Mikki Gant

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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!

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

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.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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?

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

Mikki is very calm & friendly.

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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!!

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2023

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

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I had sold a business

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Financial advice when needed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have found investing precarious, but then so is life

What could they have done better?

Hindsight is a great leveller

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Divorce and then Retirement

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Clear explanation of my finances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I’m content with the service

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I needed help advice and guidance through the financial minefield of pension investment and approached Walden Capital, and I was allocated to work with Mikki on my requirements.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has been able to identify and quantify my needs and approach to risks associated with pension investment accurately by listening to me and getting to understand who I am and where I am in my life.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In short, yes, and although I haven't been made a billionaire yet the outcome of Mikki's advice has helped my fund to grow

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Mikki has always listened and reassured me with her advice

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

to invest with a professional to help to make our investment grow

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

It has been a privilege to have the best professional second to none advice from Mikki Gant for our investments. Mikki listens to every question and puts our minds at rest with any concerns making us feel comfortable with the way forward. We can sit back knowing that our investments are in good hands with Mikki as our Advisor and know that we can rely on her to give us the best possible advice. 10/10 for professionalism and being a friendly approachable advisor. Thankyou !!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes due to the market at the moment

What could they have done better?

nothing better at all Mikki gave a second to none professional service

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

Consolation of pensions into a drawdown plan

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Provides annual report and consultation for pension and financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes full explanation of fund performance and suggestions for additional financial help and support

What could they have done better?

Nothing, happy with the professional service provided

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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

When I was with my previous provider, I received reams of computer print-out, with never a word of explanation and with no attempt made to relate the fund to my personal circumstances. I was a pension vacuum! Signing up with Saffron Wealth was a revelation, due in large part to Nikki G.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

. Over the past few years Nikki G has explained the composition of the fund (equities, bond and cash-on-deposit) and how the fund is administered by the Transact platform. It has also been helpful in considering how the needs/futures of family members can be secured by the fund. There are many such instruments, ranging from simple cash payments, through inheritance considerations and of course, minimising death duties. There are also services which that are not immediately pension-related, such as equity release, power of attorney etc. These are complex instruments and subject to annual Budget/Finance Bill variation. I have found that with Mikki G’s assistance, it is possible to get up to speed with these devices, certainly to the point of deciding whether they are applicable to particular situations. I have been impressed by the quality and transparency of that advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

II have benefited from the advice in that, had I approached specialist provider of a partiular service, I may well have been persuaded to buy an inappropriate product. With Nikki C's advice, it has been posssible to exclude some instuments as not matching my needs. Similarly, regarding the few areas where I have taken action, I have done so with a higher level of confidence.

What could they have done better?

I was satisfied with the advice offered as matching my enquiry and I had the option of discussing specifics in more detail should that be appropiate.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

n/a

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Yes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

Annual pension and income drawdown review

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Offered clearly understandable advice supported by up to date reports and data.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing! Mikki has a really good grip on our pension planning, understands what we are looking for from our funds, and presents extremely well. Mikki is a joy to work with.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

Pensions advice

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She is my pensions adviser

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

Investment of pension following a divorce.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has ensured that that my funds are invested in the right risk category to suit me. She has given me very helpful advice about how to release funds as and when I need them and about planning for my retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

SIPP investment

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She gave clear and competent advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not much

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

We inherited money had savings and pensions and needed quality advice

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

From the very beginning she has explained everything to us very well made us feel at ease about letting her invest our money and getting returns in the most tax efficient way

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's working out better than we ever expected making our paths into retirement and beyond financially stress free

What could they have done better?

Not a lot more

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

I needed pension advice

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki is like a friend who walks through the door. She is very patient with me and takes things at my pace. She has given me some very good advice in the last year since I met her.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have

What could they have done better?

I am not sure that she could have done anything better

Review from verified client

February, 2023

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

An inheritance

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Mikki has answered any questions with regard to our savings and investments clearly and explained the options available to us

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are on track within our expectations

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything that comes to mind with regard to this question

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

I needed advice about my pension prior to retirement.

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Yes. She has a very reassuring presence and gives a full and comprehensive explanation of my pension position.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. She answered all my questions fully and her guidance was much appreciated.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. I left the meeting in a reassured mood with the knowledge that my pension was in good hands.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Forward long term planning

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

Good understanding of circumstances and requirements - both short & long term, and then suggesting routes forward to achieve.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my situation has fluctuated and we continue to tweak and amend to match circumstances

What could they have done better?

Minor detail but as a business in my opinion Referrals could / should have been incentivised in order to develop new business - but to be fair I come predominantly from a sales background.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mikki

Lovely lady Easy to discuss my financial affairs with her Made everything simple for me to understand and gave me plenty of options to consider

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

In 2007 I received an Early Release package from the MoD and wanted to invest some of the pay off. Initially my adviser, Ken Smith, worked for Whitmarsh and Sterland and when he moved to Walden Capital I stayed with him until he retired and Mikki became my advisor in 2022 (I think)

How has Mikki Gant helped you?

She has updated me on my current portfolio and made sure that it is still the appropriate one for my attitude to risk. She has also offered advice on the possibilities of increasing my State Pension by paying for added years and using some of my investment to enhance my current pensions. She also discussed inheritance tax.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing