Rhidian Thomas

Cilbenrick Limited

Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 4 )

Mortgages ( 4 )

Pensions ( 19 )

Equity Release ( 5 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 16 )

Investments and Savings ( 32 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 10 )

Inheritance Planning ( 6 )

Long Term Care ( 2 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 3 )

£200k - £500k ( 4 )

£100k - £200k ( 4 )

Up to £50k ( 1 )

£50k - 100k ( 5 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

November, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Bridgend

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

I needed someone to take over my draw down pension portfolio and grow it to meet my retirement needs and then manage it during my retirement years

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Through a series of meetings Rhidian aligned our retirement expectations with portfolio capabilities. This allowed me to set my retirement age.He then grew the portfolio . Prior to retirement he changed strategy so it was best suited to meeting our retirement drawdown circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes our needs have been clearly understood and implemented.

What could they have done better?

In hind site I wish we had gone with our current drawdown platform sooner than the one that I came to Rhidian with. The diversification they offer has clearly been beneficial.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Carmarthenshire

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

retirement planning.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Clear and sound advise in planning pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More than happy with outcome

What could they have done better?

Nothing that i can think of. Happy.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Bridgend

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

My husband already had his Pension with Rhidian. I invested a lump sum. Its made money and allowed me to enjoy the rewards.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Made money on the stocks and shares

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes in the main. COVID has interfered with performance I think. Lost a lot but made most of it back it back 3 months

What could they have done better?

Have a crystal ball!! Rhydian has done his job well and combines my husband and my meetings and its well planned out in advance.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

My wife passed away very suddenly and I was going to retire.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian and Julian helped me with my finances in a very professional manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

No they dealt with my finances very well.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

My wife passed away very suddenly and I was going to retire. Rhidian My wife passed away very suddenly and I was going to retire.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian and Julian helped me very with my retirement plans. In a very professional manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I cannot fault the customer service they provided for me.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2020

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Rhidian

Rhidian is very thorough & has plenty of patience to explain things thoroughly. Nothing is too much trouble for him & there’s no pressure to commit until you’re completely happy. I only wish I had come across him years ago.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

In the 'minefield' that is pensions. I was looking for advice on my pension policies and what my options were.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian Thomas is extremely professional and explained all my options and what outcomes would look like in different scenarios. He reviewed all my pension plans and has come up with the best options for me and my family.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Certainly. Without Rhidian's guidance and support I feel that I would not have made the right decisions.

What could they have done better?

Personally Rhidian could not have done anything better. He has given us his time to discuss in full all our needs and he will certainly have my and my family's business going forward. If you are reading this review then I would recommend Rhidian Thomas and all the team.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2020

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Rhidian

Rhidian has been most patient in explaining things fully. As I have lost my husband recently, he has handled my case with compassion & sensitivity, encouraging me to bring a family member if I need that extra support. He didn’t put me under any pressure & wanted me to be satisfied & as confident as possible about my decision without any pressure to rush things until I was ready. This is the start of my journey with him & I’m confident I will have the support I need from him. I will continue to rate as we proceed.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2020

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Rhidian

Very good and proffesional

Review from verified client

January, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Monmouthshire

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

With so much money flowing in and out of my wallet it was prudent to get a professional in who could advise on how vast to plan for the future whilst enjoying the present.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

He is a consummate professional and he listens carefully, he weighs up the pro’s and con’s and he gives excellent balanced and future-considering advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Much more so than I had hoped for. I would thoroughly recommend Rhidian and Cilbenrick to any of my friends and in fact I have already done so.

What could they have done better?

I believe that the services Rhidian offers are so good that he should encourage his clients to send friends and family his way. A little incentive wouldn’t go amiss for referral. This is normal business practice.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Pension transfer and future planning. Also investment advice on other assets

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Aided with advice on a company to complete my pension transfer and investment of my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Very professional at all times

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

At the age of 59 I wanted advice regarding my pension pot and whether I would be able to access all or part of the funds , and possibly reduce my working hours or semi-retire, Rhidian was able to steer me through a few options in a polite , friendly efficient manner. I have since recommended his services to a colleague .

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian was able to direct me through the options available. He rationalised some of my savings plans , which were higher risk than they needed to be , and we changed them to medium risk with sustained growth. We also talked about paying off my meagre mortgage , which I have acted upon and I am now mortgage free.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

There was a hiccup with the pension pot , we initially thought I would be able to draw down 25% tax free, which under normal circumstances is acceptable. However in my case , as I have an older type pension which has a ring -fenced terminal bonus to be paid on my 65 birthday, I would loose a considerable amount of money if I withdraw even 1 pence. But that was not any fault of Rhidian's . Thankfully he was able to spot this before I had accessed any of my pension. If I had not utilised her services and proceeded directly by myself I may have not been so fortunate.

What could they have done better?

I am completely satisfied with the service to date.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

1. Change of job 2. Existing pensions not performing 3. Investments that had become stagnant

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

1. Reviewed all options available to myself & wife 2. Provided balanced options that allowed for new insurance cover & pensions to work in tandem. 3. Better preparation for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its still early days. The set up and support has been good.

