Claire Csoka

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Claire

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First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Claire

Claire provided clear and relevant advice.

Claire's reply

Dear Cindy It was a pleasure meeting you this week and I'm glad to hear you had a positive first impression of our services. I look foward to working with you, as and when you are ready. Best regards Claire

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Claire

Very professional, nice manner, polite and accommodating.

Claire's reply

Dear Paul Thanks for provided a first impression review on Vouched for. It was a pleasure to meet you and to jointly figure out how I can help with your investment and pension planning issues. I look forward to working together with you in the future. All the best Claire

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Claire

No contact from adviser

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

I was assessing retirement and choosing the best route forward for the money I was to release from my pension as well as assessing the savings portfolio I had acquired. I had never dealt with an independent financial advisor before, but had come across some advisors in other institutions, which were not overly impressive or experienced (in some instances), hence why I thought it worthwhile to try someone who would not have an axe to grind for a High Street brand or product. In our initial meeting, Claire was very approachable, friendly, knowledgeable and was able to quickly see where I could be helped and how we could plan for the future.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire clearly and simply explained the best route for both the lump sum I was extracting and also for current savings that I had, and where I may better position those savings. She was able to show me that the savings I had acquired through some High Street institutions were not delivering as well as they could, and I took the advice to change these investments. Those decisions to change were correct. She was also able to start to explain the tax implications and how these could be improved over a 5-10 year plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Claire explains the options clearly and is not in any way pushy with any advice, I am always able to go away and think about what may be best for me, if I felt that was required. Obviously, with any investment, the current economic situation plays a huge part, but I am happy with how my portfolio has grown over the last eight (?) years and also, how it has been made more tax efficient.

What could they have done better?

Nothing for me. I have recommended Claire to several other friends, who have found her very helpful, honest and straightforward.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

Awareness of high income and lack of understanding of tax saving opportunities and best return for savings.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Clarified my complicated international pensions options, established investment funds, educated me on tax saving opportunities.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Initially it was planning for retirement that has now moved towards inheritance planning

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Listen carefully to our aims and compiled comprehensive, affordable plan. Claire is always willing to explain in further detail and address our concerns or questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Claire has been able to deliver better than forecast returns.

What could they have done better?

We do not believe Claire could do more than she currently does

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

I was considering retiring early from my defined benefit pension scheme, and wanted to ascertain whether transferring to a personal plan and accessing my benefits via flexible access drawdown would better serve my needs than drawing my pension from the defined benefit scheme. In the event that transferring out did better serve my needs, I would need an advisor who could facilitate the transfer out, advise on how and where to invest the funds, and advise on and assist in the drawdown process.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

As an Independent Financial Advisor who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Claire was able to provide the advice and expertise I required. Claire is an amiable person who is a pleasure to work with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

My husband and I needed advice on retirement when pensions became due and policies matured.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

She gave very helpful advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - she has organised our pensions and set up very effective funds.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

We realised that we had money in the bank that was earning nothing. We also wanted to invest for the future.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

We gave Claire a some of money and with her worked out a set of objectives. A plan to build capital with a view to being able to take some income in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have. We've been with Claire for 4/5 years and our capital has grown.

What could they have done better?

I really don't know. We are satisfied with what Claire has achieved.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

I needed advice about pensions and investments

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire has been extremely helpful throughout the many years she has been my financial advisor, helping me sort out pension plans and investments; both for my personal and company accounts

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have. The investments and pensions she has advised me to purchase have all done well.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. All her advice has been really good and she has been extremely helpful with advice when I have been in contact with her.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Pension provision

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Investment advice and continuing assistance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

needing best risk return ratio

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

sound and clear advice on high quality investment choices

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

nothing springs to mind

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

I'm a member of a defined benefit scheme (now closed) and a defined contribution scheme, both via my employer. I'm looking to retire in the next year or two, and wish to ensure that I get the best value from my pension pots, by transferring out to an investment / draw-down scheme, or by staying with my employer's pension schemes, or a blended approach, combining the two.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Firstly, Claire took great care to ensure that she understood the aims / wishes of my partner and I to determine what we wish to achieve and whent. Claire then researched in great detail my mind-numbingly complicated company schemes. This involved numerous phone calls and letters to the pension officer to clarify the basis upon which pension estimates in benefit statements had been calculated which, as was subsequently proven to be the case, seemed at odds with industry conventions. Based upon her research Claire developed a proposal a 'blended approach' (of draw-down using tax-free lump sum(s) and pension from my company defined benefit scheme) which will yield the maximum from the assets whilst maintaining the level of security which we require. I regard this an immense achievement given the fearful complexity and opacity of my company pension schemes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, 100%.

