Mikki Gant

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

Given that I am not the most organised person - at no point did Mikki make me feel awkward or tiresome. Nor did she make me feel insignificant as I am only a small pension holder and not a large investor. Very professional and I left feeling confident that she would hopefully be able to assist me.

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

Pension and investment

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Financial advice, she has helped us by taking money from our investments to allow us to purchase a house, and replacing it went our house is sold.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we bought the house and our one is on the market.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Financial planning for my future financial goals.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has a measured approach to advising, I always know I’ll get an honest response with all the pertinent facts considered. She thinks forward and proposes new thoughts and ideas - it helps me make the best choice for my money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

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

A lump sum inheritance to invest

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has taken over management of our investment accounts since our original advisor retired some years ago

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. In a difficult time for investments, ours has seen a steady increase over the years

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

We were very relaxed at the meeting.She has listened to what we have said and gave us good advice.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

I recently contacted Walden Capital regarding my pensions since I am approaching 60 and wanted some advice. Walden were recommended to me by an ex colleague who is a client of theirs. Mikki provided clear and concise guidance and answered my questions. Mikki made me think about things that I hadn’t previously considered and I am grateful for that. I am still to make a decision about my pensions, but I feel better equipped having spoken to Mikki. Mikki has the knowledge and expertise to help in the decision making process. Do I recommend Mikki, yes. More importantly I trust her.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

We had a really productive and insightful discovery meeting with Mikki and Keith. We covered a wide range of topics relating to retirement planning and Mikki showed how their modelling tools can be used for scenario planning. Mikki was clear about what the role of the advisor is and the value that they aim to provide to their clients. Also a very clear explanation of fees and charging mechanism. I felt we got a lot of value from the meeting and there was absolutely no hard-sell.

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

I had a pension that was due for payment and needed advise regarding my options in 2018.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

I have been with Walden Capital since then and Mikki has been my advisor for the past few years. I speak to her annually to ensure that I am happy with my investments and to discuss any other financial issues that maybe appropriate. I also feel able to speak to Mikki throughout the year if I have any concerns. I was particularly pleased this year when she was able to give me some valuable advise regarding my husband’s pension , which was really kind as he is not a client of theirs. Nothing is ever too much trouble and queries are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes my expectations have been exceeded this year

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I feel that the company is continually striving to improve and move forward . Their most recent innovation is the introduction of a client portal which I am looking forward to using, although Mikki stressed at our recent meeting “if you do not understand anything please call and we can talk you through it “.

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

From the transition from teenager to adult years, I needed secure financial advice from an expert in this field. Which is what I got!

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Has aided my understanding of the financial world, even with the basics!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes! My outcome was to have more of a grasp with what goes on with my savings

What could they have done better?

Nothing!

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

Retirement planning

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She’s provided valuable advice about my ongoing financial plans, and future goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

I felt like Miki really listened to what I was asking for and provided really useful advice.

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

I had been made redundant and wanted advice on how best to use the money.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She has helped me in decision-making when it comes to my own financial situation as I near retirement. We have revisited my risk profile to suit my circumstances, and she has given me some excellent advice for my wife regarding her pension and position in the event of my death.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome remains to be seen but last year's growth of my pension pot was in line with expectations.

What could they have done better?

I am satisfied with what she has done this past year.

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

We were seeking to bring the majority of our savings into professional management. Previously they were with various different providers without an underlying strategy..

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Through Walden Capital and Mikki Gant we were able to assess our risk appetite and choose investments that suited our risk profile.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I could put my fingers on.

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

Having sold my house I had a sum of money left over after making other living arrangements.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki is always polite, friendly and knowledgeable. She explains everything very well and understands my circumstances giving good advice in a positive manner. My annual review meeting with her is always a pleasure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I don’t think I would change anything.

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

The death of my husband

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has been professional in her approach to my finance and empathic to my unique situation. She explains everything in a simple easy to understand way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I can see and understand what has been achieved.

What could they have done better?

No

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

Planning for retirement and access to 25% pension drawdown

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki provided clarity around our current and projected position which helped inform our decision making. Once we made our decision, she coordinated everything, dealing directly with our pension orgs and setting everything up with transact.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. One year in, we are very happy

What could they have done better?