What could they have done better?

1. Use more online services - There's a heavy reliance on paper copies.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Rhidian

Very easy manner and able to clarify financial matters in simple terms.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Rhidian

Early days as only initial consultation but Rhidian seemed very personal and knowledgeable.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Rhidian

Rhidian was extremely professional, establishing my needs and provided a comprehensive overview of my current situation and possible options. Our second meeting is to be arranged to discuss his recommendations. Would thoroughly recommend the service he provides.

Rhidian's reply

Hi David, Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to meet you and Christine and I look forward to working with you in the hope that I can help you plan for your retirement. Thanks again, Rhidian

Review from verified client

June, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Seeking advice on managing the risk to my pension.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Completed a detaild review of my existing pension and my risk profile.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Delighted with my Transact portfolio and the quarterly review service provided.

Review from verified client

June, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Needed advice on investments.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian has looked after my investments for many years. Only a phone call away but will arrange face to face meetings if required. Rhidian has always been trustworthy and honest. He always explains things in detail and provides regular reports and suggestions for improvement. Overall I am very happy with the service provided.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I have complete confidence in Rhidian and feel that he has done his best for me. Always happy to assist when required.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Retirement planning.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Excellent tailored advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Returns exceeded expectations.

What could they have done better?

Service was faultless

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Carmarthenshire

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

Our previous Financial Advisor underperforming and we were loosing money.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

He made an assessment of our attitude to risk and invested our money in a portfolio that allowed us to review and change our investments when there were changes in the financial markets.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Initially our investment went down in value due to the 2008 financial crash, since then our portfolio has increased in value year on year and continues to perform well.

What could they have done better?

No, I retired just over a year ago and Rhidian was invaluable in helping my wife and I with our pension and finances.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Disappointed with previous advisers advice.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Reallocated my investments to suit my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

Very pleased with the service received

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Carmarthenshire

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

I'd been contributing to various pension schemes since my early twenties, and over the years- because of change of employers etc, I had pension pots in a number of different locations. I needed help to "tidy" them all up, and keep track of them in a more orderly way.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian examined all my pension records, and very patiently explained what my options were. He seemed to fully understand my needs and goals. One of the most important things he did for me, was to suggest releasing part of my "tax-free" pension lump sums in order to pay off the outstanding balance on my mortgage. This was a great burden lifted from me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The sound advice that was so patiently and expertly given, has given me peace of mind in knowing that my pensions are under good care and regular monitoring. I don't have to try and understand complex rules and regulations, and feel I've got to make my decisions on my own any more. I get regular statements and advice updates- highlighting amendments which would be in my better interest.

What could they have done better?

I know I can contact Rhidian with any queries I may have, and am pleased to say I don't believe he could have done anything better- in my dealing with him over the last 3 years.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Carmarthenshire

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

I have dealt with Rhidian for more than 10 years.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

He has managed my private pension fund.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

nothing I am aware of

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

left in very bad situation by previous advisor.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Exceptional help and advice.Now back on track after a lot of trauma thanks to Rhidian's assistance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

As a very satisfied customer I can offer no suggestions to improve the service.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

On retirement I had 3 private pensions, 1 I was happy with and accepted. In comparison with the pension Accepted, not happy with what the other 2 companies were offering.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Advised different options open to me and possible income/pensions that I could receive by changing providers.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Having retired 3 years ago, pension/income that I have received during that time have by far exceeded my expectations.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I could not fault anything, advice given at retirement and follow up meetings has been second to none.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

money sitting in bank earning very little income.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

gave me sound advice on investments. and set up a portfolio. witch has performed very well,.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

.expectations were exceeded.

What could they have done better?

his advice and handling of my account has been excellent, I could not have wished for. or expected more,

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Bereavement.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Capital investment and setting up trust for grandchildren.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

no suggestions at present

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

My mother passing away & leaving me proceeds of her house sale.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

He advised me on how to invest the money in my best interests.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have and the meetings I have with Rhidian have increased my interest in financial matters and he is excellent at explaining everything in terms I can understand.

What could they have done better?

I am not sure really but what my meetings with him do is increase my confidence and enable me to manage all my finances. I really value his advice.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Neath Port Talbot

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

Change in personal circumstances due to long term illness and pension level.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Reassigning funds and releasing of funds while protecting long term outcome. Transactions were very quick with fast communication updating us at all steps.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, funds are now performing better and personal situation improved.

What could they have done better?

None.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Neath Port Talbot

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

My retirement.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian explained very clearly and at length what my options might be and his reasons for recommending them. He then suggested I think them over at my leisure ,making it easy for me to make my decisions. Rhidian also carefully assessed the degree of risk I was comfortable with.i.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my fund is providing the income I need and has also increased healthily over the last year.

What could they have done better?

I am perfectly happy with the advice I received from Rhidian and would confidently recommend his services to friends and relatives.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Neath Port Talbot

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

I wanted my pension to be invested and looked after and I wanted to invest money long term.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian was very good at explaining all options available to suit my needs, and I have been a client of his for many years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

To be honest nothing.. I have always been given the advice I've needed and more

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

I needed advice when my bank said they were no longer able to provide that service.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

He understood what I needed and was very thorough in guiding me through the choices I needed to make.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have been very pleased with THE RESULTS.

