Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales)

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

Have always used an advisor since my 20s.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Yes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - pension and savings portfolio showing overall growth despite ups and downs

What could they have done better?

I could have bought Bitcoin when it was 10 cents.....no, seriously, annual reviews and interim consultations keep everything on line for target results.

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

My previous Financial Adviser retired and recommended Stephen Wales to me. It was obvious from the beginning that Stephen is an excellent person to have looking after your financial affairs. He is very thorough and knowledgable. He explains things in a way that, for someone like myself who is not necessarily up to date with finances, makes clear sense.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He has been looking into the terms of a Bond that was set up sometime ago. It was quite complicated and he has taken the trouble to look into the details and advise me that when it comes to an end, what we can do next.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This will be in a year or two.

What could they have done better?

He couldnt have done better. He has been very thorough.

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

General pension advice

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Stephen provided a clear, detailed and reassuring explanation of the pension and retirement options available for the both of us . Providing the information in a written and graphic form was very helpful, Stephen also encouraged us to think about our future lifestyle requirements and aspirations which help consolidate our thinking.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely reassured with the information provided.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, excellent service

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

To transfer out of a defined benefit pension.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Clear advice around the level of risk that was appropriate for me when choosing an investment strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

All advice and service has met my needs.

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

Following retirement it was necessary to have professional advice

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

With firm guidance to various option that suited my circumstances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The best that could have been expected with the past volatile of the financial sector

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

Retirement plans

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Absolutely fantastic advisor and already made my pension pot grow through his investment strategies

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, he’s great!

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

We had multiple pensions from a range of providers and were seeking expert advice in consolidating and creating a financial plan for us to meet our long term goals.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Superb advice and support, giving us complete confidence that our financial planning is taken care of.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Exceeded our expectations.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

My previous advisor entered retirement

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He has managed all my affairs extremely well. he has shown great patience and understanding in areas that I did not previously understand

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?

Husband recommended

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Consolidated my husband my pensions into a joint pension. Reviewed and advised on finances in future retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet for me

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Required help in managing financial affairs going into retirement.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Portfolio advice, drawdown, tax planning, and ISAs. Managing SIPP platform.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything I’m not happy with.

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

I needed assistance with pension planning

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Steve has set up a summary of our income, pensions and expenditure so that we can see clearly where we are financially

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?

There were a number of aspects that we needed support with, initially it was Critical Illness cover to ensure that our business would have viable options to replace key members of staff. Soon after we needed help with pensions and support to invest in profitable portfolios.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Stephen took the time to understand our requirements and implemented the solutions. We understand what we're budgeting for and short and long term investment plans are looked after.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so. Everything is going in the correct direction and our plans are unfolding nicely.

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

Having money invested for my pension

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Given me lots of advice? Explains things so I can understand? Takes time to listen to any of my concerns?

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Stephen is working on my options at the moment

What could they have done better?

Nothing he is absolutely brilliant

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

I can totally relate to the importance of planning for the future, especially when it comes to my family's well-being. I've been fortunate enough to have Stephen's help in this regard.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Stephen has been a great help in planning for my retirement. He has assisted me in setting retirement goals, determining the amount needed, saving, and investing. Together we have created a comprehensive retirement plan that can be adjusted as needed over time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Stephen and his team have shown excellent communication and professionalism since the beginning. I am looking forward to the future with confidence.

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with all that has been done, our family love the card and lottery ticket at Christmas but it is never the winning ticket, They could make it a lot better by picking the winning numbers

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Contacted me in good time and was informative but was unable to help with my specific need.

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

I was looking for very quick inheritance tax advice on behalf of my parents.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He was fantastic. He understood my circumstances quickly and gave excellent advice and in very clear, simple a precise manner. For quite a complicated topic, he made it very easy to understand his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Quick and effective advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, he was excellent, and a very nice chap as well.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen was extremely professional and knowledgeable. He listened to what I wanted to achieve and provided informative feedback in simple terms that I was could understand and make sound decisions regarding my finances.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

He is most helpful

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

My husband’s employer referred me to the financial advisor

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He has helped me by guiding me through the pitfalls enabling me to continue drawing my bond, advising me to plan for the near future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

He is very knowledgable and able to explain things clearly and fairly

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

My previous financial advisor was retiring.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He has successfully managed my investments for over a year. He explains everything very clearly, listens and understands my circumstances and requirements well. He takes the time to answer my questions and clarify the options. I find him very easy to deal with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

At a time of market volatility my investments have seen a slight rise

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

Previous adviser retired.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He has taken over from previous adviser and has provided and excellent service so far to try to ensure our long term financial goals can be met.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

This didn’t happen as I didn’t receive any call Delia Farr

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

Retirement of existing financial advisor.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Fully understanding my financial position having been briefed from previous financial advisor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Generally yes although have only been with Stephen Wales for between one and two years.

