Ray Martin

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

At the birth of my second grandchild in April 2019 I decided that it was the right time in life to seriously consider retiring soon, so that I'd have more time to enjoy my grandchildren while they were still young. I wanted to get professional advice on retirement planning, specifically on buying an annuity vs drawdown. I was also looking for confirmation that I could retire comfortably and be confident that my wife and I would not run out of money well into old age.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

At the first consultation Ray listened to our vague ideas on retirement and encouraged us to think about specific goals and what was important to my wife and I. We provided Ray with details of our investments, savings, pension pots and outgoings. We both answered a questionnaire that resulted in our individual attitude to risk. Based on all those details Ray advised us on how to use our wealth to generate regular income to enable us to meet our better defined life goals. At our annual review Ray has listened to how the previous 12 months has gone, and whether our financial and life goals have changed. Each time he has recommended rebalancing our portfolios to take account of investment performance and future outlook, of course explaining his reasoning. Part of this exercise is to decide on what regular income we need for the following 12 months.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are very pleased with Ray's continuing advice. Prior to retiring I closely managed our investments, but now with the peace of mind that comes with engaging Four Seasons I hardly ever think about them, knowing they are in safe hands. My SIPP and our stocks & shares based investments have all performed well, and after taking account of Ray's fees and platform fees plus the fact we've been taking regular income for just over 5 years, our current net worth is close to what it was at the outset.

What could they have done better?

I'd welcome more regular updates on financial outlook, say by way of a newsletter.

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

To maximise my investment returns in retirement and ensure I kept control of my finances.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has offered sound advice in a friendly way, using terminology that we understand rather than technical jargon which goes over our heads. He has a broad knowledge base and understanding of how world events impact upon investment income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Broadly, yes, the unforeseen Covid pandemic and wars in Ukraine/elsewhere have impacted investments generally but the advice Ray has given us has helped to largely mitigate adverse effects.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps given broader savings advice, but then its not been until now that I've been in a position to take advantage of any advice given.

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

How has Ray Martin helped you since your last review?

Ongoing advice, amending funds to ensure I have choices that fit my attitude to risk

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

Approaching retirement

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Making things simple to understand and organised

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes!

What could they have done better?

More regular updates on financial conditions

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

We needed advice on a range of issues around investments and pensions.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Clear unambiguous advice and knowledge of specialist investment platforms based on our risk appetite

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes and looking positive for future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to mention

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

I received a proportion of my ex husband's pension in a divorce settlement and needed advice on how to invest this.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray guided me through the process of distributing my financial settlement with the best returns and least risk, based on my risk profile and continues to advise on my pension investments and long term finacial requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything.

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

How has Ray Martin helped you since your last review?

He has kept me up to speed with what is the best way of investing my money to fit my requirements in the future

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

Transferring from a Final Salary Pension to SIPP

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Considered all options and set up a SIPP and ISAs for me and my wife for retirement pension. We have been with Ray ever since (2017). He is now assisting with inheritance planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have, we are on target with pension and long term financial planning.

What could they have done better?

I think he is very professional and knowledgeable of the financial advisor market segments and his advice has proven very helpful. I don't think he cold have done anything better.

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

Needed advice on how to use my pension pot.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

He has set up my pension investments to give me the required income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Considering retiring early and wanted to better understand the financial implications

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has shown us a practical route to our financial security as well as regular input in our investment plans

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?

Over 20 years ago when my employer urged me to start saving into a personal pension scheme

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has been steering my finances for all of that time. Starting with me becoming a Company Director to owning my business and into retirement. He has kept me a planned path and moved my investments as my goals and the world changed over the years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes! I would never have imagined that I would now be in such a strong financial position and reached this outcome.

What could they have done better?

Who Knows how to answer this question? I think that Ray has given me the best advice and by taking it, I have achieved my goals. I don't think the advice could have been better.

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

I became self Employed and needed to start pension

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has provided strategies to build my wealth over a number of years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far - yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Historically my late husband became ill and he was u likely to return to work. Upon the excellent advise and his understanding of our situation we made massive changes.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

The initial changes when my husband became ill were so strategic and the huge help he and his team gave me when Glyn passed was hugely practical and reassuring. My finances are working for me. Becoming a widow at age 45 was a shock but I was confident that Ray was supporting this change and it was one less worry

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything in all honesty. He is so personable. Conversations about how life had changed and is continuing to do so where extremely comfortable and to have a complete empathy for the feelings of my situation aswell my finances is great

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

Needed advise on investments and pensions.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has given me sound advise on investments, savings and pensions over many years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. My investments have definately improved, despite the various financial problems caused by world events beyond our control,

What could they have done better?

