Paul McCabe

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

I needed help in managing my divorce settlement.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

He has put together a plan to manage my money and transfer money to my family.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The plan is in place and I time will tell if the outcome is what I hope for.

What could they have done better?

I don’t think there is anything could have been done better. Paul explained everything very clearly and never rushed me in decision making.

Paul's reply

Thanks for taking the time to do this Pamela, speak again soon, Paul.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Paul

Paul has taken the time to fully understand my circumstances and what I would like to achieve as my retirement goals. He’s helped me understand my finances and how this will align with my future and into retirement. I’m not financially minded so needed some repeated explanations and his follow up emails and guidance have been greatly appreciated.

Paul's reply

Thank you kindly Karen, delighted to read your feedback. Speak again soon, Paul.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Paul

Paul was very professional and thorough from the minute we engaged regarding my initial planning for retirement. He gathered all my pensions, savings and investments and walked me through an easy-to-understand realistic view on what I can expect as I head towards and enter my years of retirement. His expertise in this area was evident from the outset and I am more than confident having my livelihood in retirement held in his capable hands going forward. No pressure was applied to commit to anything at any stage of the process and a clear understanding of the next steps for me was explained in detail.

Paul's reply

Many thanks indeed David.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Planning for the future to provide financial security in retirement.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul has taken the worry out of my future in arranging finances ,which in turn provides comfort and security to me. He takes time to explain everything and nothing is any trouble,( including my daft questions).

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Paul has done far more than I ever could have done. A great example of ‘leave it to the experts!’

What could they have done better?

I’m very happy with the service provided so far.

Paul's reply

Many thanks indeed for your time and comments, Paul.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Realised that I was needing expert financial advice to help with my business partnership split and my retirement.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul has helped in many ways, advising what to do with money and where best to invest. I can contact him any time of day and will always get a prompt reply. I find Paul to be very professional and very knowledgeable in the financial markets.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I’m more than happy with the outcome, basically if Paul is happy with my investment portfolio then I am also happy.

Paul's reply

Many thanks indeed Robin!

Review from verified client

May, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

I have accumulated several pension plans over the years and wished to know if I was on track for my retirement.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul has gathered information for all 11(!) plans and created a clear and detailed model to show what I can expect from the plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The information provided by Paul was very clear and helpful. I now know how things stand and look forward to working with Paul again to bring some of my plans together.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, all good ?

Paul's reply

Thank you Susan. Much obliged. Paul.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

I requested a pension review to see if the personal pension plan I am paying into is still suited to my needs and if I should consider consolidating my pension pots now or in the future.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul explained his analysis of my financial situation in straight-forward language that I could understand. He took time to answer my questions. He did not pressure me to take a particular course of action to win further business. I found his openness and integrity refreshing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have a better understanding of my pensions and my options.

What could they have done better?

I don't know. I was very satisfied with the service I received.

Paul's reply

Thank you Kirsteen, take care, Paul.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Paul

Excellent service. Paul built up a clear picture of our needs and presented a range of options in a pragmatic and understanding manner.

Paul's reply

Many thanks indeed Wilson. Speak soon. Paul.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Paul

I liked Paul. He was quick to respond and gave good advice.

Paul's reply

Thank you for completing the review Moira, much obliged and take care, Paul.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

Required new pension and relevant life cover

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

advised on what to take out and set it up

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

n/a

Paul's reply

Thanks for completing this review Daniel, much obliged! Paul.

Review from verified client

October, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

Planning for retirement.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

By confirming that I was on track with my retirement plans, in terms of financial security for the lifestyle I aim to achieve in retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

October, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

I was looking for an advisor to firstly look at my pensions and confirm if my pensions would allow me to live comfortably for the rest of my life and secondly to combine my pensions built up over my working live into a manageable solution.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul came recommended to me by a friend. At each stage of the process, Paul has taken the time to explain things very clearly and has given excellent advice on combining my policies for retirement. He is open about the fees for each stage in the process and there is no pressure to take things to the next stage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early in the process for this.

Paul's reply

Great to read this feedback Lynda. Thank you for taking the time to do this and speak to you soon. Paul.

Review from verified client

August, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

I am 5 years away from my target retirement date and i wanted to work though cash flow scenarios to give me peace of mind that i am on track.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul spent time building up a rapport and trust to make me feel comfortable and confident in his advice. He spend time gathering the details he needed to carry out the review and used a model to project how my income and outgoings would suit my needs if i were to retire immediately and in 5 years time. He took the time to ensure my inputs were complete and accurate and that i understood the output.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Paul exceeded my expectations. not only did he deliver on what i asked for, but freely gave additional information that i was able to use to my advantage.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. Paul was great to work with. Professional and friendly. i could not have asked for more.

