Karl Ward

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Pension and investment planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Yes, a lot!

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Helped with a pension transfer.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Explained the process so I could understand it and was very knowledgeable and proactive.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all, Karl is always approachable and provides excellent advice.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

To invest funds from a Critical Illness claim and to also help with investing Inheritance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Provided excellent advice and guidance on investments and explained everything clearly, always very reassuring and reliable.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all, Karl is always friendly and knowledgeable.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I needed help and guidance with my pension pot to ensure a good standard of living in my retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Provided excellent advice which has enabled me to achieve my financial goals. Always available and is helpful and friendly

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I wanted to consolidate all my pension plans and set up a new plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Good and clear communication, explained the plans and process very well

What could they have done better?

No recommendations

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Inheritance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Support to invest my inheritance

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

My husband passed away in October 2022 and I needed financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have savings and investments and I feel much more secure.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl has advised me and reassured me every step of the way through the minefield that is financial.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, absolutely nothing

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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 pension

How has Karl Ward helped you?

With pension fund

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very satisfied

What could they have done better?

Nothing that know

Repeat review from verified client

May, 2023

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

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

How has Karl Ward helped you since your last review?

Karl manages my pension scheme I have outside of my work scheme. We review early and I will base any changes on the advice offered to me by Karl. The timing of having a private pension scheme isn’t great what with COVID and the cost of living crisis being factors over the last 3 years. I am hoping the markets settle for a while after this year and the pension will provide some good returns.

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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?

Karl took over when our previous advisor retired

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Savings & pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Repeat review from verified client

February, 2023

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

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

How has Karl Ward helped you since your last review?

Have not needed his advice since last review

Repeat review from verified client

January, 2023

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

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

How has Karl Ward helped you since your last review?

Karl has continued to provide excellent service

Review from verified client

October, 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?

Seeking life assurance and savings plans

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Very sound advice, with options to choose from and value for money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes. Very happy with the results so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Advice was what I was looking for.

Review from verified client

October, 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?

My circumstances had changed and I need to ensure that I was pension planning fo the future in a way that was in the best interest of my family

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl gave me advice on the various options available to me. He explained it in a way that was easy to understand. He came up with some options that I was not aware of that gave me the flexability I wanted as we don't know what is going to happen in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is too early to tell whether my pension investment will give me the returns that I am looking for especially given the current situation we are all faced with regarding investments. However I am feeling reassured that Karl and the Investment Manager that I now have are reviewing my investment and like the fact that Karl and I will be meeting each year to discuss progress and how I want to continue with my investment going forward

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Repeat review from verified client

October, 2022

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

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

How has Karl Ward helped you since your last review?

Karl has continued to offer and deliver a professional, personal and attentive service .. and usually with a smile!

Review from verified client

August, 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 needed advise on my pension options.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl has maintained my pension pot excellently, he has kept me informed and is always available if I need further advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The fund has performed well in difficult circumstances and as well as I could have hoped.

What could they have done better?

In this climate, not much.

Review from verified client

June, 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?

The need for independent advice to maximize returns on my money purchase pension

How has Karl Ward helped you?

His knowledge of the funds available and their ongoing performance ensures that ROI is maximised in all market conditions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I don't think so

Review from verified client

June, 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 retired with a private pension fund and did not know how to use it or what to do with it.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl has advised and invested the fund for me.Giving me updates and advice from day one.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

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?

We were looking for financial advice and support in a field outside of our own expertise.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Investment, taxation, and pension advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are satisfied with our current situation in such a volatile financial market.

What could they have done better?

We are satisfied with the feedback and contact that we ave from Karl. We know that he is very quickly available for queries and information.

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?

Retirement

How has Karl Ward helped you?

He has amalgamated my many pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes there has been good growth in the amalgamated pensions to date

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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?

Needed to see if amalgamating my 2 pension schemes was the right choice or not

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl merged the two pensions into one.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

What with the COVID outbreak and then the war in Ukraine it hasn’t led to the perfect time for investments but there was no controlling that. Investments are for a longer term period anyway.

What could they have done better?

Karl offered me good advice that I used. Hopefully the world markets will stabilise in the coming years leading to me being able to retire with a good pension being me

Repeat review from verified client

April, 2022

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

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

How has Karl Ward helped you since your last review?

We are very happy with the excellent service Karl continues to provide.

Review from verified client

February, 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 was looking to invest a reasonable amount of money

How has Karl Ward helped you?

