Ashley McCartney

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2021

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

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Down to earth, easy to understand

Review from verified client

July, 2021

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

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

Needing advice about my pension pot as I near 75.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Ashley explained my options very clearly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. My tax free sum has been invested in an ISA and the balance invested ethically, which was what I requested.

What could they have done better?

No, I don't think so.

Review from verified client

July, 2021

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

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

Drawdown

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Provided a written report and financial advice and organised consequential drawdown following virtual 'face to face' Teams meeting.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

July, 2021

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

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

Annual review

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

went over the figures

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2021

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

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Armstrong Watson is one of the financial adviser teams I am considering, and speaking with Ashley today has undoubtedly strengthened their position. Ashley was able to answer my questions, offered additional information, and checked whether I needed any more information at this stage. I found him not only knowledgeable, but also easy to speak to.

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?

Pension review and advice

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Gave me the total confidence that my Pensions were in good order and offered advice re next steps to future planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definately!

What could they have done better?

nothing

Review from verified client

May, 2021

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

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

Retirement

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Tax advice; pension investments review; advising on and organising drawdown fascilities and written report

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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?

Already had one

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Everything could do better

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2021

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

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Ashley was polite, friendly and easy to chat to. All the questions I asked him were answered clearly.

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 retired from the NHS and had a sum of money to invest and manage safely

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

The initial decisions about investments were made prior to meeting Ashley, but his advice and support keeps me updated and on track at a yearly review

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has been a tough year, but despite that, outcomes are satisfactory

What could they have done better?

Given the unforeseen circumstances it is hard to see what could have been better. The fact that a manager acts on your behalf and responds quickly to changes that are required before you even know it is a potential problem, is very reassuring

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?

When inheriting money ,taking an early retirement and a redundancy - we wished to invest for future times when we would have just our pensions for income.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

he explained that our savings were safe and doing well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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?

After taking early retirement, we needed advice on how best to manage our pension.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

He reassured us on the current state of the markets and answered all our questions and concerns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are happy with what was discussed.

What could they have done better?

Everything is very satisfactory.

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?

Purchasing first house and needed advice re which life insurance product was best to suit our needs

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Provided advice which was tailored to our scenario and situation. Very approachable and answered any questions we had.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - able to purchase product in time for our mortgage starting.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2021

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

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Ashley came across as credible, knowledgeable and extremely easy to deal with. I came away from our meeting feeling incredibly well informed and would highly recommend his services.

Review from verified client

March, 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 several workplace pension funds in different places from over the years that I knew very little about.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Ashley talked me through my whole financial position, not just my pensions, to make sure my affairs were in order. He then specifically addressed the issues with my pension plans and came up with an excellent recommendation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ashley picked out what was important to me and tailored his advice accordingly. He has done an excellent job and I completely trust him to advise on all of my financial affairs.

What could they have done better?

Honestly.... nothing! He stepped me through each part of the process and explained everything really well and gave me an ideal outcome. How can you get better than that?

Review from verified client

March, 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?

For professional advice.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

He helped me understand what options I had.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I don't think there is anything needing improved.

Review from verified client

March, 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?

Purchase of new house and wanted some protection in case of illness/death.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Informed us of all products available on the market and the one which would suit our needs the best.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2021

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

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Very accommodating and clear in all aspects of my concern. In tune with my personal situation.

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

Working self employed advised to do a personal pension plan

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Plans are in a fund which best suits our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes to a certain extent, during the pandemic all investments have suffered.

What could they have done better?

Not sure really as this was World wide and out of our control.

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

It started when I was in business, then just continued as it seemed to work

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Basic annual reviews up to now, but recently some good work on pension amalgamation and drawdown

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

given a bigger envelope to post forms back!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Good productive meeting, everything explained, spoke on a level we could understand.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Coming up towards retirement age, and wanted to look at options available

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Explained about when we should be looking at using our pension funds whilst taking into account other incomes etc. Also the tax implications along with advice regarding inheritance planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have

What could they have done better?

Not a lot really

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I was worried that one of my pensions was not working for me.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

We had a good chat about my pensions to see if there were better options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am still in the process of transferring my pensions to another provider.

What could they have done better?

