Lee Waters

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

We needed to find a local financial adviser who was able to meet 'face to face' to advise us on making decisions about investments and savings before the age of 75.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. Professional and informative advice which gave us every confidence that we had found an experienced advisor who was knowledgeable and approachable.

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Lee's advice was helpful and informative as he answered questions using layman's terms and online spreadsheets which were especially helpful. We were also particularly impressed by the speed an efficiency of his email responses.

What could they have done better?

N/A as the service provided ticked all of our boxes.

Lee's reply

Thank you for the review Ann, it's much appreciated. It is always a pleasure to see you and your family. I am pleased that I have been able to give you the confidence to deal with your financial affairs and that you are happy with the outcome.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Retirement planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Reviewed the prior arrangements I had made and advised on beneficial changes. Monitored those arrangements at all times since and especially since I have retired. Advised on further changes and put them into effect.

What could they have done better?

No

Lee's reply

Thank you for the review Bill, I am so pleased that you are happy with the Retirement Planning we have put in place. Look forward to seeing you again in April.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Financing for children's impending obligations. House move and funding. Grandparent inheritance planning. Investment strategy,

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Entirely

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Regular market updates. Practical advice on both expenditure and savings,

What could they have done better?

Cannot imagine!

Lee's reply

Thank you for the review David, it is always a pleasure to able to assist in all aspects of your Financial Affairs. I am glad the regular Market Updates are of interest to you. I look forward to seeing you again in February.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

I needed a financial advisor who acted promptly and professionally. I was working with a previous advisor who did not fill me with confidence. Lee, on the other hand, proved to be efficient, and his advice was sound, explaining each step thoroughly and making complete sense.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

After the initial free meeting, Lee grasped our needs (my wife and I) and gave solid opinions. We then had a follow-up meeting where he implemented our desires and presented them in plain English, so we were entirely in the picture before going ahead and making it happen.

How has Lee Waters helped you?

We needed a clear and precise package delivered in a timely fashion. Lee excelled at every aspect of our expectations.

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything that would have improved the experience.

Lee's reply

Thank you for the review Rijn, to hear that I excelled at every aspect of your expectations was very rewarding. It is always a pleasure to see you and your family and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Inherited a sum of money and was looking for advice on investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am confident that my investments have achieved my goals

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Quality advice taking into account my personal circumstances and attitude to risk when selecting investments. Professional, friendly and approachable.

What could they have done better?

Fully satisfied with the service received

Lee's reply

Thank you for taking the time in leaving a review following our meeting. It was a pleasure to be able to discuss various Investment ideas with you and I am pleased that we were able to reach an outcome that you are happy with.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Recommend from a friend

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No but totally due to world financial turmoil

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Great advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing they were helpful and caring

Lee's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Roger. I am so please that you are happy with Advice you have received from us at Barwells Wealth. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Need

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Security, planning, peace of mind.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Lee's reply

Thank you for your review Carol. I am glad that we have given you peace of mind where your finances are concerned and that you are confident you are on the right track.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

I needed guidance on maximising my financial planning in the later years leading to retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very pleased with outcome

How has Lee Waters helped you?

At the time, I had a relatively small private pension pot, which had previously not been managed well. I had every confidence in Lee’s professional advice and management, which turned my small investment around and I have been very happy with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied with the service provided

Lee's reply

Thank you for taking time to leave me a review Yvonne. It has been a pleasure to be able to guide you in planning for your retirement and that you are pleased with the outcome.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Advice on a will trust

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Lee Waters helped you?

He has given good advice with a friendly approach

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Lee's reply

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review Hugh. It has been a pleasure to be able to offer you Trust advise over the years. I look forward to seeing you next May for our annual catch-up.

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

I needed someone I could trust to help me with my savings

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Lee has looked after my savings and I know if I have any questions I can always call him and ask advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not as good as I was hoping but unfortunately that's the market

What could they have done better?

I don't think anything, I was in the low risk category and my savings went up but as the market fell so did my savings

Lee's reply

Thank you for taking the time in leaving a review, it is much appreciated. I am glad that I have been able to help with your Savings plans over the years and that you know that you pick up the phone to me anytime.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Investments and pension advice.

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Lee has helped us understand the options tailored to our circumstances and risk / reward profile allowing informed decisions to be made.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Financial gains have been lower than expected due to global issues, however, recovery in the medium to long term is expected.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Lee's reply

Thank you Jackie for taking the time to review our service. I am really pleased to hear you are happy with the advice we have provided and the level of service you receive from us.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I was made redundant and had re invest my pension

How has Lee Waters helped you?