Paul's reply

Absolute pleasure Andrew. Thank you for your time, writing this review.

Review from verified client

July, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

I was dissatisfied with my former Financial Advisor and wanted someone to engage with and who I felt valued as a customer with.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul took me through various scenarios and was understanding of my personal circumstances which affected his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Paul's reply

Thank you Fiona!

Review from verified client

May, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

Retirement and the possibility of early Retirement.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Advised on our Final Salary pensions, and facilitated a full cash flow modelling exercise centred around our retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more as thought Retirement was some way off but realised through Paul's advice that my wife and I will now be able to retire in 2022.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Communication was excellent.

Paul's reply

Thanks so much Richard.

Review from verified client

May, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

We required expert advice in a number of areas including insurance and protection.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

He listened to our concerns and made bespoke recommendations based on our personal circumstances and budget. Paul was very patient and discussed the various options in detail so we could consider what package best suited our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is better than we had hoped for. For a very reasonable price, below the budget we discussed, we now have a package in place which covers our family for a number of eventualities.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Paul's reply

Delighted to hear that Rachel and thank you for taking the time to do this, greatly appreciated! Speak soon, Paul.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

Wanted to review current pension planning provision and understand what our retirement pots looked like.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul was extremely meticulous in first finding out all the background details surrounding our current pension provision - one was a self-manged SIPP on an investment platform the other was an NHS pension. He took time and care to understand what we wanted to achieve as a retirement goal and our attitude toward risk around our current investments, both immediate and medium term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Paul delivered a concise yet clear overview of the "as is" and an excellent forecast model of how our current future provision could look like. He was very thorough and professional in highlighting risks and all underlying assumptions and delivered an easy to understand report to work forward from.

What could they have done better?

Can't fault the level of service and the time Paul took to clarify and make sure he understood our concerns and goals. He repeatedly went over this to make sure he still understood and was delivering his service and knowledge against our goals .

Paul's reply

Andrew, thanks so much for taking the time to do this and more importantly, I am delighted with your feedback. Look forward to speaking soon, take care, Paul.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

My existing pension was dormant and doing nothing for me and I wanted to restart payments and take advantage of tax incentives /reduce my personal tax burden.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

I received an overall financial health check from Paul and it made sense to restart pension contributions. Paul took care of everything for me, liaising with my accountant and previous pension provider. All communications were carried out safely and securely using secure data protection platforms.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have, instant personal tax savings and hopefully some good returns on my new pension fund.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really.

Paul's reply

Many thanks indeed for this valued feedback Stafford. Paul.

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

I felt that my finances needed to be reviewed and possibly re-organised

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul was able to give me a great deal of advice and as he is very knowledgeable in many aspects of finance, I felt confident that the advice he gave me was very appropriate to my financial situation

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

What could they have done better?

Everything was dealt with in a very professional manner which gave me confidence in the advice I received and the arrangements made

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

I was concerned that one of my current pension providers were overcharging and not looking after my best interests.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul reviewed my complete pension portfolio and provided guidance as to best way forward to meet specific targets.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far, the transfer has been completed from the pension provider with high fees.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, regular contact was maintained and I was kept fully up to speed with progress.

Paul's reply

Trevor, thanks so much. I'm delighted to read this feedback and I am delighted you are satisfied with the outcome. Take care and speak soon. Paul.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Paul

Paul's support was excellent. Very easy to build a rapport with, contacted me quickly, kept things simple and was open and honest. Would have no hesitation in recommending his services and will definitely use him again in the future.

Paul's reply

Many thanks indeed David. Take care, Paul.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Retirement

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Excellent advice on combining policies for retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Paul's reply

Thank you Karen!

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Looking to amalgamate over 11 different pensions built up over our working lives into an compact and manageable solution. At 50 year old I wished to consider my options for potential retirement in the next 10 Years.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Advised around various types of Pensions to retain and those to transfer. ALso gave fantastic advice around ARC and Retiready pensions offered by AEGON.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, now I can access all my pension data under the one website and have a definite plan around where my projected finance will be in 10 years time based on current data.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Always returned any calls or messages within very short timeframe and always pleasant and easy going. Paul helped us navigate the minefield that is pension planning.

