Steph McDonald

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

Long term finacial and pension planning. I have used an advisor for nearly 20 years and also make sure my children have access to finacial advice.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Pension and inheritance planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Up until the the recent changes by the goverment I was happy with the outcome we had planned. We are now in the progress in making changes on pension draw down and inheritance planning in light of the changes.

What could they have done better?

Before a meeting agree the objectives of the meeting.

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

Needed advice for the future for investing our money for our pensions to make maximum use of it

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Given us advice and guidance on our investments and pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, they were very good

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

I had no experience of financial planning in my career

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

She is constantly available to give advice when asked, and is proactive offering advice if she feels it is needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Visually nothing

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

I needed someone I could trust to help me with investments and pension advice

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has helped me to be where I wanted to be when I retired. She has also helped me pass money onto my son to help him buy his first property. She is still helping me look after my pension pot and I know I can call her at anytime if I have any queries and receive good advice that I totally understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Retiring and downsizing

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Amazing advice and constant monitoring of my situation

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

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

I had an issue at work and was in a very low place, I needed help to make sure I planned for a financially sound future

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has a very real, down to earth and practical approach. She explains aspects and options clearly without being patronising and enabled me to get an understanding of my options and potential consequences.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I feel comfortable and secure

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

As I approached retirement I wanted a Financial Planner to help produce a review of my financial situation and help plan the rest of my life.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph took all the information about me, my family and savings, investments, pensions and assets. A detailed assessment of my plans and needs in retirement were taken. The full report included cash flow forecasts. This included my attitude to risk and review of my whole savings and investment portfolio. The Report allowed my wife and I to make decisions to secure our financial future and plan for our family too.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The support and help from Steph and the whole team at HarperLees have exceeded our expectations. The planning has not only clarified our situation and given us peace of mind, she has enabled us to plan to help our Children and Grandchildren. Our savings, investments and pensions have been well managed and we have total confidence in the advice we receive.

What could they have done better?

The level of service and the advice we receive is exactly what we want. There is nothing we would change. The on going service and meetings and regular contact are pitched at the right level for us.

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

Had money to invest for pension/old age.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Sensible advice. Easy to talk to and understanding of my wants.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My fund has grown - so yes!

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

Inheritance and investnments

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Superb guidance and installed confidence with my finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - definetley - thanks Steph.

What could they have done better?

TBH, nothing that i can think of.

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

A pension tf that I wanted to effect

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

In the last year she has helped me regain additional tax free cash following the changes to lifetime allowance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

They have been excellent and I have recommended friends to them.

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

Needed financial help

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Pension planning investments and other financial hep I can not do expertise in all financial aspects

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I retired at 57

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I suddenly came into money and was unsure how best to manage it.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has real world approach and, after taking time to understand my needs, discussed my options and opportunities

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Very happy with service as it is

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

Financial planning for retirement

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Excellent practical sdvice

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?

I was very fortunate to inherrit some funds which i wished to continue with the long term investment.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Proivides confidence that my investments and savings are in a good position and is always available to talk to and provide assistance whenever i have asked.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, i've been comforted by the level of return over the long term.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, i like the way Harperlees provide a relaxed atmosphere and frankly puts one's mind at easde. Steph leads the charge in my opinion on providing confidence and where needed, guidance.

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

Originally client of Adrian Quick

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Reassuring, competent and available when required for problems

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Poor understanding of financial issueosrly

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Patient explanations and good advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mostly

What could they have done better?

Very little

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

Long term finacial planning and pension

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Inheritance and finacial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have a much better understanding of how to manage my long term and short term finacial goals.

What could they have done better?

Progress updates on agreed finacial plans.

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

Personal financial advise

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Making sure that my present and future financial needs are covered

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I'm happy with the advice and service I've received

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

I was approaching retirement and needed assistance with my pensions and investments for the future

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph talked me through and explained everything each step of the way. I had plenty of questions and received really clear answers.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am pleased with my income and investments

What could they have done better?