He opened an isa for me , along with good solid advice along the way

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely !

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Repeat review from verified client

January, 2022

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

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

How has Karl Ward helped you since your last review?

Karl has continued to provide an excellent service

Repeat review from verified client

October, 2021

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

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

How has Karl Ward helped you since your last review?

Yes absolutely

Karl's reply

Thank you for the review Steve and for recommending me to other new clients, this is very much appreciated.

Repeat review from verified client

June, 2021

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

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

How has Karl Ward helped you since your last review?

Actively managed and monitored my portfolio to maximise returns

Review from verified client

June, 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 to invest money in Stocks and Shares and Investment account

How has Karl Ward helped you?

He gave me sound advice and explained thoroughly my best options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing as he is always on the end of the phone or online to answer any questions i have ! And also gives me House visits at least twice a year to review my accounts ! Five star service at all times !

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?

A new relationship combining our joint wealth, clearing our mortgages, redundancy/pension advice. Ultimately we have been able to downsize our property, allowing us both to retire with equity invested to provide additional income.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl helped with investment advice when my husband was made redundant. Pension advice on attaining retirement ages. Savings advice to take advantage of tax entitlements. Investment advice throughout several years of financial market turmoil, particularly through the COVID pandemic.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely with Karl’s advice/expertise.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, we have been very satisfied with the service Karl provides. He is always available at the end of the phone or via email, he responds extremely promptly when asked. He keeps us updated on our investment on a monthly basis. We always enjoy seeing him for our annual review, when we catch up on personal events that have occurred throughout the year, together with financial situations, (Karl is partial to a cup of tea with shortbread biscuits!). when we can catch up on

Karl's reply

Thanks, both of you, much appreciated. Look forward to catching up with you later in the year and those shortbread biscuits!!

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?

I needed to amalgamate all my pensions.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

He was able to advise me on two pensions which could not be transferred and was able to get the other pensions amalgamated so that I can look at a drawn down option when I retire.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To date Karl has confirmed that my pot of money has grown so yes there has been a good outcome.

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?

Advice on pensions and retirement planning. Karl was recommended to us.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl gave excellent advice on all options, explaining the alternatives clearly, allowing us to make the best possible choices to suit our situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We are very happy with the service provided by Karl and would recommend him highly to others.

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?

Needed to amalgamate my 2 pension funds or even leave them as separate ones.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

He helped me understand my appetite for risk and the benefits of amalgamating the 2 pensions into one. By doing this it gave me the information to decide on the best approach and also the type of funds that were part of my investment strategy. he has made recommendations on funds and the changes have seen good results.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes in the past 6 months as the market recovered, after the Covid shock and fall, my new pension is performing well.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to add here. I made the changes recommended and the funds are performing better than before.

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?

Our previous financial advisor retired, Karl was highly recommended.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl is professional and friendly, we have always been happy and confident with his advise, he has been a great help with our pensions and savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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?

I had left a corporate company and needed to sort out my pension plus plan for the future. Also sort out life insurance and critical care etc.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

He gave good advice and helped reconcile all my pensions and plan for future retirement ensuring my partner and i have enough to live comfortably in our retirement..

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes so far so good

What could they have done better?

Nothing that i am aware of very happy to date with all his advice and what has been arranged.

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?

Initially saving and pension investments on the stock market

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Assisted with choice of fund managers and funds that suited my preference.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes my investments have steadily increased.

What could they have done better?

Nothing feel his advise was good

Karl's reply

Thanks Sandy, very much appreciated. See you soon

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Karl

pleasant

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Karl

Very courteous and informative. A true professional.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Karl

Informative

Review from verified client

January, 2017

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

How to invest a lump sum of money from a pension.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

He traced two pensions that we were unsure of where they were.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Only time will tell.

Review from verified client

January, 2017

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

investment of funds belonging to my Grandmother over which I have Power of Attorney.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl understood my requirements for a diversified portfolio designed to produce a sufficient yield to protect capital and meet care home costs. He recommended a suitable manager and liaised between the parties.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

the portfolio meets my requirements.

What could they have done better?

