Helena Wardle

Helena Wardle

Smith and Wardle Financial Planning

Helena's reviews

Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 2 )

Mortgages ( 6 )

Pensions ( 40 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 17 )

Auto Enrolment ( 2 )

Investments and Savings ( 37 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 7 )

Inheritance Planning ( 8 )

Long Term Care ( 2 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 4 )

Financial Planning ( 1 )

Financial Mentoring ( 1 )

Financial Coaching ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 7 )

£200k - £500k ( 10 )

£100k - £200k ( 4 )

£50k - 100k ( 8 )

Up to £50k ( 9 )

Review

by a verified client in Bedfordshire

13 days ago

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Retirement was looming and needed advice on best steps to maximise pension options, and other financial matters.

How has Helena Wardle helped you?

Helena quickly realised that we are not big risk takers, and steady, sometimes slow, growth of our finances was the right pathway for us. She has never attempted to push us into anything we are uncomfortable with, and has always explained carefully the benefits (or otherwise) of any decisions made. We have recommended Helena and a colleague of hers to others…showing the confidence we have in her as a professional.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Although not every investment has shown immediate growth, many have. Those which were slow to take off came into their own, after time. We tend to plan for the long-term, and as already stated, are not interested in high-risk financial planning.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to identify what could have been done better. Helena has guided us to independently manage some of our finances in general terms, as well as acting as a mentor/ear for other queries regarding our money.

Helena:

Thank you for your very kind words! It's been a pleasure guiding you through the maze that is financial planning. We appreciate your confidence in our service and recommending others to us. We look forward to continuing our relationship for a long time!
First impression

by a VouchedFor user

a year ago

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Helena

I never spoke to Helena Wardle. My enquiry was passed to another adviser.

Helena:

Hi Lisa, I understand that you have decided not to go ahead with an initial meeting. As my colleague Katharine explained, I was unable to book a meeting with you so we thought you would like to see one of our other Financial Planners. At Smith and Wardle we work very collaboratively so you would benefit from the experience of myself and of my colleagues. We have taken onboard your feedback regarding your contact with us and will ensure that I am the first point of contact in the future. I wish you well and hope you can get the advice that you need. Kind regards, Helena Wardle
Review

by a verified client in Hertfordshire

3 years ago

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I had always left financial decisions to other people that 'knew better' but came to a point in my life where I needed to establish myself as an independent thinker, and independent provider for myself, now and into the future. I didn't want someone else to tell me what I should do, I wanted to work with someone that would help me learn to think for myself what was best for me

How has Helena Wardle helped you?

Helen has worked with me to help me consider what's really at risk; to balance different needs and for different timeframes. I now have both security financially but also for myself psychologically

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely!

What could they have done better?

There isn't anything that Helena could have done better. She understands what is helpful, and she develops a trusting relationship which has enabled me to explore where I would have previously avoided. And the contract we have means that I know any discussion we have is not driven by 'more' financial gain. The fees are already discussed, so now we can get on with what we are here to do - create & develop financial security and independence.

First impression

by a VouchedFor user

4 years ago

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Helena

Polite, explained details clearly, happy to take things forward.

Review

by a verified client in Bedfordshire

4 years ago

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I was looking for advice on early retirement, to see if I could afford to do this. I had received some inheritance money but didn't know if my plan was realistic.

How has Helena Wardle helped you?

Helena helped me understand my pension AVCs and how to save tax, showed how I could afford to retire early- but not in quite the same way as I had planned without her advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I now have a clear plan. Helena was great, really friendly. Was very quick to assess my situation. I was vary about dealing with a financial adviser but realised after my first meeting there wasn't going to be a problem.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.