely and if anything my expectations have been exceeded. My investments have increased in value overall. I have frequent reviews and Steve is very approachable if I have any issues or questions.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I am very happy with the service level and outcomes.

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

To "sort out" our delayed financial planning with a trusted financial advisor

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve first introduced discipline into our planning. Next, he moved to help us use our business profit most efficiently for personal benefit. He has also said when he cannot add anything to our calculations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our pension has decreased this year, but now is growing again. We now have a secure pension with a target for control Steve's also increased our options for future personal and business planning

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Understanding options and planning for the future.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Helped understand how to reach short, medium and long term life goals. What steps I can take now and bring clarity to the different plans I have.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Clearer understanding of options, what I can do myself and where I may require further input.

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

Although being a successful businessmen, looking after my finances was never that exciting to me, i was more interested in producing and selling a product. I therefore needed a Financial Advisor to organise and look after my affairs for all time.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Yes, Steve has helped me. I knew Steve whilst he was working for his Fathers Financial business, too many years ago to mention. Steve over the years has helped me with several mortgages for both commercial and private and residential. He consolidated several pensions under one roof and has invested both my pensions and savings in agreed low risk areas. He also has introduce me to alternative Banks and Accountants as and when required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most Certainly. Steve is some 10 years younger than myself and has built up with his Partners a younger team of professional who will be able to continue advising me during my dotage.

What could they have done better?

Har to say as I have been totally happy with his service over the years.

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

I took over a business in 1999, which was basically financially in huge decline, but also had great potential ?

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Immensely. Full stop. He has always been a safe guiding pair of hands, as I can be a tad 'reckless' at time's.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nought

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Steve

I found Steve very helpful, thorough and genuine in the advice he gave me on my financial affairs and would certainly recommend him to friends and family.

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

I had a SAS & SIP with cash and property in both.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve helped me plan the best way to align both myself and wife’s pension pot and helped us both invest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Upto now the investments have been doing well obviously with the current world issues things have slowed but we’re confident they’ll get back on track

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

To get a complete picture of our finances as well as investment advice and retirement planning

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Year to year investments. A brilliant view of our finances into the future, including options and inheritance advice. Clear, simple illustrations along with truly expert advice and knowledge of the markets and risk planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have a comprehensive picture to discuss and add minor adjustments depending on Global and personal issues year on year. This was what we expected and achieved with Steves help.

What could they have done better?

Aspire have provided an excellent service.

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

Needed advice regarding investment of funds and pension drawdown.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

With the above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

As a business owner I was initially looking for financial advise, particularly when it came to my pension contribution.

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Mainly through sound advice, always making himself available. Despite being an owner, no job is ever too small and Steve is always there at the end of a phone. Steve has been considerate throughout my time using Aspire. Steve takes the time to listen and provide constructive feedback. It gives me great comfort knowing I have a sounding board whose opinion I can trust implicitly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. My pension investments have seen greater value created, giving me peace of mind for mine and my families future. I've also used Aspire for a remortgage application which secured me an excellent interest rate with a seamless transfer to a new bank. Special mention to Naomi Keith who managed the process and was outstanding in her approach.

What could they have done better?

Improve their app. Still needs a bit of work in my opinion and I don't use it as a tool but feel confident I would if it was slicker.

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

Initially for new mortgage

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Steve has helped me with all aspects of financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I needed pension and general investment advice, once I became a homeowner

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Clear and concise advice, always with options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Overall yes, travelling on any long road, you will always hit a bump or two, but no major crashes and got to where I wanted.

What could they have done better?

Unless they had a crystal ball,I don't think a better job could have been done.

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

Came into some inheritance money

How has Steve Pine helped you?

Built an investment portfolio and got our financial affairs in order.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Made me more money!