Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 4 )

Mortgages ( 1 )

Pensions ( 20 )

Equity Release ( 3 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 15 )

Investments and Savings ( 23 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 9 )

Inheritance Planning ( 7 )

Long Term Care ( 3 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 4 )

Financial Planning ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 2 )

£200k - £500k ( 3 )

£100k - £200k ( 3 )

Up to £50k ( 2 )

£50k - 100k ( 5 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

November, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

To seek advice on consolidating a number of smaller pensions and changing the beneficiaries of a main pension.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig helped me to understand the pros and cons of drawdown at the earliest opportunity and to change the names of the beneficiaries on my main pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The beneficiaries have been changed and Craig has given me instructions on how to proceed to obtain the value of a pension I can drawdown early.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

October, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

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

My father and grand father past away

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

My grand father passed away and then my father passed away while he was dealing with my grandads affairs, leaving myself to deal with both. Craig has been invaluable with his help & advice as I dealt with the estates, ensured my mothers pension income meets her needs, re-investing the inheritance and planning for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I’m very happy with the outcome

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

May, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

Early retirement.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Sorted out my finances to be able to retire without worrying about my income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes it has really benefited my wife and I. Without there advice we would not be in the healthy position we now find ourselves in.

What could they have done better?

In my opinion they did everything possible to help us in our situation.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

Equity release and consolidation of my pensions

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Excellent advice and very professional. Exceeded all my expectations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy with the outcome, exceeded my expectations

What could they have done better?

The service provided was second to non

Review from verified client

April, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

Retirement and investment opportunities for multiple pensions

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig was an integral part of the team at IFS and was instrumental in the deep-dive process to reach an accurate assessment of my attitude to risk. Once this was achieved, Craig was also heavily involved in searching out the best fit for me in regard to an investment portfolio that would suit my risk attitude and requirement for inheritance planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely yes, a very positive outcome which has been better than hoped for, especially given the circumstances of the last 18 months both globally and nationally.

What could they have done better?

I honestly can't think of anything and I would not hesitate to recommend IFS to anybody looking for a reliable and trustworthy adviser.

Review from verified client

February, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

Review and perceived requirement for adjustment to our overall finances management.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

We have used the practise for many years and Craig has since joined his father in the business and has provided detailed and updated information on a wide range of our various investments. He has assisted greatly with walk through of modern computer based tools for investment platform monitoring.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Improvements to our investment package returns

What could they have done better?

Nothing . Craig is a courteous and very helpful young man who does all he can to achieve the best results for our needs.

Review from verified client

February, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

Retirement and searching for investment opportunities involving multiple pensions.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig was part of the team instrumental in reaching a successful agreement on an investment portfolio, following a very thorough and searching review regarding inheritance planning and attitude to risk. A deep but very productive process which accurately assessed my risk attitude and has provided excellent returns, especially given the restrictions imposed by COVID19.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely yes, very positive outcome and in unparalleled circumstances.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend IFS to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy adviser.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

We have worked with Ed for many years so when Craig joined the company to work with his dad it was great that he could advise us on savings and investments.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig has given us clear understanding of how we can invest our saving , in line with what we are comfortable with .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are in the process of making our decisions with Craig's expert financial knowledge

Review from verified client

January, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

I had increased income in my business and was in the position to start investing in a pension again.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig transferred my existing pension to a better scheme and advised me on income protection.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my pension has increased and I feel more comfortable knowing I have back up should anything happen to me which stops me from working.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

Following my husband's passing, I needed to sort our finances and figure out what to do with life insurance proceeds.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig listened to what my circumstances were as well as where I wanted to get to.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Craig has helped me to ensure that I have enough protection/insurance in place, sorted out mortgage as well as investing to provide a safety net for my daughter.

Review from verified client

December, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Riding

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

I had money saved up looking to secure a healthy financial future.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

He made the options extremely clear , made me feel at ease and was very helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s going even better than I expected.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

Financial Investment opertunity

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Gave advice on suitable investment areas

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I am happy with the outcome so far and believe Craig gave the best advice at the time of the investments.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

Craig became part of the team that we have been using for many years.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig has been able to give us clear and helpful advice. He has been friendly and approachable and has been quick to sort out any queries that have arisen.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have been happy with the outcome.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

I had a final salary pension that I needed to understand my best options.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig helped with a full financial review with my wife and I,also planning for the future with pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely,I now feel I have control over my pension fund, lots more flexibility.

What could they have done better?

