Chris Friel

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

My husband and I were both of an age where we should be actively planning our retirement. While we already had some understanding of pensions, we were a little overwhelmed by the potential of making a poor decision early in the process which would have had a negative cumulative effect on our funds.

How has Chris Friel helped you?

Chris took us through the forecasting process at a pace that suited both of us. This helped us decide the answer to the biggest question which is, of course, when will we retire? In coming to this decision we were also confident that we could help our kids, make some home improvements and fund a few more 'one-offs' when we retired.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have. Life caught up with us soon after making our plans as, through ill-health, I had to retire sooner than expected. I was particularly pleased with the advice that Chris gave around the funding of my first year in order to maximise the return on the remainder.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. As well as his technical knowledge, Chris brings a level of care and understanding to the fact that people can be overwhelmed by this process.

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

Wanting to make my savings work harder in an unsettling financial climate

How has Chris Friel helped you?

Explained a solid approach moving forward based on my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet, confident that I will see a positive outcome once i have completed my homework.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - great service.

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

I had reached retirement and was unsure that my savings and investments could cover both the lifestyle I hoped to achieve and gifting to my children.

How has Chris Friel helped you?

After confirming the details of my financial circumstances and gaining a full understanding of my objectives, he provided cash flow modelling of how my financial future might look. He worked with me on an action plan and advised on the most appropriate pension plan for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Chris has given me greater confidence in my financial security, guided me through pension consolidation and worked with me to ensure that I feel my financial situation is in order.

What could they have done better?

I am extremely impressed by the service provided by Chris and his team.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

We had some short-notice questions about multiple pension quotes received by my husband and me. Chris was able to meet us immediately. He provided useful, practical and pragmatic advice which highlighted some important questions we can put back to our pension providers. Once we have confirmation from our pension providers we would choose Chris again to help guide our next financial planning decisions.

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

I was looking at developing a forecast of my financial situation with regards to retiring at 60/63 and 67.

How has Chris Friel helped you?

I was impressed as to how specific the advice was for me. They took the time to understand not only my financial situation but me as a person which was vital.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I now have a very clear view of my options.