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Due to my retirement, investment of my pension fund and general help and financial advice.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Invested my pension fund, advice and guidance on drawdown, annuities, help and guidance on income tax and keeping us generally well informed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are pretty confident that our pension is in good hands and we're very happy with the outcome

What could they have done better?

I don't know

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

I worked overseas for many years and needed to invest my pension on return to the UK.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Stephen has been very helpful. He is very personable, trustworthy and shows a detailed knowledge of the markets.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have done well in difficult times.

What could they have done better?

Very little.

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

To advise and help us prepare for retirement.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

When we were able Stephen helped us with the release of cab lump sum and set up an annuity.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

He has been very helpful can’t fault him .

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

Transferring Your pension pot requires a financial adviser

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

A charming and engaging individual who listened to my needs and more than delivered on own expectations. Would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes more than pleasantly surprised.

What could they have done better?

Nothing more than exceeded my expectations .

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

Making investments

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Looking after my investment and being excellent at keeping me informed with changes in the market.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing as far as I can see.

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

Life Insurance required against new property

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Easily contactable and thorough throughout the process from start to finish

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

I was retiring and needed expert advice on combining pensions, setting up an annuity and ensuring minimum taxation on my pension earnings.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Stephen has undertaken several Meetings to cover all my concerns and provided information, advice and hard copies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Indeed! It has taken Stephen a while to pull together some reluctant pension companies, but he has kept me constantly updated with details.

What could they have done better?

Nothing!

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

We needed specialist advice on the management of our investment portfolio following the retirement of our previous adviser. He also manages other close family members who recommended him

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He has been proactive in the management of our funds to ensure we have the best returns and balance of investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Probably not.

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

I had to sort a pension transfer as part of my divorce. But Stephen had been an advisor to our company and that was how I knew of him.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Initially I called Stephen asking about pensions when negotiating my financial order as part of the divorce. Stephen had several conversations with me and gave me general advice free of charge. So when the pension sharing order came through I did not hesitate to contact him to help.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely and more. I had thought just about the pension transfer but he went through all of my finances and insurances with me. He worked out shortfalls and areas to consider as I am now a single parent with a mortgage and children to take care of. Very pleased and feel relieved.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Retirement

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Was able to find out whether I could afford to retire.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I was approaching pensionable age and had a variety of pensions and I also wanted to use as much money as possible out of my company to go into a pension.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He looked at all my pensions, identifying which should be kept as is, which should be transferred out and which I should take the money out of. He looked at all my current and expected future expenses with me, plus my aspirations for expenditure at retirement and calculated what I needed to invest and when I could afford to retire. My propensity for risk, plus my desire to utilise the most tax efficient route to save, were also taken into account.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything that could have been done better.

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

The need to consolidate a number of pensions and guidance on retirement and investments

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Steve has handled our pensions and provided investment guidance such that we could retire happily

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, very much so.

What could they have done better?

not much. The relationship has worked very well

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

Talking to a friend about my finances and he recommended Stephen, so I picked up the phone.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Great advice and guidance to get the most out of my pensions, protection and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, but as i am only 45 it is a longer strategy

What could they have done better?

nothing as far as i am aware.

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

In order to facilitate a drawdown pension. The company who Steven worked for then recommended that he was their expert in pensions.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

His advice has seen me achieve the growth in my pension fund over the years and sound advice for the future of my finances,

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

nothing I can think of.

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

I initially contacted Stephen for advice on a DB company pension.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He gave me excellent advice on my pension options for me to consider my decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I understood that the markets will fluctuate and and have improved lately as per his advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing excellent.

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

Initially I contacted Stephen for advice for future planning for retirement regarding my pension investments.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Stephen is very informative and professional with all his advice and inspired a lot of confidence in me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes all my future retirement planning is all in place.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

I am very impressed with the service Stephen has provided. He is clearly very passionate about what he does and finding the best possible solution for his clients.

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

I needed to allocate savings for the longer term and tax efficiently build towards retirement.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

We have explored and utilised various options to build income generators and robust longer- term returns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, very happy so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing in my opinion.

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

I was seeking the advice of a financial adviser because I wanted to merge my two pension plans into one.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Steve provided expert guidance on the best way to combine my two plans in order to maximize their potential for growth and maximize the benefits I would receive in the future. He took the time to clearly explain the pension transfer process and the reasoning behind the new portfolio he recommended.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am pleased to say that this new portfolio is already generating increasing returns on my investment.

What could they have done better?

I have been extremely satisfied with the service provided by Steve and his team.

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

I needed ongoing pension management assistance.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Managing pension and exploring full retirement through other income streams and cash flow analysis.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Not in my opinion.

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

To grow my pension fund.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Has helped me to ensure I will have enough income in my older age.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are on target.