Paul's reply

Thank you very much indeed Ross, been an absolute pleasure!

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I wanted to set up a pension and was gifted some money from my father's pension when he died.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

He has helped me liaise with my fathers pension company & provided me with advice for my own pension. Also provided me with some advice with regards to my business.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet, too early.

What could they have done better?

Paul has offered clear advice throughout, and been open about fees and pay structures. Also waited patiently for information from other parties.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

I was looking to transfer substantial funds into a more secure investment fund and looking for advise on pension drawdown

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul provided all the information and prepared all documentation accurately and without any delays. All details were precise and explained at a pace that was easy to understand. He did set up video call and was assuring to see the face of my financial adviser in covid 19 circumstances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Paul has given me the outcome I was hoping for and even more in assistance as to the speed of documentation and monies that will be available. This has been immense as to the fact I am moving abroad and he has provided all the information and documentation prior to my move.

What could they have done better?

In these uncertain times due to covid 19 there was nothing else my financial adviser could have done. All communication was fast and efficient

Paul's reply

That is great to hear Maria, it is crucially important to me that my clients are pleased with the outcomes and thanks so much for taking the time to do this. Take care, Paul.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Paul

I would strongly recommend Paul as a financial adviser. I selected him simply because he responded to my request faster than any other organisation. The financial advice I needed was in all honesty at a basic level, although complicated to me. Nonetheless, he treated me with great respect. He clearly understood my concerns and needs, especially once I'd completed his initial form before our consultation, which was really simple and straightforward. His extrapolation from that information to assess my financial needs and predictions, was presented in a manner that was instantly accessible and clear. He was able to pitch his experience to my level of understanding and it was clear that Paul values transparency. I felt confident about how his charges worked, which he was happy to clarify at every stage. I would definitely work with Paul again, which is possible depending on my future plans for self-employment. I was surprised to find his advice useful and educational and that I felt at ease and enjoyed speaking with him. Not something I would expect to say about a financial adviser.

Paul's reply

Thank you Liz! Best wishes, Paul.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I recently turned 55, and needed to realign my pensions and long term financial planning activities.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Realigned my pensions, and facilitated a full cash flow modelling exercise centred around my retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100% in line with high expectations.

What could they have done better?

No alterations necessary

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

To pay pension contributions from Ltd company.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Confirmed that my existing pension could not accommodate these contributions and arranged for a new pension product and a transfer of existing benefits.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early

What could they have done better?

Perhaps been clearer at outset about ability to arrange a final salary transfer.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Passing 55, I decided to access one of my personal pensions.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul provided comprehensive advise on the market, what was available, and what I could expect.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The short answer is yes. The outcome matched my expectations, as did the for running conversations and explanations.

What could they have done better?

The only point was driven home with the current pandemic. Practice on remote meetings, which was probably more my inexperience than Pauls preparation. Once going the meetings went smoothly, and to time.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

Wanted to cash in one of 6 pension pots but unsure of the financial implications.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

He gathered evidence of our current spending and briefly showed us how our finances would look both with and without the cashed in pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing specific I can think of.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

My husband and I had accumulated a number of pensions over our careers and we wanted to find out if we should consider consolidation into one pension plan.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul McCabe assessed our overall financial position and in particular our pensions to provide us with a comprehensive report which was jargon free and impartial. The report content covered the queries we had for each pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we now feel that we have a greater understanding of the policies we hold and in a position to make our own informed decisions on next steps.

What could they have done better?

We can't think of anything, Paul provided a professional but friendly service. He explains matters clearly and simply.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

I required to set-up a SIPP and Paul was recommended by my Accountant.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul was able to move quickly and help me set-up the SIPP before my Company's Financial Year End. This allowed me to make a contribution in an efficient way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The SIPP was opened ahead of the deadline and I am very pleased with the advice that I received & how we worked together to complete the SIPP.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

I needed advice on consolidation of my various pension schemes. Paul was instrumental in pulling all of this together for me.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul was instrumental in pulling all of my various pensions together under one scheme. In addition, advising both my husband and I on future projections based on our current portfolio and appetite for risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are happy with the advice and service we have received so far.

What could they have done better?

