Nicola Watts

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

I had a redundancy payment, had just started up my own business and was potentially 10 years from retirement. I knew I had a reasonable pension from my previous employment but wanted to make sure I would be in a good place to retire when I wanted to not just when i could afford to.

How has Nicola Watts helped you?

By spending the time to understand what is going on with family, work and leisure and what our aspirations are, Nicola helped me not only invest my money at a risk level I was comfortable with but also supported me in navigating the complexities of my workplace pension. Her links with wider advisors on tax and wills for example was a bonus and makes everything joined up.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely - I have retired now when I wanted to - I have put provision in place for inheritance and I am enjoying spending my money!

What could they have done better?

I honestly can't think of anything - their communications are clear and timely and its easy to speak to someone on the phone or online.

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

To obtain advice on how best to plan for retirement and whether financially myself and wife were on track as well as any other issues (tax, etc inheritance) we need to be aware of when planning our finances.

How has Nicola Watts helped you?

I think Nicola and the team have listened to us and our retirement aims and objectives and helped formalise these into step by step plans and provide assurance that we are on the right track.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The information provided is clear and we found straight forward to follow. We dont have to follow it to the letter but it does provide a comprehensive guide on future income given a number of assumptions.

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

As I was becoming older I wanted to ensure that my money was invested wisely and that I could plan for a future that might include needing to have access to cash for care needs. I wanted to better understand what my options were and I wanted support to make the right choices for me.

How has Nicola Watts helped you?

Nicola has helped me to streamline my finances and better understand my financial position. She has helped advise me on the products which are suitable for me. She has explained things clearly and in a way I have been able to understand. She has the right blend of cajoling (making sure that administrative tasks get done) and understanding when they take longer than maybe they should.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The main outcomes I wanted were greater understanding and visibility of my assets and help planning my retirement including budgeting and investing. I have achieved this.

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied with the service. I would have been even happier with slightly higher returns but I think that's human nature!

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

I inherited property and money, when my mother died in 1990. I needed professional advice regarding the best way to invest the money tax-efficiently. I sold the two let properties at different times, when they became vacant. I needed help with investing the proceeds to give me income to top up my small salary. I would not have dared to take voluntary early retirement without being assured by a professional that I had enough money to top up my pensions for the rest of my life.

How has Nicola Watts helped you?

Nicola has carried on from where her mother left off, when she retired. She continues to advise me as to the best way to invest my capital tax-efficiently and to top up my income by appropriate withdrawals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have received the outcome I was hoping for. I am as confident as anyone can be in an uncertain world that my needs will be met for the rest of my life.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything they could have done better.

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

Approaching retirement and looking for reassurance that we would have enough to live the lifestyle we wanted.

How has Nicola Watts helped you?

Nicola has delivered on every level. We have a strong plan for the next few years and our investments have performed above expectations. Most importantly, we are now looking forward to stepping into retirement with confidence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes.

What could they have done better?

No complaints at this stage.