I do not consider I could have been given any better advice.

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

Concern about inheritance tax bill that my children might face

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything she could have done better

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

Ongoing review

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

By maintaining a sound grasp of our financial situation, needs and wants, Steph provides us with peace of mind regarding our future income and lifestyle.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the cashflow modelling is reassuring that my drawdown fund can provide the additional long term income and capital required

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Could not manage doing it myself not enough knowledge

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Helped in all aspects of financil planning and pensions and how to finacially plan to help children and grandchildren going forward

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes more than happy with all outcomes

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all

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

Needed a pension adviser

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Planning out scenarios of ageing and retirement, and financial needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Working on a flat rate not percentage

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

Inheritance

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Guided on how to make good life choices knowing I have good financial security going forward

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?

I needed help to plan for my retirement and ensure my investments were working for me.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

She has developed a plan so I could retire early.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely. I was able to take early retirement and spend time looking after my grandchildren and travel.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Finances were getting too complex

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Given us advice and confidence to live the life we are living

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I needed overall financial advice and planning services to help with all areas of personal and family financial planning matters.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

By understanding the needs of myself and my family and providing quality advice and support on all financial and related matters.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so.

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

To receive specialist pension planning and financial advice

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has helped by being a good listener, who has been responsive to our changing circumstances and needs, (and shows great understanding and empathy) as well as being very professional and astute in providing tailored financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I was able with confidence to implement a financial and pension plan which enabled me to take early retirement and become mortgage free (and discuss my various options, life goals and priorities,as well as understanding the risks and variables)

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

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

I was using my money inefficiently and not planning for the future

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

She is realistic in her advice, not promising what can't be achieved, and keen to metch her advice to my particular circumstances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am much better prepared and have control of my finances

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything, I am sure if I were to give Steph feedback she would immediately act on it.

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

Investments and Pension

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

She helped me find the best way to help my son financially with his property purchase

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

In my mind Stephanie always does the best she can for you.

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

I had reached a point at work where I was significantly unhappy and needed to thoroughly understand my financial position before considering my next step.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has a very grounded method for understanding and advising me as a client. It feels like a discussion with a friend and no suggestion of mine is too silly not to be considered - even when discussion reveals it actually isn't my brightest thought. Steph is never patronising or judgemental and her advice is down to earth, practical and realistic and I always feel much more secure after our annual review.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, I understand my position and therefore am more confident in my options.

What could they have done better?

I genuinely cannot think of anything here

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

annual review

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Friendly positive advice

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?

We had a pension pot and needed advice as to how best invest it.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

She has given us advice as to the best way to manage our finances. We feel very confident following the advice she has given us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far we have been happy with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Wanted help to plan retirement. Also discuss gifts to family

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph made it easy to understand my options and guided me through the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcomes have been fully met with my desires

What could they have done better?

I feel Steph and her Team at Harperlees did everything they could to assist me. Nothing I can think of that I feel they could have done better.

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

After a long career, I needed advice on how best to plan my Retirement and how to mitigate Inheritance Tax

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has made the process easy to understand and helped us make good decisions around funding Retirement and Inheritance Planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The results of working with a Highly Qualified Financial Planner has exceeded my expectations.

What could they have done better?

I feel Steph and the Team at HarperLees have done everything I could have hoped for. There is nothing extra I can think of.

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

Looking for ways to consolidate our incomes and expenditures to the maximum benifit.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has given us sound financial advice throughout and sorted our finances to allow us to gain the maximum benefit based on our circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Stephs advice over the years has given us a clear and honest view of or finances. To enable to see the present and future more clearly and realistically.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really.

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

I was seeking advice for long-term financial and retirement planning - I was introduced to Harper Lees and Adrian Quick and have now been a client for many years.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has been a part of the Harper Lees team that has consistently managed my financial affairs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Completely satisfied! At various times I have dealt with Adrian, Trey and Steph and I am confident that all/each has the expertise to deliver the objectives we have jointly identified.

What could they have done better?