Given our circumstances, there is nothing more they could do.

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

Initially as retirement was approaching, we needed good advice to protect our future income and living standard.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Laid out clear and concise advice about possibilities for our finance that suit us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I don't think it could have been done better.

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

How has Ray Martin helped you since your last review?

No communication except on a yearly basis, unless issues arise needing urgent reallocation of investments

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

How has Ray Martin helped you since your last review?

Kept us up to date and encouraged us to spend more!

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

My husband and I first met Ray in 2016 when we took his advice to each set up a SIPP with A.J. Bell. In 2019 my husband died and I asked Ray to handle all the investments from our joint estate.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray’s advice has always been clear and unbiased, and he was particularly helpful regarding capital gains tax, inheritance tax and my preference for an ethical portfolio. His help and patience in transferring and managing my investments was invaluable at what was a difficult time for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I am aware of.

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

Retirement package included contribution to financial advice

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Provided. Better return on our investments, helped us to minimise chargeable gains

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

-

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

Part of my wife's retirement package.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has helped to consolidate investments, provide a better return, and reduce my tax bill.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have been better off following Ray's advice than following my own initiative.

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

Pension planning

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Managing pension and investment portfolio including annual review

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing! Is knowledge and explains risks and benefits clearly. Adjusts plans according to our needs.

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

To plan for the future and to allow for early retirement

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Helped us to plan and give confidence for our future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely he has tried to change our mindset about spending!

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything

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

My wife and I had pension pots in both final salary and money purchase; as well as money in savings accounts. As I was diagnosed with a terminal illness at 60 we felt some financial advice was advisable on the best way to proceed.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

A thorough review of our pensions, savings, outgoings and income with clear advice on the best way to proceed. This is followed each year with a review and we can also make interim amendments should we feel it necessary.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I don't think anything.

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

I was in need of independent financial advice to make sure I was making the right decisions with my financial planning investments pensions and savings in the long term and in the short term every year.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray Martin has given me advice on long term financial planning and yearly plans to optimise my investments and savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is there is a professional adviser available who can assist me with my own financial decisions when needed

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

We have no knowledge of investments.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray picked the right plan for us both and explained everything to us before proceeding with our investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

He has always given us sound advice and do not think he could have done any better. We are more than satisfied. Had a lovely mixture of biscuits with our cup of coffee.

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

Believe it or not, we saw an advertising board outside his address and decided to get advice. we booked an appointment and chatted about various financial matters. We instantly clicked. Basically, we assessed each other to see if we could work together for a more stable financial future and since then it has worked out beautifully.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has helped mold our finances on a yearly basis, keeping us in touch with the market, pensions and investments and helped keep us calm around the Covid outbreak.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Over the time we have been a client, we have been completely satisfied with the service we have received from Four Seasons, which has been completely faultless. We would wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone who is interested in investing in the future. You have full control of what you want to achieve, with the guidance of a brilliant financial advisor.

What could they have done better?

In my opinion, absolutely nothing. He’s always happy to see you and answer any questions you might have. It’s like having a personal advisor in the family.

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

I had various pension and wanted to have these all put into one pot, I had also received a payout from a company I had worked for 34 years, Ray was recommended to me by a friend and I made contact.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray gave great advice on my options and I ended up transferring some pension into one of the portfolios recommended, each year we have a review and all is explained in great detail, Ray suggests some changes which I’m always happy with and it’s great having a one to one with a person who you get to know rather than just wait for your yearly statement which I always done with the old pension companies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been a client for about 4 years and during these years we have had difficulty times with Covid and the Ukraine war, now things seem to be on track so it’s a yes.

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

We were looking for a local Financial Adviser who we could speak to in person to review our pension and savings arrangements.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

He has been invaluable since our very first meeting several years ago. He was very understanding of our needs and requirements from then into retirement. Very helpful advice and guidance to achieve what we wanted from our savings and pensions in a clear and easy to understand manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have received consistent returns despite COVID and the ongoing unrest around the world.

What could they have done better?

We are happy with the service received

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

Retirement Planning

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has through his expertise planned our retirement income based on feedback from extensive meetings and discussions,

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has been just as we were advised it would be.

What could they have done better?

Other than giving us the winning lottery numbers, nothing!