What could they have done better?

It's difficult to see what more Claire could possibly have done, nor how she could improve upon what she's done. Claire combined truly forensic attention to detail with great persistence, dilligently pursuing what quickly turned into the marathon task of unpicking the details of my company defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. Such dedication is truly exemplary.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

My previous IFA had retired a few years earlier and I had recently retired , a financial MOT and change of risk attitudes was required

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire reassessed my needs and risk attitude and identified areas where I was over exposed . My portfolio was completely revamped and I was encouraged to change my mind set from manic saver to enjoying my financial security , i e start spending .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , my portfolio is much better structured and pro actively managed now , unlike my previous adviser who let sleeping dogs lie once they were set up.

What could they have done better?

My last annual review was a bit late last year but that was understandable due to the upheaval of an office move . This year things are bang on schedule.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Required help with .org organising my finances before and after my retirement.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

My knowledge of how my money could work better for me was very limited,and with her advise it as twirled well. Wished I had used her well before.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

For me she could not have done any better,because all her advice as worked well for me.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Five years ago I decided to plan for my future finance and retirement plan. I needed to better understand the value of the three pensions I had as well as seek advice on investing the proceeds from share sales.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire is immensely helpful and knowledgeable and has been pivotal in successfully planning and executing my pension and investment plan. Claire is very professional, meticulous and personable and I had the utmost confidence in her financial advice from day 1. Claire and her team are always a pleasure to meet and I would highly recommend them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. Claire and I agreed a pension and investment plan which was very well explored, considered and then explained to me. One particular part of this plan was difficult and time consuming to make happen which Claire and her team carried out diligently.

What could they have done better?

I honestly cannot think of anything to offer in terms of constructive criticism as I am a 100% satisfied client.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Initially looking to improve my provision for retirement

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire is a highly qualified and experienced financial adviser. She gives her advice in a very clear straightforward manner. Since being with her she has given very sound advice and really made the most of my pension contributions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Pension

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Approach of retirement

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

By advising on 1) Current positions of pensions and income they would generate depending on date taken 2) Advice on taking of lump sum and sensible amount

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Pretty much 2 years plus on

What could they have done better?

Nothing so far

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Retirement and bereavement leaving me with lump sum

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Recommended a balanced investment portfolio to ‘protect’ capital and generate income with limited risk

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

I had received some money from a divorce settlement

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire gave me advice on how best to invest my money to give me a secure future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes most definitely

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

We looked for a financial advisor following an inheritance received.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire is extremely personable and consultative, she gives clear and concise advice but you are always in control ultimately of what you decide to do, there is no pressure at all.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Following Claire's advice 5 years ago we have been able to invest wisely which has enabled us to buy our dream family home and improve our retirement savings strategy.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to improve, she was always there when we required, happy to visit our home and provides useful analysis and reporting on how our investment portfolio has performed (and why).

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Transfer of pension fund from an under-performing and relatively infexible fund.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

A full pensions advice / management service: Researched the best options for creating the new fund; arranged the transfers; carries out active fund planning; updates me regularly on the status; holds regular review meetings for me; and arranges draw-downs if they are required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Running a busy small business and my wife working full time we were keen to obtain advice on where we stood financially taking into consideration our young son and his schooling. We had come to a bit of a crossroads with our present mortgage and were keen to safeguard the savings we had into a releavnt scheme so Claire's advice was to prove invaluable.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire very much opened our eyes as to what investments were available to us and how best we could manage these over a set period based on our financila position. Taking on this advice we committed to a plan that is still in place and giving us peace of mind. Additional advice was given on our present pension funds and mortgage which we have made positive decisions on.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have been delighted with the work Claire has done for us and it has meant our finances across the board have become far more organised and relevant to our future planning.

What could they have done better?

In no way could I find any fault at the work and advice Claire has given myself and my family. The peace of mind we now have has proved invaluable.

Claire's reply

Thank you Pete, it has been great to get to know you and your family over the years and to see your situation evolve and help with the financial considerations has been extremely rewarding. We look forward to helping your family for many more years to come. All the best, Claire.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

I retired from a large IT company... I was able to receive some of my pension as a cash settlement, and Claire was able to invest on my behalf.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire researched the company, and even went to their offices with my paperwork so I didn’t have to...

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Oh yes!

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I could see...