I have been happy with the process.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I have invested for income for the past 20 years. Ashley phoned me for my yearly review in 2019, it was the first time I had dealings with him.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

In 2020 he conducted the yearly review again and pointed out some changes I could make to preserve my income and hopefully the value of my investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s too early to tell!

What could they have done better?

I don’t think anything could have been done better. I am entirely satisfied with the service.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

I have referred clients to Ashley for financial advice in my capacity as a mediator and a solicitor. Ashley always promptly contacts the client referred to him and deals with their query in a professional and courteous manner. This means that I am confident that my client will be well looked after when making the referral to him and that they will be receiving professional advice. Ashley ensures that I am kept in the loop and informed of the progress of matters when he is dealing with pension shares for example for my clients. I would highly recommend Ashley!

Review from verified client

December, 2020

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

Pension share from divorce

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Ashley did all the leg work and found me the best pension to suit my needs, he kept me well informed through all the stages.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

N/A

Repeat review from verified client

December, 2020

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

How has Ashley McCartney helped you since your last review?

By helping resolving queries from beneficiaries of a trust

Ashley's reply

Hi Brian, Thank you very much for the review. I hope that you are well and will speak soon. Regards Ashley

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

Have always had financial advice

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Discussed my financial situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Ashley is very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. He provided a top quality service and came back to me really quickly. He explained things in a way I understood and tailored his advice to my specific position. I would have no hesitations over recommending Ashley and will definitely be back when I require more advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Very clear and seems to have a good knowledge of pensions

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

ahead of retiring i made contact with Mr McCartney and have had good interpretation from him about annuity and policies as we lay persons cant always understand the jargon of the companies we hold policies with .

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

explained duration of my annuity and also the value of my remaining policy and drawdown procedures should that be required

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Cant be sure of this but voice on telephone was a bit muffled and thought that maybe he was using a hands free system . Not so bad as to have needed to point this out .Having said that I was using hands free on my mobile so maybe that was the cause .

Review from verified client

March, 2020

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

Needed to access my pension.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Gave very good and sound advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, everything was spot on.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

Cash withdrawal from pension. Company had set up my SIPP and so ongoing relationship.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Advice generally including tax assessment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Seems very knowledgeable. Explains everything in proper terms so you understand.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Ashley was very open and friendly, I was at ease while discussing my finances with him. He was upfront about the costs and did not try to sell me anything that I couldn’t afford.

Review from verified client

December, 2019

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

i am an executor of a late friends estate and also a trustee of an insurance bond which was to be distributed to various beneficiaries

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

ashley has been unfailingly helpful in all aspects and exceedingly patient in all our dealings and without his input life would have been much more stressful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

i do not think he could have done more and

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

When i first made enquires about my pensions i was apprehensive and unsure about how i could utilise my funds to suit my best interests however Ashley showed a patience to explain in detail how and why moving assets in certain areas would be affected and the outcome of those actions in my best interests.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Ashley was very helpful in explaining the benefits of each of the products discussed so they were understandable. This was appreciated as I had very little knowledge prior to our meetings.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Very professional and informative. Able to answer any questions that we had and was very keen to understand our circumstances and help find the best product for us.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

To withdraw monies from my pension fund.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Advised me the best way to proceed with my withdrawal, to change pension company and the charges involved.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Buying a house and therefore needed life cover

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Ashley found me life cover but also told me the benefits of critical illness cover which I was reluctant to take out. Following discussions and his advice, we decided that this was something that we should have. Thanks to Ash, we wouldnt have considered it as an option.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

He couldnt have done anything better, we got everything we wanted in a timely manner with a great service

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Lost my father to cancer and received a sum of money from inheritance.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Provided advice on what to do with the money received, and got me life assurance and CIC, and quotes for private health insurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the advice was appreciated and followed where I agreed, the life assurance and CIC has been initiated at a good price, and it was decided that my current private health insurance was as good a deal as I could get.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Recommended via work

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Regular contact with Ash. He was very thorough in fact finding and ensuring I was offered the right product. He explained how a lot of the products worked as I was new to Life Insurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes! Ash was very helpful and was quick in sorting out my insurance.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ashley

Very helpful and easy to understand

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

My Fiancé and I are buying our first home together and we were looking at options for life insurance and critical illness cover.

How has Ashley McCartney helped you?

Ashley helped in identifying policies that would be suited to our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Ashley's service was impeccable.