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

We were unhappy with the service that was being provided to us from a major investment house.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray and his team have meticulously formulated a package that suits our ongoing needs perfectly. The advice is always sound and the team are always on hand to answer questions. Ray always ensures that the plan in place is relevant and provides suggestions for alterations when the markets dictate them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome since moving to Ray's team has been more than we hope for, the service is excellent and the returns have been outstanding. The service provided by the team is always very friendly and timely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, congratulations to the team.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ray

Courteous exchange of information but we didn't see eye to eye on a few things so decided not to proceed

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

We neede advice for pension planning we met Ray via our previous Advisor and have never been disappointed.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

by setting out our options clearly and concisely.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Needed advise on investments and pensions.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has given me sound advise on investments, savings and pensions over many years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Over the many years, My investments have definately improved, despite various government and world hicups.

What could they have done better?

I work on long term investments with low risk. Overall i yhink we have done very well.

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

Beieve it or not, we saw an advertising board outside his address and decided to get advice. we booked an appoiintment and chatted aboiut various financial matters. We instantly clicked. Basically, we assessed each other to see if we could work together for a more stable financial future and sinc then it has worked out beautifully.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has helped mold our finances on a yearly basis, keeping us intouch with the market, pensions and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Over the time we have been a client, we have been completely satisfied with the service we have received from Four Seasons. We would wholehartedly recommend this company to anyone who is interested in investing in the future. You have full control of what you want to acheive, with the guidance of a fantastic company.

What could they have done better?

In my opinion, absloutly nothing.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ray

-

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

Inheriting a lump sum

How has Ray Martin helped you?

By investing this well I have been able to live for the past 15 years knowing the money is safe.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I indeed

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I have been well informed over the years and Ray always takes into account my feelings towards risk.

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

Inheritance of money and looked for a better return than banks offered

How has Ray Martin helped you?

His advise has been very helpful and the returns have been profitable

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not this year , but that is due to the financial recession

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?

Getting to a pensionable age and having a mix of company pensions, state pension as well as investments.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

He helped me by arranging pension transfer(s), retirement pension and income arrangements as well as overall financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes considerably more than I anticipated despite the difficult times in the last 3 years.

What could they have done better?

I believe that he did the best possible arrangements for me and the results so far have shown this.

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

Money to invest.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

He has been advising my wife and me for about twenty years. He is everything one could hope for in a financial adviser: wonderfully enthusiastic, extremely well informed and up to date, completely trustworthy, scrupulously observant of the regulatory requirements, and able to explain complex matters very clearly. He was wholly undaunted by Brexit and Covid. He was able to conduct our last meeting but one on Zoom with great expertise and clarity, and he came to our house for our last meeting, and most enjoyable it was too.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.

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

I was in need of independent financial advice to make sure I was making the right decisions with my financial planning investments pensions and savings in the long term and in the short term every year.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray Martin has given me advice on long term financial planning and yearly plans to optimise my investments and savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is there is a professional adviser available who can assist me with my own financial decisions when needed.

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

Needed advice on investing money

How has Ray Martin helped you?

He has given me very good advise on investing my monies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Only by having a more futuristic crystal ball.

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

We had a variety of investments created at various times for various objectives which were not regularly reviewed for either their efficency or their tax effectiveness.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray Martin asked us what we wanted to get out them, our attitude to risk, and had arranged their sale and investment in unit trusts on a safe and easy to access platform. He reviews this annually, bearing in mind both its performance and our needs. He has also helped us create a family trust so that we can pass on money to our children without it being part of our estate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I consider our finances are soundly managed within the risk profileindicated, and will cover our future requirements. I am also impressed that Ray Martin was sensitive to our concerns about the need for our investments to be ethically invested.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

To decide what to do with our pension

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Advised us on best way to make our money work for us

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

After retirement I needed to invest some of my pension pot into a viable investment and with the help of Ray and his team this worked out well for my family and myself.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray and his team supply good and easy to understand advice on every review. This helps me to understand the investment. Without this advice I would be reliant on media advice as I have no knowledge of up-to-date financial trends.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Due to the present financial climate the outcomes have been a little disappointing. But this is a worldwide problem and is relevant to all financial markets. Ray did predict this outcome and made me aware of the problems for the future

What could they have done better?