Claire's reply

Thank you Vanessa, we very much enjoy working with you and look forward to looking after your investments for many more years to come. Claire.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

We wanted a trusted home for our savings and investments in order to maximise our income for early retirement.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire has worked with us for over a decade advising and managing our investments from ISA's to pensions & children's investments to help us achieve our goal of early retirement. She is personable, trustworthy, listens to what the client wants long term and thinks outside the box to ensure risk (and tax exposure) is limited.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have now both now officially retired from full time employment and Claire has been instrumental in planning for this event and giving us the confidence to do so.

What could they have done better?

Not applicable.

Claire's reply

Thank you Lisa, it is extremely rewarding to know that we have been instrumental in your retirement decisions and it is particularly enjoyable to be able to use all of our full range of skills to the maximum, for example combining tax solutions in addition to investment and cashflow planning decisions. We look forward to working with you for many years to come!

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Advice about investments, mortgage and savings primarily

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Very sound advice and imparting if knowledge Listening to our needs and acting accordingly Reassuring and trustworthy Good knowledge of markets and funds Being accessible by telephone Regular reviews so we know what is going on with our savings

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything they can do better as we are happy with the current service and feel our savings are being looked after. We are also happy with mortgage advice

Claire's reply

Thanks Vivien, it is always a pleasure to look after yours and Paul's finances, unbelievably we have been working together for around 13 years now and I'm glad that you always feel listened to and that we convey information knowledgeably. All the best, Claire.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

I wanted to understand my options for retirement, specifically what income I could achieve if I retired at 60 bearing in mind that the state pension age for women born in the 1950s has changed more than once and that I have several occupational pensions whch become available at different times.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire reviewed all my pensions and savings, explaining the different computation rates and the implications of a variety of options. She was patient and clear in her explanations (it was complicated!) and provided a deatiled written record of everything that was covered in our meetings. She did not tell me what to do, but gave me sufficient information to be able to make an informed decision which involved transferring/consolidating some pension savings to provide income equivalent to the state pension for 6 years, thus providing a relatively stable income through retirement bearing in mind the change made by the government to the age at which I can apply to draw a state pension from 60 to 66.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very pleased with my retirement income and know that this could not have been achieved without the infomation I recieved from Claire. I also understand when and how changes will happen to my income in the future, and what my options are when these occur.

What could they have done better?

My only suggestion is to find a way to respond more quickly to emails, although minor delays in doing so did not impact on the outcome we achieved.

Claire's reply

It was a pleasure to help Jane make decisions regarding her options at retirement and to put together a plan which met her objectives of retiring at 60 and meeting all of her expenditure requirements. I am also glad that I was able to provide clear explanations on what can often be quite complex issues to convey and I always do try my best to talk in a clearly understandable way. I note the point regarding replying promptly to all emails, I think there were a few short delays where I was seeing clients and actually we have put some systems in place now within our team, to ensure all emails are responded to promptly.

Review from verified client

August, 2017

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

Because I was about to retire, my wife and I wished to receive professional advice about the future investment of our SIPP funds and other savings.

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire clearly explained the potential risks and benefits of the various options available. Then, having ascertained our attitude to risk, she proposed an appropriate investment plan, providing opportunity for both income and growth.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are very happy with the outcome, especially for advice about the redistribution of our investments in the light of current trends.

What could they have done better?

I have no issues in this regard.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Claire

Clear and unhurried.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Claire

Excellent so far. Met this morning to review my circumstances and needs and agreed a forward plan to help me plan for retirement.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Approachable, knowledgable and professional. I've been working with Claire for just over a year and have been very happy with the service so far. Claire took the time to understand my overall requirements and preferences, then put together a strategy including what we needed to do and the best sequence in which to approach overall. This brought a lot of clarity and valuable guidance. Since then we have made great progress through each area of pensions, investments, savings, mortgages and children's savings. I am happy with where we are now and feel my finances are in much better shape thanks to Claire's guidance.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

My advisor is able to clearly present the options and collect relevant information so that I feel well informed and confident in the decisions.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire researched the products well on both occasions and offered sound advice.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire is very knowledgeable about all aspects of finance. She is easy to communicate with and therefore easy to talk to. She reviews my portfolio on a regular basis and always appears to be 'one step ahead' of changes in the financial market, so financial information gets passed on quickly. Claire understands my attitude to risk and my personal knowledge of finance which she uses to continually improve my portfolio. I've found her to be very efficient with her work and to top it all she is a very nice person.

What could they have done better?