He advised me on the investment That I would be comfortable with

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

so far yes

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with everything lee has done and is doing for me.

Lee's reply

Thank you Suzanne for you positive review, I am really pleased you are happy with our service and look forward to many more years of working together.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I was looking for someone trustworthy to advise me on my pension options

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Lee has been extremely professional in all my dealings with him. He has advised me of all options available to in an an open and honest way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Totally.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can bring to mind.

Lee's reply

Thank you John for taking the time to leave a review. I am really pleased that you are happy with the advice we provided you as you moved into retirement and that you are on track to meet your plans.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Lee became our adviser following changes in the Barwells company many years ago (Stuart Barratt was our original contact).

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Lee has been understanding and very helpful with all hsi advice since then, including following the loss of my husband and adjustments to my financial planning before and after this. I recommend him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investments have performed on par with similar ones, sadly not well over the past year, but in the long term it seems that a sound approach has been taken

What could they have done better?

Nothing in particular. The charges frm Barwells are on-top of fund manager charges, which together feel quite high, but I am told these are similar to those from other advisers.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Pensions and financial advice

How has Lee Waters helped you?

With my pension and always explained what is best for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much so.

What could they have done better?

Nothing happy with everything.

Lee's reply

Helen, thank you for taking to the time to review the service we provide to you. We are really happy that we meeting your expectations and that you are happy with the outcome following our meetings.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Confusion over drawdown and annuity

How has Lee Waters helped you?

No matter how much you look at facts and figures everywhere we were more confused than ever. Lee got straight to the point and has concluded business with us in a very professional clear manner and taken the worries away.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The media have done a good job of making sure people don’t get scammed and lose all their money. Lee and team have exceeded our expectations the outcome is more than we could have hoped for.

What could they have done better?

Seeking the help of a professional adviser and team is definitely the right decision. In Barwells Wealth we trust.

Lee's reply

Thank you Jeff & Hollie for your kind review. We are all really pleased to hear that we have exceeded your expectations and been able to help you retire with confidence.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Inherited money

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Advise and help over many years has been excellent

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Usually

Lee's reply

Thank you, Beryl, for such a detailed and positive review. It is very much appreciated. We are delighted that we have been able to help you achieve your goals and reassure you that you remain on track. I am also really pleased that you are happy with the clarity of our advice and the level of support you receive. I look forward to many more years of working together.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Investment options to maintain/grow funds tax efficiently and cover care costs

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Good advise and long term plan to switch to tax efficient ISAs + informal ad hoc advise on an old pension lump sum.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing' Lee is very approachable , assesses the core aims without unnecessary jargon or complexity and office /back up paper work appears to be efficient.

Lee's reply

Thank you, Tracey, for such a detailed and positive review. It’s greatly appreciated. We are delighted that we have been able to help you achieve your goals and reassure you that you remain on track. I am also really pleased that you are happy with the clarity of our advice and the level of support you receive. I look forward to many more years of working together.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Having relocated to a new area, I felt it beneficial to change my IFA who worked locally and was also younger than myself so could take care of my finances whilst I was alive. It was also important that my IFA was someone whom I felt at ease with; Lee Waters easily fulfilled these objectives..

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Removed the worries by managing my savings, investments and personal pension. Regular reviews and meetings have been held over the last 10 years and as circumstances have changed, my profile updated.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is ongoing and I am very happy with the service and outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - a very satisfied client.

Lee's reply

Thank you, Jill, for such a detailed and positive review. It’s greatly appreciated. We know that relocating along with retiring is particularly difficult for many people, so we are delighted that we have been able to help you achieve your goals and reassure you that you remain on track. I am also really pleased that you are happy with the clarity of our advice and the level of support you receive. I look forward to many more years of working together.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Inheritance Planning.

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Helped me to decided how best to invest my inheritance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

l have received regularly updates.

What could they have done better?

I was very satisfied with the service provided by Lee Waters.

Lee's reply

Thank you, Hilary, for such a detailed review. It’s greatly appreciated. I am sorry if you feel that the quality of service is not as you would expect, I know we have contacted you recently to start this year’s review, I would be happy to discuss your concerns when we meet. I am pleased that you were happy with my advice in respect the investment of your inheritance.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Investing for income

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Choosing the best investments for my personal circumstances and making sure my needs are met by periodic reviews.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my income is appropriate for my needs and my investments doing well.