N/a

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

We had a very helpful and informative preliminary meeting with Mikki. She understood our needs for planning our retirement and gave us options to consider.

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

Retirement planning and a change in circumstances

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

With planning our funding for retirement and maximising tax efficient pension contributions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, yes.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

Very professional and friendly initial meeting where we were able to explore our financial situation in some detail. Mikki was knowledgeable and re-assuring and answered all questions fully. there was no pressure put on us to come to any early agreement.

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

My husband died and I inherited his investment

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She was friendly professional and very helpful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Consolidate finances

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

I feel confident that my money is in safe hands and is working hard for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Mikki Gant and her colleagues at Walden Capital have been managing my pension pot since 2017, so Mikki's advice and guidance have been part of this arrangement.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki gives consistently considered and good advice. She understands my situation, both personal and financial and in the context of an annual review she is thorough and gives updates where relevant.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am happy with how my pension is being managed.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

The need for financial security for my family and the best planning going forwards. We have worked with Walden Capital for a number of years and have since starting to work with her, she has always had a very sound and professional approach to the dealings with me.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Since the death of my husband last year she has provided sound advice for my finances during a very difficult time

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes most certainly

What could they have done better?

nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

Our first meeting was Mikki was really informative and we left confident that we have made the right choice of financial advisor.

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

Annual review of my pension

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

As always Mikki answered all my questions with easy to understand explanations and was happy to go through different scenarios.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

i sold a business in 2006 and was looking for advice

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

i have a small amount left in pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

i think so

What could they have done better?

the advice has been solid

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

Ongoing pension management

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

The annual reviews are very informative and useful. MIkki has all information to hand and answers any questions confidently to offer advice on any aspect of financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes no problems to date

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Everything is covered at the annual meetings

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

My husband and i wanted advise to invest to enable a good return and to know our money was in safe hands.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki Gant has given us second to none valued advise and has guided us to make the best of our investments. Mikki listens and is so knowledgeable and professional in looking after our interests. We feel that our investments are safe with the advice we have received from Mikki. Mikki is definitely an asset to your team.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have and very impressed. The Portfolio is excellent.

What could they have done better?

No need to improve.

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

As my wife and I were retiring we were keen to maximise our retirement finances.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has been very thorough in assessing our wishes and has constantly given us very good advice, which has always explained in a clear straight forward way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, dispite the financial turmoil Dover the last few years we have seen our portfolio grow far better then we expected.

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything the Mikki missed.

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

Initially the transfer of a corporate pension to a personal pension wrapper

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has provided a good and clear annual review. She is easy to understand, but also clearly knows her work well. She is very professional, but also friendly as well. The risk rating process and other review questions feel comprehensive.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The investments seem to be performing in line with expectations.

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

The provision and set-up of a SIPP for all my bits of pension funds from various employers, to effectively gather them togetherunder one fund which would allow them to work better as a whole item rather than disparate bit and pieces.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has herlped us keep track of the necessary bits, like Wills and Power of Attorney

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is not finalised as it is an ongoing process, which circumstances allowing, Mikki will be our side helping us to reach objective views and decisions.

What could they have done better?

Notyhing that I am aware of.

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

Pensions were an afterthought during my working career and although I had two 'advisers' one till 1996 and another till ~2005, neither showed any interest in my circumstances. Though I realised pensions were important, I had no knowledge as to how they worked - hence my decision to find another provider.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Since transferring my pension affairs to Walden Capital, I have had the services of two excellent advisers, the most recent being Mikki Gant. As well as explaining the World of Pensions in words of a single syllable, Mikki has dealt with my enquiries. These usually begin with asking Nikki to set out my option re a particular topic, and we explore it from there This approach has helped me to think my way through some major issues which need to be addressed as one gets older.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - I now understand how the pension fund is managed, so I can relax knowing it's good hands. Similarly, there several areas such as family trusts, equity release, power of attorney etc. - some of these I now understand, in others, I have taken some action. I particularly appreciate the informal nature of the reviews and the corresponding discussion.

What could they have done better?

I am completely satisfied with the relationship - Mikki gets the small things right as well as the big stuff Being realistic, I can't see any obvious way of improving the service.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

Mikki is enormously patient, calm, friendly and helpful. I look forward to working more with Mikki.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

Nikki explained my pension options clearly and concisely. She understood my aims in respect of my pension

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

Looking for long term advice.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Made sure the portfolio suited my needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yrs

What could they have done better?