There is no area in which I feel the team's efforts has been lacking.

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

Retirement and how to get best income from pensions and investments

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Annually reviews investments and needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

I'm not in a position to give an opinion

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

We needed advice on where to invest money in the long term so we could enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and retirement

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Yes she has been very helpful over the years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are very happily retired and have a comfortable lifestyle with no money worries.

What could they have done better?

No

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

My mum moving into a home

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

She is slowly taking over from Adrian has moves towards retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

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

Initially my husband had a company pension pit that was sitting doing nothing.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has made our plans for the future clear and relevant. She has demystified the options and given us round advice, peace of mind and fantastic results.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and more

What could they have done better?

There is nothing Steph could have done better. We have been very impressed with her level of knowledge, professionalism and approachability.

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

I have recently retired and needed advice regarding my pensions.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

She has helped me make important decisions for my future financial planning and has given me excellent recommendations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes plus ideas/recommendations I would not have thought of. Her knowledge of her subject is very good and she has put any concerns I had at ease.

What could they have done better?

I do not think anything could have been done better.

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

I inherited some funds and wanted Steph and the Harpelees team to continue looking after these funds previously owned by my parents.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Advice on the types of investments (including the potential pitfalls - very thorough)

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

In my opinion - nothing.

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

Transferring a defined Veni fits pension to a SIPP

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Advice and the practical aspects of moving a pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

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

Needed advice on pension transfer and retirement planning

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Provided comprehensive advice and arranged transfer plus regular reviews to confirm on track to reach objectives

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes- review confirms that despite current market turmoil am still in a position to retire

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

How has Steph McDonald helped you since your last review?

Steph has helped me with a decision regarding gifting my son enough to help him buy his first home. She guided me through all the pros and cons so I could make an informed decision.

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

LeDing up to retirement my Wife and I needed specialist advice and a financial plan for our future.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Great, sound initial advice and on-going updates to secure our finances. All undertaken in a friendly, uncomplicated fashion. Steph has a great manner and Sass and I regard her as a friend as well as an excellent manager of our finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely yes.

What could they have done better?

In my opinion it’s a great service - cannot really suggest anything better.

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

Pension & personal investment planning.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph has recently taken over from my previous financial planner who is retiring.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

To early to make assessment

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

I wanted to look holistically about my long term investment strategy, looking throughout retirement, and I was introduced to Steph and her team.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph is super, and she is for lots of reasons: 1) she is very knowledgeable of the financial market and she can make think in a different way 2) she helps me to take emotions out of my investment considerations and be more objective 3) she is always available with short notice when I need to bounce back some ideas at her

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, I feel I am constantly supported, and Steph and her team know what it is important for me

What could they have done better?

all is good so far

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

Impending retirement

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Recommend various options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes has meet our expectations

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

Wished to plan for early retirement

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Advised on the management of savings and assets to produce sufficient income

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes although markets have been challenging the advice has been sound and realistic

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything very pleased with the service

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

My brother had been taken seriously ill and I had little confidence in my brother's existing financial adviser

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Investing an inheritance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not applicable

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

How has Steph McDonald helped you since your last review?

Steph and the team keep in touch with monthly updates via email about things that are happening worldwide financially and give advice on what if anything we need to do.

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

How has Steph McDonald helped you since your last review?

Steph has helped to minimise tax payments and together we have made some changes to the funds invested in. Steph has always responded to any questions and during Covid switched to remote meetings which worked very well.

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

My husband was planning to retire.

How has Steph McDonald helped you?

Steph helped to prepare a report that illustrated our current financial position and projected how our retirement would progress financially. Our minds were put at rest, as I do not have a financial background. The investment decisions and advice have been clear and concise. We have also talked about Inheritance Tax Planning and how we can help our family.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The move in to retirement has been helped and the help has been more than I could have expected. Very happy with Steph and the people at HarperLees.

What could they have done better?

As Steph and her team are always professional and explain things to my satisfaction, I feel there is nothing they could have done better to meet my needs and situation.