It is very difficult for me to find anything that Claire could do better because financially she meets my needs and requirements so thoroughly.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Accudo Investments - Claire Csoka - have been our financial advisors since 2006. They have advised my husband and myself on general financial planning, investments and also in obtaining a mortgage for us. Both my husband and I are retired and they have given us the very best advice and help for our investments - giving us a comfortable income. We have received the highest quality of professional service, they are very friendly and efficient in everything they do.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire is honest, knowledgeable and reliable. She will always do her absolute best for you. I could not ask for more.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire has been my Financial Adviser for around 13 years now (formerly when she managed the St Albans branch of Edward Jones and later via Accudo Investments Ltd in the recent years). Claire has looked after my pension schemes and my other investment business. I am very happy with the service I have received over the years, both in terms of the performance of my portfolio, the level of personnel service and ClaireÂ’s technical knowledge. When I first met Claire she informed me that she was a qualified chartered accountant, as well as a financial adviser, and as such she understands the tax planning aspect of financial advice, plus also the tax issues faced by small businesses. This struck a chord with me and I believe this is an extra string to ClaireÂ’s bow, over and above the expertise of many other advisers. As I am self-employed and I prefer to work with other owner managed businesses as I believe they have a similar ethos to myself in that owner/managers take pride in their work and are driven to provide the best long term service they can to clients. I would recommend Claire to anyone who wants to ensure that their investments are well looked after.

What could they have done better?

Claire does a excellent all round job.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

My portfolio that we put together after taking an interest only mortgage has performed much better than average, even during the recession. It has been a source of contention in our house as my husband decided to stick with his previous advisor and I am currently beating him hands down! Thanks Claire, one for the girls - and it looks like we will be able to pay off our mortgage sooner than we thought!

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire is extremely knowledgeable, professional, technically capable and personable. Claire is never too busy to talk or discuss plans/options. I find her very easy to communicate with. I have great confidence in her experience and industry knowledge.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

I first met Claire eight or nine years ago she took the time to talk to me and find out extacly what i wanted as i wasn't entirely sure how best to invest my funds which were just sitting in the bank, also about spreading the risk. Claire has contacted me frequently to update me and made me aware of how my funds are progressing and made further suggestions for investments. I have a basic understand of my finances but it's been useful having Claire explain it to me in a manner which i understand. Fundamentally i have continued with Claire because i have trust and confidence in both her as an individual and her professional advice. More recently i am proceeding with a house purchase and Claire has been most helpful in advising me and providing mortgage support

What could they have done better?

I would like to see Claire expand as i feel she has a lot to offer especially for new clients wanting to begin an investment portfolio, it can be a nervous time choosing how best to invest your hard earned savings and to have confidence in a financial advisor is invaluable

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Takes time to understand my needs. Advice given and questions answered in a way I can understand. I always feel Claire is "hands on" and not just reading a report and therefore feel that my finances are being looked after.

Review from verified client

December, 2013

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire took time to understand my requirements and the way in which I approach my personal finances and tailors her approach to this extremely well. She takes the time to understand whether either my circumstances or my approach to risk etc have changed and adapts her advice accordingly. I always feel that Claire has done detailed research in advance of our reviews and like that she is prepared to make changes when there is the potential for higher growth. Have recommended Claire to others and they have been equally impressed.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

December, 2013

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire's approach is extremely professional and she takes time to understand what the client is looking for long term before making any recommendations. She is personable and efficient and her annual reports are informative and so far extremely positive.

Review from verified client

December, 2013

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire is business like but friendly. She takes as much time as is needed to understand our needs and our approach to investments and always explains clearly and without jargon the products she recommends. She keeps us up to date with anything we need to know between annual reviews. The reviews are comprehensive and easy to understand and give an opportunity for us to change any investment as necessary. She is clear and up front about the scale of charges and always looks for competitive rates. We appreciate her personal touch and interest in us as a family. All our family members now use her expertise!

What could they have done better?

I know that this would be helpful but there's really nothing to add

Review from verified client

December, 2013

How has Claire Csoka helped you?

Claire is an excellent financial adviser. She has looked after my affairs for over 10 years and she was always been efficient and willing to help even with the smallest of queries. She explains complicated financial matters, such as pensions extremely well. Her company is also well supported by Sandra, her assistant. I would recommend her to anyone and have indeed done so.

What could they have done better?

She has done so many things well- this is really hard to answer. I suppose she could be more have been quicker in spotting I was paying more for household insurance than I should have but a minor complaint.