What could they have done better?

To my knowledge, Rhidian has done all I have asked and has always been able to answer any questions I might have had.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Value

Service

Based in Swansea

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

I had several occupational pension pots that needed to be consolidated and be in vested to generate reasonable growth.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian advised me how to consolidate the monies and achieve drawdown over a period of years without incurring punitative tax . He also has enabled my funds to be invested creating a good growth rate of interest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have achieved a reasonable growth rate of my capital, given the economic climate over the past five years.

What could they have done better?

I have been happy with all aspects of service from Cilbendric.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Gloucestershire

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

I wanted advice on managing investments and in the light of recent changes in pension rules I wanted clear guidance on my options for pension income.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Created and managed a balanced portfolio of investments for growth. Provided advice on alternative strategies for managing my pension funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes...well managed portfolio and clarity on pension income options.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Needed someone to look after mine and my families future financially, as at the time of looking I was going backwards.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Firstly with Rhidian he gave me a feeling that I could totally trust Rhidian to manage my money and get the most out of it towards my retirement, Rhidian is always there for me, offering any advice I need for me and the family. Since I started with Rhidian in 2009 he has doubled my money which is amazing and giving me confidence that me and my families future is in a good place.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100% and more.

What could they have done better?

nothing really, HE IS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME AND THE FAMILY IF REQUIRED

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Originally my husband and I needed Rhidian's help in reappraising and simplifying our portfolio. Unfortunately my husband passed away last year and I could not have managed without Rhidian's support.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian liased with the solicitor in organising the probate and advised me as to which investments to use for additional income and dealt with Transact on my behalf to reinvest the rest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The returns on investments have outperformed any High Street bank products.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of any way that Rhidian could have been more supportive.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

I required advice and guidance with my Pension and savings as I approach retirement.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

He carefully reviewed my existing plans and got to know my needs for the future. He also determined my attitude to risk, when it came to investments. He proceeded to explain his recommendations to me in language and terms I understood, allowing me to make an informed choice with confidence. Importantly, he took the time to explain things at length leaving me reassured and valued.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As a result of Rhidian's care and meticulous approach, I substantially changed my pension arrangements and some of my savings plans to better suit my needs. As a consequence I have garnered a much better return on my investments than previously, all of which I would have failed to accomplish left to my own devices.

What could they have done better?

Very little!!

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

To consolidate personal savings and a number of final salary pensions and to choose appropriate income investments. Additionally, I wanted help writing a Will and to identify a mortgage lender willing to loan to over 60s.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

I found Rhidian immensely helpful in assessing my attitude to risk, in crystalising my pensions; including the transfer of an occupational pension. Overall it was a very smooth and quick process to place my savings into an inclusive wrapper that I was satisfied about. Throughout Rhidian was extremely knowledgeable on the legallities and tax implications and steered me through a rather complex area.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my savings are in a single place where I can monitor their value on a daily basis and where I can make some investment decisions of my own. Rhidian provides quarterly written reports on the investment and is always available if I need to arrange a with drawl or if I want to review progress and to discuss plans. The return on the savings has been very satisfactory to date and in % terms well above the returns from an annuiity or available via cash ISAs. Through Rhidian I was also able to obtain a mortgage deal, and I have a clear and concise Will that reflects my wishes.

What could they have done better?

Rhidian has been immensely helpful, knowledgeable and has given me what I feel to be impartial and good advice. I really have no criticisms about his services.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Neath Port Talbot

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

Pension advice.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

We spoke about the options available.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES.

What could they have done better?

We covered everything

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Dwindling savings and poor advice from a previous adviser.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

From the word go he was concise and very helpful explaind all the various options which a lay person like myself could understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

absolutely, very impressed.

What could they have done better?

Nothing my quarterly bulletins are very helpful and he is always there if I want advice

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Reorganising our financial and insurance priorities.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Very good explanation of different scenarios so that we only had the insurance that we required and that there are no cross overs. Over all this has reduced our outgoings and provided us with more appropriate cover.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and we get regular revisions to keep everything on track.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

Investment advise.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Planning retirement .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Monmouthshire

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

The need to review financial planning & to balance available funds across investments & closer cash options.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Following initial telephone conversations Rhidian prepared investments suggestions & visited to discuss & fine-tune his suggestions. Rhidian took time to understand our situation & requirements. All aspects were clearly presented. There was never any pressure selling. Subsequently, there have been quarterly reviews (via the mail) & occasional home visits. Both mechanisms are geared to review our needs & expectations. Typically we follow Rhidian's logic & experienced rationale concerning our investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Simply 'yes' in all aspects as our investment journey has progressed with Rhidian during the past seven years.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything .... Rhidian has always been responsive to our portfolio nexpectations.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Swansea

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

I had savings to invest.

How has Rhidian Thomas helped you?

Rhidian has always given me excellent advice taking care to understand my wishes and my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investments have returned excellent growth.

What could they have done better?

Rhidian has always provided any help I ask for.