What could they have done better?

Hard to think of anything else that could be done better.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen contacted me within 24 hours of my enquiry through vouchedfor.co.uk and was thoroughly courteous, knowledgeable and professional from the outset.

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

Trans fer of avc

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Investing my pension pot

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen has been my financial adviser for several years now and I have always found him to be polite and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend Stephen to any of my friends or family if they required financial advice.

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

Pensions and financial planning advice

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Proposed various options after a detailed risk assessment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes but always keen to ensure everything is on track or an improvement to the financial plan, so being proactive is essential.

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

I am due to retire over the next few years and I required a financial adviser to help consolidate my pensions, cash and assets

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Stephen took the time to fully understand my individual requirements, then laid out a detailed plan to move forward

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very pleased with the progress and the excellent advice, I wish that I had sought his advice a few years earlier

What could they have done better?

I dont believe stephen could have done better, he understood my requirements and guided me through every process

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

I was looking to start my pension and wealth planning for the future.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Steve did a great assessment on risk and a gained a detailed understanding of my goals and set a course accordingly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More than!

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing. I cannot even keep on top of the ground he has covered on my behalf, let alone knowing what else he could possibly do!

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

We were planning to move from the accumulation phase to drawing on pension savings & investments and wanted to move into semi retirement and working less. We needed a strategic review of our portfolios to give us the confidence to do this and consolidation & restructuring to a more appropriate risk profile for this next fun stage of life.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Firstly by looking at our savings and pensions in the round and projecting the long term cash flow which gave us the confidence that we could afford to retire early. Secondly by bringing together our pension savings and simplifying them in funds of an appropriate risk level. Steve also gives us a sounding board for ideas and productive debate over financial matters as we have transitioned from full time work to semi-retirement/retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely!

What could they have done better?

It's all been very good.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Excellent and knowledgable professional.

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

I was looking for specialist advice in relation to a final salary pension scheme and additional money purchase schemes for my wife and I.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Stephen was professional, knowledgeable and took the time to understand our needs. Stephen was referred to me by another IFA as my requirements were more complex. His advice was outstanding. I cannot thank him enough for his guidance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

We needed a professional to overlook our investments to create an income.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

We have been able to maintain our mortgage payments with capital in tact which has been very advantageous.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing of note.

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

Sold my co.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Good advice, sound planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

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

General financial advice and planning for the future

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Stephen gave me his time to help choose the best options for me going forward and to help plan for down the line

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good. In fact better than that. The progress gives you comfort and I know I'm in good hands

What could they have done better?

Stephen and Charlotte have always given me excellent service. I have zero complaints.

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

I had reason to release my company pension earlier than my official retirement age. Legally this required professional advice & I had seen several reputable companies but was not entirely happy with any of them.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Steve showed me what was possible, what I needed to do to achieve this and a likely outcome. He pointed out the possible high's and the low's. While I was hoping it would be all high's, the arrival of the coronavirus had a dramatic and almost immediate impact on my pension fund. He re-assured me that the investments were a long term project and that low's were to be expected and needed too be weathered and he was right.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I took his advice, followed his recommendations to the letter and I now have control over my pension finances that I never had before. Subsequent to this, I have been able to make future plans based on a sustainable pension. This makes for a far more relaxed future than I'd envisaged before meeting Steve.

What could they have done better?

Well he could move his office closer but think that's just me being selfish!

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

I wanted to upgrade my critical illness and income protection covers incase the worse was to happen to ensure my wife and children would always be comfortable

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Recommended through a reliable friend

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%. Our protection is 1000 times more comprehensive for only only a small increase in our monthly outgoings

What could they have done better?

Offered me a coffee on arrival ?

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

General guidance on my options

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Steve's expert knowledge prevented me from taking poor decisions. He was careful to take account of aspects I had not even considered and offered me sensible options. At all times he was professional, friendly, patient and explained everything in clear and simple language.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. A*

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

It was required by pension company.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

Accurate information and guidance.

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?

I have a personal Pension and a SIPP. I needed the help of a professional in order to ensure that a reasonable income from investments was maintained.

How has Stephen Wales (Ripley Wales) helped you?

He took over the management of my pension funds which had hardly been 'managed' at all by my previous financial adviser. He explained clearly his objective which was to maintain growth in line with the FTSE100 or better.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have broadly maintained the level of my investment while still taking an income. There have been times when Steve has suggested that I reduce my income in order to maintain capital but this was because of slower growth of my portfolio - based on an agreed level of risk in a difficult economic climate - and not for any other reason. After 10 years of working with Steve, I haven't had any nasty surprises and I feel confident with the advice that he has given to me.

What could they have done better?

I find it difficult to think of anything that would have been better. In the past, I have had some suggestions which have been taken on board but as Steve's business grows, he just gets better. He has always been very professional in his approach.