Happy w0ith the service.

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

Retirement planning and investing the funds received from the sale of our business

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Excellent guidance and financial planning for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Certainly

What could they have done better?

Nothing!

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

Complicated finances with owning a business

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Pensions and forward planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and still getting good advice going forward

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

I divorced after 42 years of marriage. I had always trusted my ex-husband with our financial affairs as I knew so little about finance and really had no interest in it. When I was on my own I needed help with managing my money and Walden Capital provided that help. I trust their advice and know that they are working for me. Thank you Mikki.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki is honest, open and will offer suggestions regarding my financial affairs but I never feel pressured to accept everything she says. I enjoy the opportunity to mull over suggestions and I feel that I am encouraged to take time and decide what is right for me. Thank you Mikki.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I am really happy with the way that Walden Capital have handled my affairs. I feel that I am well informed of all that is done for me and how I might improve my life should I wish to do so.

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

Pending retirement & inheritance

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Our financial reviews are very informative keeping us on the right track

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have a structured financial flexible plan giving us extra income

What could they have done better?

We can't think of anything at present we are very happy with the service Saffron Walden Capital provide & for Mikki's advice.

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

Sold my house and needed to invest the money

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Gave advice and recommendations on how to achieve my long term goals

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Following divorce I needed advice about investing my share of the pension and financial planning for my future.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has been very thorough and listened to what I need. She is patient answering my questions and understanding my vague ramblings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

My initial Discovery meeting with Mikki was informative and useful. I look forward to further detailed discussions with Mikki progressing towards a financial plan tailored to my needs.

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

Walden Capital sponsored my local Bowls Club

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Excellent knowledgeable professional. Always responds in a timely manner and if she does not know anything will look into and inform. We could not rate her highly enough

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and the forward projections have been tremendous help in planning for retirement.

What could they have done better?

Genuinely cannot think of anything, perhaps HobNobs with the coffee?

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

15 years ago I received a lump sum redundancy payment, some of which I invested on the advice of a financial adviser.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

I am a "low maintenance" client. Mikki has managed my portfolio for the last 3? years and carries out annual reviews, explaining what has happened with my investment and taken note of changes in my circumstances. The reviews have been very helpful and she understands my situation perfectly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

As far I am concerned nothing.

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

I needed to know more about my pension and when I could retire.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She gives straightforward, honest opinions and is very reassuring especially if you need information about pension provision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - I always come away from my annual review in a positive and secure state of mind.

What could they have done better?

I cannot see any areas where improvement is needed.

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

The circumstances that caused me to initially look for an adviser was my long term financials.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki was extremely helpful during my annual review. She advised transferring my work pension into my pension sitting at Walden capital. She also provided me with information on ESG.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have indeed seen a positive outcome.

What could they have done better?

nothing.

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

I wanted to save and invest and needed some help.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has provided exceptional help with understanding my finances and the best way to plan financially for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am very happy with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

About seventeen years ago we had a lump sum to invest

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

For the past seventeen years Walden Capital have been our financial advisers. Initially with Mikkis' predecessor and latterly over the past three years with Mikki herself. The transition has been seamless and the quality of advice and service we have received has been excellent. Always on the end of the telephone to answer any queries on the few occasions I have needed to ask any advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have no complaints at all, bearing in mind the difficult times we are currently experiencing and have experienced over the previous four years.

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

Help with financial planning for the future and to better understand how the investments work.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

By being honest and open and explaining everything in ways I can understand. Mikki gives relevant information specific to me and my situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Optimising existing investment pool and longer term planning.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

she has helped me understand how best to achieve sustainable growth of wealth and management of financial well-being.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely.

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

Yearly update on investments

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

With our yearly revue of investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We were impressed with the meeting and information given

What could they have done better?

Nothing, we were happy with the meeting

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

I was due to retire and needed advise regarding my work based pension.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki contacts me on an annual basis to make sure that the investments currently managed by Walden Capital are still the right ones for my current circumstances, and to give advise regarding any future requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes !!!!

What could they have done better?