I don’t believe there could have been anything better.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

We needed help to amalgamate personal pensions and investment advice for retirement

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

He went through all our pension plans to see what we could do for the best way forward towards our retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing as Craig was extremely helpful

Review from verified client

September, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

Retirement loomed closer, needed advice.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

After an initial phone call both Craig and Ed arranged a home visit to discuss options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, all options were made clear to me based on my needs.

Review from verified client

September, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

The Banking system failed to satisfy our needs.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

By suggesting investments which would return financial benefits

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

not much more than he has

Review from verified client

August, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

I was in need of income protection and life insurance as i have just purchased a house.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig researched the best insurances for my circumstance and presented them to me in a clear way, he then assisted me in the application process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, craig was precise and efficient

Review from verified client

August, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

I had retired

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

He gave me excellent advice on my options then helped to set up my new portfolio

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

July, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

I have dealt with Craig’s father, Ed, for more than 25 years, and Craig has worked together with his father for some years. We were already dealing with Ed for all areas of our finance. They complement eachother, an exceptional team.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Providing advice in many areas, specialising in pensions (and has assisted both me and my partner with private and work related pensions), short/long term investments, tax efficient savings, and also policies in terms of critical illness cover etc. Absolute pleasure to deal with, and he will always go above and beyond. We have regular review meetings and after which actions are agreed with documented follow up on any investment taken out. We rely on Craig for advice in many areas, and it is always provided. I would not hesitate to recommend Craig for advice regarding financial investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

I have used the services of a financial advisor for many years to ensure my money affairs are managed in the most efficient way so that I have a stress free retirement.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig ensures that the long term care of all my investments and pension portfolio are managed in the most efficient way to suit my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am delighted with the outcome of all my investments particularly considering the current financial predicament everyone find themselves in these very difficult times.

What could they have done better?

I don’t personally believe Craig could have done anything any better. All the advice and suggestions given are clearly explained making it extremely simple to come to what I believe to be the correct business decisions for myself and my family.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Needed expert advice with investments and retirement planning

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Investments. Cash ISA's Pension transfer. Setting up and managing Zurich platform

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely

What could they have done better?

Always good advice so don't believe anything could have been done better.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

I am at the age of receiving pension

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig help me decide on where to make investments and consolidate my finances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

I was already a customer of Craig's father when I was introduced. Main focus since I met Craig has been on investment and retirement planning.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

In recent times, specifically Craig for pension planning and transfers.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to tell, however, the process was smooth and uneventful so far.

What could they have done better?

Craig is learning very quickly from others in the Practice. No issues so far and no criticism.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

Retirement planning and Investment savings.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Advised and covered all aspects of what was required in a manner that was easy to understand and follow.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very satisfied with outcome and result.

What could they have done better?

Nothing as the advice and outcome was very professional and easy to follow.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Tyne and Wear

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

Advised by work colleague who recommended the company

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Advice regarding pension planning and health insurance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Unable to think of anything given the quality of the service

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

We were looking to consolidate our pensions and savings funds to an easily accessible platform.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig provided the necessary advice after reviewing our risk profile on where our monies should be invested.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes to date, even with he current pandemic occurring funds have stood up very well.

What could they have done better?

I can't compare Craig's performance against other advisors, needless to say we are very happy with the advice he provided.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

I had some money that I wished to invest for the longer term. After speaking with some building societies about investments which they offered I decided to contact IFS and Craig Chandler was appointed to meet with me.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig provided with me honest and clear guidance and advice, putting all information to me so that I could understand it. He conducted and conducts, meetings with me at convenient dates and times, to suit my own diary commitments. When I email Craig any queries he replies to me very promptly, and telephone calls are held as I need. With the 2020 pandemic and rules to be followed, my annual review will be conducted virtually and we have already discussed how this will work for me. I have every confidence in Craig and the clear advice and guidance he provides. He is professional, and respectful, and keeps me updated at all times. Craig set me up with an online portal login, so I can view my investments and associated documentation, any day or time that I like. Nothing is too much trouble for Craig, or his colleagues at IFS, and I feel I am a valued client. Craig also provided me with great and vital guidance and advice at very short notice about some different options for some of my financial investments last year, which was totally different to my usual investment questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

As Craig provides valuable advice and guidance, I am unsure at the time of me writing this review, what he could do differently.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Durham

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

We had an inheritance to invest and also needed retirement planning.

How has Craig Chandler helped you?

Craig advised us of the options available to us, going into detail about risk and long term planning. He was knowledgeable and professional which gave us confidence to become clients.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are now aware of what is available in the long term and receive regular updates regarding our investment. We would not hesitate in recommending Craig to anyone looking for advice with regards to pension options or investments.