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything.

Lee's reply

Thank you, Lynne, for such a detailed and positive review. It’s greatly appreciated. We know that producing stable income in retirement is not always easy and we a really pleased that you are happy we are meeting your needs. We are delighted that you are comfortable discussing all your financial needs with us and that you feel that you can call at anytime should you need too.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Needed a trusted advisor

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Clear, concise advice and extremely professional and friendly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

They are doing a great job, no changes required

Lee's reply

Thank you, Richard, for your very kind review. You could have chosen any other financial adviser in Lewes, so we’re delighted that you selected us. We understand how hard it is to compare financial advisers and are delighted that the qualities we strive to provide to all our clients; to be their trusted adviser, professional and above all friendly have met your expectations and that you feel that you are on track to meet your goals. I look forward to many more years of working together.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Lee

Didnt even ring me

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Lee

They never made any contact with me. Feel very disappointed

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Lee

Lee came round to look at our pensions and endowment to see if there is anything we should or could be doing. Unfortunately for him there was nothing for him to advise on and we have kept everything as it is, mainly due to a final salary pension. If I need advice on financial matters in the future Lee will definitely be my first port of call. I'm just sorry it was a waste of time for him. There were no fees to mention as per questionnaire.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Lee

I wasn't contacted by Lee himself and didn't proceed any further

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Lee

EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY -

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

good advise

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Was sympathetic to my situation, described the range of products on offer and was completely open about any charges. Was professional in approach but also understanding. Took pains to ensure I understood everything.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

At our first meeting, Lee efficiently, patiently and quickly assessed our requirements and outlined an overall plan of action, together with a projected timescale. During the period Lee was dealing with our case, it was both pleasing and important that he was always available and took our phone calls; if he was unavailable, he returned our call as soon as he was able, usually the same day.This gave us extreme confidence in his service on our behalf. He was very approachable and was able to share light-hearted banter with us, while discussing the case.

What could they have done better?

Lee met all our requirements and achieved a satisfactory conclusion to our financial needs to date.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

very easy to understand

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Lee to the time to understand my requirements and set out his recommendations in a clear and concise way.

What could they have done better?

None

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Excellent advice on transfer of shares

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Lee understood my needs perfectly and gave me sound advice. I felt that he had my interests at heart at all times.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Very thorough explanation of all available options with regards to mortgages available for a buy to let purchase and constant updates and prompt responses to all queries raised by me including takling on extra responsibilities beynond that which i expected in dealing with the mortgage valuer when queries arose on the property being purchased.

What could they have done better?

none- 100% satisfied.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Helpful, easy to understand advice.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

I felt Lee considered my personal circumstances and recommended the right products to me. We considered the LTV% in conjunction with the likely timescale for rises in interest rates as to whether a two year or five year fixed term would be preferred. We discussed the options regarding life and critical illness cover and I was given a number of options and scenarios to choose from.

What could they have done better?

I do not have any particular comments in this section. I have only used Lee and valued his service

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Lee made things simple so that I completley understood the advice I was given.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Carry on as he is .

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

GOOD COMUNICATION

What could they have done better?

VERY GOOD ADVISOR NO PROBLEM

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Technically very able and excellent level of service.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Having experienced an extremely high level of professionalism from Barwells for other services and with retirement looming, I decided to move the management of my financial affairs to Lee. Six monthly face to face meetings not only ensure that I feel my investments are being actively managed but most importantly has afforded the opportunity for an excellent working relationship. He is a good listener, taking time to explain complexities and uses his knowledge of the market to offer products best suited to these needs, ensuring that I am totally happy with any proposals. He responds very quickly to any query and Web access to fund valuations could not be simpler. He displays a genuine interest in helping, and I consider him to be of utmost integrity.

What could they have done better?

Very little. His company has an excellent business model which supports Lee in all the areas he either has knowledge of or his clients seek advice. It is very hard to be critical, even constructively.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Lee , explains everything clearly in a way which is easy to understand.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

Good honest advice. Friendly and personable. A pleasure to meet with.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

calm manner

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Lee Waters helped you?

I highly recommend Lee Waters if you're looking for well-researched and knowledgeable financial advisor. I found Lee explains his recommendations in a clear and concise manner with consideration given to your best interests. Lee is extremely approachable and always responds quickly to any queries I may have.