I am sure in todays situation the team could not have made any alteration to my financial plan

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

Retirement

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Restructured my finances to maximise benefits

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No examples

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

We were looking for a financial advisor to prepare for retirement and general financial stability for our future. We saw an advertisement outside his premises and decided to arrange a consultation. The moment we met him we felt totally relaxed and by his manor and knowledge we knew that he was the right man for us. We haven’t looked back since.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray has led us through the minefield of investments and with the situation of the recent Covid, he has reassured us and kept us up to date with the whole situation. Currently, we, the Country are in difficult times, however we know that Ray will guide us safely through the tough times.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, we have not been disappointed with ANY decisions he has made on our behalf and has discussed each choice with us before implementing any actions on our behalf

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing. I cannot fault his financial advice, and 100% trust all his decisions. I wouldn’t be with anyone else.

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

How has Ray Martin helped you since your last review?

Again I consider that Ray and his team have done an excellent job in providing financial and investment advise, which has resulted in allowing us to use some monies for other means, without the loss of investments.

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

How has Ray Martin helped you since your last review?

As always professional and approachable

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

My second financial adviser moved away and recommended Ray to me.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray helped me to understand what I needed for the future, who to invest with and how to manage my original investments made with the poor advice of my first adviser. He has done this with great patience and good advice to keep me as safe as possible in my old age and to give me financial stability as much as is possible in these past difficult years and with my declining health.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - and I feel safe in the knowledge that Ray always does his best for me and keeps my investments under constant review.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - as far as I am concerned.

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

I was left a lump sum following a bereavement and wanted to invest to ensure a good income once I retired.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray talked through all the options that were suited to my circumstances, and made it all very easy to understand. He also assisted me when it came time for me to take my private pension, and also made that very easy to deal with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am more than delighted with the results of my investments. Ray continues to provide me with clear and concise advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing! An excellent service.

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

With a variety of pensions and investments I was looking to consolidate my financial position and create a coherent plan for my retirement. I needed advice on how best to meet existing financial commitments and yet create a manageable plan to be able to retire.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray reviewed my current financial position and created a detailed model projecting financial requirements over the medium and long term. Using this we he was able to recommend the appropriate consolidation of existing investments, selection of suitable investment funds and a plan which, even at its most conservative projection, is highly likely to meet my long term needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The short term outcome is a simplification of my financial situation coupled with significant growth in my investments. This has been delivered in a pragmatic manner which means that I can still meet my short term obligations without compromising my lifestyle. Exactly the outcome that I was hoping for.

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

I had a number of pensions and investments that I wished to consolidate into a more manageable structure.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray reviewed my existing arrangements and provided a revised structure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

The service has been excellent.

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

To try and preserve and increase the value of my pension

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray always fully explains the reason for placing investments or changes needed to protect fund

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

in these times I am satisfied all effort was given by Ray in my interests

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

We felt that it was time to make good use of our finances as we were considering early retirement and wanted to see if it was plausible.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray chatted with us to get to know us personally and assessed what we were looking for and discussed how we could achieve our goals. Currently, Ray and his team are looking after our futures and we couldn’t see anyone better looking after our finances. From a clients point of view, we feel that Ray and the team really care about who we are and what we want to achieve. We feel like family, not just clients. and we trust him 100%

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, without a doubt. As previously stated, we trust Ray 100% and has currently looked after us with great care, respect and excellent results.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing. For us, everything is explained, step by step, without technobabble, allowing us to understand exactly what is happening to our money. We are talked with, not at or down to and we are happy to discuss any financial situation or questions, knowing full well that we will get a full and honest answer.

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

My husband and I wanted to take early retirement and needed to ensure that this was possible by taking financial advice. Ray was recommended to us by a friend.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

Ray was able to guide us through the minefield of pension drawdown and advised the best options for us. He understood our needs but was also able to give us a realistic idea of what our retirement would look like. He explained things in a way that was reasonably easy to understand- the use of his many football analogies was helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - we retired and moved to Wales and have a comfortable lifestyle.

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?

Trustworthy, gives impartial advice and understands the markets and our lifestyle.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

When we first met Ray he listened, understood our plans at the time and for the future, and formulated a plan that made the best use of our retirement fund.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we're managing our finances in retirement much better than we would have done without Rays advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind. We're very happy that we appointed Ray to advise us on financial matters during our retirement.

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

My wanting to retire early and how to provide for that. Then other help when we needed it.

How has Ray Martin helped you?

He’s been a very helpful, approachable advisor. We’ve been with him for over 20 years so we’ve had many happy, useful meetings with good advise and now we feel financially secure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes by being financially secure now

What could they have done better?

More cake at the meetings?!