Karl was personable, knowledgeable and thorough. I cannot think of anything he could have done better in this instance.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

I wanted to switch my company Pension to a Personal Pension.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

He advised me on all the different types of Pension Plan and helped me transfer my funds. The whole process was every so easy and he explains all the technical Pension jargon in a way that's simple to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The Policy was transferred. The whole process has been handled quickly and efficiently. I have been very happy with the service that I have received and thoroughly recommend Karl's services.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Karl

Karl can and visited us at our home, and went through all the services he offered and the pricing structure. He was very easy to deal with and definitely on our short list.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

As I'm self employed I wanted to start putting money away into a pension for the future.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl gave me the the advice and information I needed and required to set up a pension, also he done a lot of reserch and explained in detail anything I didn't quite understand and needed a bit more information on.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I've only just started paying into my pension so financially of course not but i was looking for an individual who could help me understand more and guide and advise me on pensions which I felt Karl did, to a very good and professional standard.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

July, 2016

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

Having recently lost my partner, I needed someone who could help and advise me on my finances relating to my pensions and retirement.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl was very helpful in explaining my options with regards to my pension schemes and what I could expect in return for my retirement. His information and advice was invaluable on this minefield of a subject.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Following Karl's advice my finances have been thoroughly reviewed and providing and more secure future.

What could they have done better?

On this particular subject, I don't think Karl could have been more helpful.

Review from verified client

July, 2016

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

PRIVATE PENSION PLANING.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

TO ADVISE ON THE BEST WAY TO PLAN MY PENSION ON RETIRING.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

SO FAR THINGS ARE LOOKING GOOD.

What could they have done better?

NOTHING

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Karl

Positive

Review from verified client

December, 2015

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

New pension legislation allowing for investing pension and income drawdown.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Whole of market search following fact find then selection of funds. Effectively communicated application process, reasons for fund selection , costs and provided a seamless link to Old Mutual. Spoke in plain English!!!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Happy with the outcome and on going communication.

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

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

Was in the market for a private pension originally then Karl aided in setting up of insurance for life, unemployment and critical illness.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Explained in detail the understanding around pensions and insurance without it being complicated.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes the outcome was more then expected.

What could they have done better?

Possibly around other areas where money could be saved of produced to increase personal income however myself as the client possibly did not have the capital to participate in these schemes.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

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

Divorce.

How has Karl Ward helped you?

He applied to my ex husbands pension company to get my half of the pension as per the divorce settlement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2014

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Clear explanations of my investments and the way forward

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Karl

He certainly seems to know his 'stuff'

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Karl Ward helped you?

I have placed my investments with Karl Ward over some years now and have always received first class advice He is very professional no pressure and keep in touch every 6 months to update He is very much recommended and have referred him to others who are equally pleased RW

What could they have done better?

No

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Carl provided me with a clear set of options regarding the purchase of an Annuity explaining each step, with pros and cons. He took time to understand what I required. Explained that he would explore the open market rather than just settle for the pension providerÂ’s solution. Due to my medical history Carl was able to identify a company that took this into consideration. This resulted in a significantly higher Annuity than if I had stayed with the companies I had saved with. Carl provides details of his fees from the outset and makes sure that you are happy with the solution without making you feel pressured to proceed. Carls proactive style spotted an error in my first months payment before I did. He contacted me to let me know that he had been in touch with my provider to correct the problem and even negotiated a small compensation payment for my inconvenience.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Visits on a regular basis to discuss our finances and how they are performing and whether any changes are needed. He takes into account all risk factors and describes them fully in every day language making things easy to understand. Never in a rush to get away and gives you all the time you need to make any decisions.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Karl Ward helped you?

Karl looks after all of my finances and keeps me up to date by conducting regular reviews on my retirement plans and investments. He is easy to talk to and explains things in an easy to understand language. I would certainly recommend him to my family and friends.

Review from verified client

September, 2013

How has Karl Ward helped you?

I have given less than five stars because Mr Ward is advising me for the first time and I cannot know at present if the advice he has given me is good. Furthermore, I have not compared his charges with anyone else's. Having said that, Mr Ward seemed to be very well informed, is patient and helpful in dealing with questions and has given advice which seems to compare well with good advice I received from a previous adviser. His services were recommended to me by a friend and, if all goes well, I will feel able to refer him to other friends of mine.

Review from verified client

September, 2013

How has Karl Ward helped you?

I was happy with the way I was advised and found Karl explained the investment well for me. He is very easy to talk to.

Review from verified client

September, 2013

How has Karl Ward helped you?

I had money sitting in a bank account, and knew it could work better for me elsewhere, but didn't have a clue as to what was available. Karl explained everything to me in clear "English", which gave me an understanding of the choices available to me