Nothing, from the moment I entrusted my pension with Walden Capital all the advisors have been very professional and knowledgeable but also really approachable and friendly. I may not always fully understand what Mikki and her colleagues are advising but I know I can always ask for an explanation without feeling stupid or embarrassed . To be honest this was the main reason why after looking at a few other companies I chose Walden Capital . Personally for me it’s more about the people I have to deal with rather than the company.

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

My husband has been using Walden Capital for approx 12 years. I needed pension advice, so became a client too.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki is able to advise in a way I understand. Finances are not easy to understand for me. I used to find it very technical and confusing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. After our annual meeting I was very pleased with the latest results.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything Mikki could have improved on, due to the everyday ups and downs of the last year.

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

My money was stagnating and not doing anything.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She has advised me of the best places to invest my pension and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

On the hole, yes i retired early which has been excellent.

What could they have done better?

There have been difficult times with covid 19 and other thing going on like the war in Ukraine, so i think on the hole they have done well advising me.

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

Dissatisfaction with existing adviser looking after our family savings. The amount of investment increased considerably last year following the sale of a holiday home.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Thorough evaluation of our personal circumstances, attitude to risk and plans for the future, leading to soundly based recommendations. Putting forward alternatives to familiar investment products eg Enterprise Investment Scheme, which we went for, and inheritance tax planning which we have so far not followed up. Mikki is very knowledgeable and professional, combined with a friendly manner. Dealing promptly with queries and ensuring that any issues arising are followed through.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

External factors primarily Covid and its impact on financial markets, rise in interest rates, the cost of living crisis and the threat of recession have combined to produce returns well below what we were hoping for. Hardly Mikki's fault though!

What could they have done better?

Comparison of investment performance of our portfolio with relevant market indices in order to give a better understanding of relative performance.

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

I was made redundant and wanted to use the money I received in the most efficient way possible.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Initially I paid off most of my mortgage, and began drawing on a pension I didn't know I was entitled to access, so that was a bonus.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The past two or three years have been difficult for investments, so returns have not been stellar.

What could they have done better?

I don't know what anyone could have done to make decent returns in the investment environment of the past couple of years.

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

Needed to know how best to invest a lump sum of money.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has provided good advice and explained various available options for the present and the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I don’t think Mikki could have done anything better. She is always polite, friendly but professional and happy to answer any questions.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

Mikki is very calm & friendly.

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

I wanted to change my pension advisor

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Easy to talk to and clear in her advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Work in progress

What could they have done better?

A couple of loose ends could have been tidied up sooner

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

Originally sought advice for investing an inheritance some 18 years ago. Came to Walden via Ken Smith (formerly with Whitmarsh Sterland), who did the groundwork for sorting out my investment approach and organising a mixed bag of personal pension plans. Mikki initially became involved in her then role as paraplanner, taking over as my primary adviser on Ken's retirement.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Despite the ups, downs and periodic dramas of the financial landscape, Mikki continues to manage my interests in a calm, competent and professional manner. Key to this is her comprehensive financial knowledge, straightforward advice and clear explanation of any implications or complexities which may arise, for example with longer-term planning or taxation matters, but always targetted to my own personal expectations and circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Having reached the stage in life where I am starting to really enjoy the fruits of my investments, my answer is a definite yes. As far as I am concerned, my financial arrangements are well organised and are being well managed. Any histrionics in the financial markets are dealt with calmly and effectively on my behalf. Annual review meetings are both thorough and useful, allowing me confidence in my future plans. I also have the benefit of knowing that Walden Capital as a firm incorporates a broad range of experience and technical expertise.

What could they have done better?

Hard to see where any significant improvements could be made. I am acutely aware that I could not have done any better on my own, which is precisely why I needed good advice in the first place!!

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

I needed someone whom I could trust to oversee my long-term financial management.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She has helped by being expert, clear, patient, efficient and very personable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

N/A.

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

I was transferring my pension.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Effective management of my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I am satisfied with the results, no further improvements needed.

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

When money was left to me after my parents deaths

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Giving information with regard to Investments and savings and ways to manage Inheritance tax

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is an on- going process and we will meet annually to review my financial situation.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind at this stage

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

Mikki took the time to explain everything and her patience meant that I was able to make informed decisions

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

I inherited my husband’s investment portfolio.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She has generally ‘held me by the hand’ in a very professional manner as I am someone who doesn’t really understand all the complexities of investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.