There is nothing that I feel can be improved at this time. In fact, he is very conscientious, always available, and has provided great customer service.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

Cash lump sum investment

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Provided general financial health check then provided investment advice and options for cash investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes funds all invested tax efficiently, however covid pandemic has meant a loss but this was unforeseen and we have invested for the long term

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Approaching retirement I had several pension funds both company and personal and I needed advice re the future.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul reviewed the various funds and recommended bringing the different funds under the umbrella of one 5 star rated provider and fund type.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I have no complaints about any aspect of Paul's performance.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Needed one for my SIPP provider

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Consolidated pensions and in the process readjusted my pension risk profile.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Lower risk pension pot and a single platform to view and manage.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Retirement and savings

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul was helpful, professional and listened to what I wanted my retirement funds to do for me. Paul takes the time to understand the position of the individual, he provides recommendations which are clear and easy to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Pauls advice and assistance has given me a clearer understanding of my retirement plan, all of which have been beneficial and met the requirements of my personal circumstances.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Paul offers a consistently high quality of service. Nothing is ever too much trouble for him.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

wishing to move to an early retirement and wanting option for pension realise and on going income

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

advise on options and clear financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes " Paul has helped make my dream of early retirement come true "

What could they have done better?

nothing I found the whole process with Paul very easy his one to one face to face approach is exactly what I was looking for as well as clear concise information

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Change of circumstances new member of the family was born. We wanted to look at our existing polices as there was uncertainty if the balance of cover was correct? we needed to know in the event of a tragedy was there going to be enough? and more importantly was it the right cover for the years ahead. We wanted to know there was a level of security should something happen.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

We realised after several telephone calls, emails and face to face meetings with Paul that our cover was heavily weighted with death cover and that was fine should that tragedy happen. However this left us exposed should certain other situations arise and there were weaknesses that could leave us exposed. By reviewing our complete insurance policy as a family we now have a better balance and should we face tragedy or uncertainty we now have cover in place that will help and support us moving forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have. Our insurance policies have been tailored to our requirements as a family, we are paying slightly more per calendar month however this was our choice as the policies have given us a better balance of cover.

What could they have done better?

My opinion of Paul and how he conducted himself was faultless what I am looking for is transparency, honesty and someone who can provide options all of which Paul did. By doing so it clearly showed we were uninsured in certain areas and allowed us to rectify this giving us better protection. We discussed Paul's fee's which again was a breath of fresh air as nothing was hidden, very professional and I have no reason not to recommend.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Had pensions coming to a stage that they could be realised. Wanted to discuss options.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul took on the information and provided a comprehensive set of options for going forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have now had a more generic look at our financial planning for the future and are very happy with the plan Paul has put together.

What could they have done better?

If anything we were given too much information for our purposes, however we believe it is inherent in the nature of financial planning.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

I had many separate company pensions and wanted advice about how to merge these into a SIPP as well as having a more in depth analysis of the markets, trends and risks of various funds, shares and collections to better manage ongoing personal payments.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul efficiently took the merger activities onboard and gave me advice about which pensions to keep separate. We analysed fund portfolios and risk, looked at retirement planning, gap analysis and modified my direct debits to suit my needs. We also agreed on annual update meetings, to continuously assess my financial objectives, my attitude to risk and to regularly review performance of my plan. Everything was very professional, clear explanations were given throughout and my requirements and needs were very well addressed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, everything has been very well managed, the reports are extremely easy to understand and Paul McCabe has been very attentive & careful with ensuring that my investments are well aligned with my attitude to risk.

What could they have done better?

At present I don’t feel anything could have been done better. I would recommend Paul McCabe/ Astute over and above any other options future clients may have.

Paul's reply

Thanks so much Aly, appreciate you taking the time to do this. Take care, Paul.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Having been granted voluntary redundancy I needed to ascertain my financial position taking into account previous pensions, savings, commitments etc.

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul allowed me to present all the information I had to hand before then significantly expanding on information he required to present me with an accurate financial position. He sought additional information on my behalf from third parties, collating everything. I was fully informed at every step, always able to contact Paul with any query or concern. Most importantly, Paul asked at the outset what my preferred or ideal result of this collation would be.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely YES. My concerns over my financial position, were in my case alleviated, allowing me to have greater choice on my next steps in life. Straightforward clarity was my main goal. Everything else follows from that.

What could they have done better?

In my case, nothing.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Pension management and tax efficient investments

How has Paul McCabe helped you?

Paul provides ongoing investment advice and insurance advice to ensure that I have the products which best suit my requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my investments have proven to suitable to my requirements.

What could they have done better?

Paul performs well in all aspects of our business requirements, he is always open and honest.

Paul's reply

Thank you James!