Gary Neild

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

We knew we needed an adviser to help us build a plan and then provide advice and stewardship.

How has Gary Neild helped you?

We have been working with Blue Sky for many years. The analytical effort at the outset has proved to be worth every minute because it’s formed the basis to our plan, guided many decisions, and gives clarity for every discussion. Blue Sky are right to insist upon it. We find Blue Sky provide what is probably known as a “boutique service” and we like its intimacy because it means their professional advice is consistent and focused on our circumstances and it’s reassuring and efficient when you deal with a team who know you and your needs. Talking through the options for investment and performance has turned a chore into an interest. It’s been one of our biggest and best decisions to go with Blue Sky.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Slicker administration in the early days to help deal with compliance requirements but their process is much improved.

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

Consolidation of pensions, complete a financial overview and forecast and take the necessary steps to ease into retirement with confidence provided by the financial portfolio and advice given.

How has Gary Neild helped you?

Blue Sky were recommended to us, but we were naturally apprehensive when we initially contacted them, as it felt a big step to be discussing moving our current pensions. However, from the first meeting we both felt at ease. We genuinely felt like we were talking to experts in this field, who always listened and advised us based upon what we wanted to do now and through to retirement. Throughout the whole process we have always been guided through our options and have been given expert advice – this has allowed us to understand our financial position and to make educated decisions. Our yearly review was very impressive and excellently prepared. Having received a great welcome by all the team on arrival, our expectations were not only met, but exceeded. We are both still smiling from ear to ear at what the company has achieved on our behalf. A big thankyou to Gary, Russell and the team for their tremendous support and advice during the last year.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Financial returns for the last year far exceeded expectations.

What could they have done better?

So far everything has met or exceeded expectations.

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

As we were coming up to retirement some years ago, we were very much aware that we would need professional help to maximise our financial position, and so we looked at several IFAs in the Christchurch/Bournemouth/Poole area, none of which met our needs.  Until we found Blue Sky!

How has Gary Neild helped you?

We were impressed by their friendly, open, but professional approach, and the plan that was put together for us has given us great confidence to enjoy our retirement. We have subsequently been able to follow Gary’s mantra - ‘enjoy your wealth’ (within reason!), without needing to worry about its management. We are also looking forward to the future under the care of Blue Sky as we have every confidence that their knowledge and expertise will guide us despite what life and the markets might throw in our way. We really enjoy visiting the Blue Sky offices, (the coffee and chocolates are very good!), where we feel everyone has an interest in us as people and not as just another client.  We have a great relationship with both Gary and Tammy, and they make us feel part of the Blue Sky family. We would have no hesitation at all in recommending this organisation to anyone looking for help with their finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have.

What could they have done better?

Very little. As we have (so far) achieved the investment returns we need to reach our planned goals, we are comfortable with the levels of service Gary and the team provide. They are patient and flexible whenever we request advice and help - so all we can ask is that continues into the future!

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

We'd had bits of advice here and there (when getting a mortgage), and then from a work colleagues husband who worked for a financial services company. When he moved away and someone else took over, we were unhappy with the situation we found ourselves in. An offer of a consultation from Colin Hookey Financial Advisers (where Gary then worked) happened at this time.

How has Gary Neild helped you?

We first met with Gary Neild when we were in our late 20’s. A free consultation with the company he then worked for, was advertised on our pay slip! We’d had our first child and were on the property ladder. Both of us have always worked for the NHS and, despite advice from other advisers, out finances were not in great shape. Now in our 60’s, we are both semi-retired and financially secure. This is through the continued guidance and planning we’ve received from Gary and the team at Blue Sky. We’ve not had the luck of inheritance, just the good fortune of that connection with Gary Neild. It’s made a huge difference to our lives

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are delighted with the situation we currently find ourselves. We are financially secure and feel confident about managing our finances in the future and giving some financial support to our children.

What could they have done better?

Nothing we can add.

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

Pensions

How has Gary Neild helped you?

“Investments can go down as well as up – we get that, but the value of outstanding customer service should never waiver and that's where Blue Sky excel. We were introduced to Gary Neild by a family member just over a year ago and it was the most important financial decision of our lives. On the face of it, our final-salary pensions looked decent. Keep working until you’re 65 and have a nice income. But that’s another 10 years off. We wanted a bit more, we wanted to live our lives now, not in 10 years’ time, so we sought advice from Blue Sky. Dealing with financial experts can be daunting and intimidating, especially when you have no idea about the subject, but Blue Sky were reassuring, informative and personable and put us at ease. Their due diligence was thorough and we have always known exactly where we stand. They took time to discuss our life goals and dreams and made us excited for the future. We have put our trust in them and their expertise - and it has lifted a huge weight off our minds. We no longer have to worry about our financial future, we now have financial security. Gary, Russell and Theresa provide a very professional service and have exceeded our expectations and we would therefore highly recommend Blue Sky.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing