Ray Duke

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

I had 6 occupational pensions that I needed to combine for a pension income. This was too complicated to process myself, I needed specialist advice.

How has Ray Duke helped you?

Ray & Adam explained all the options open to me clearly & honestly. They took the time to understand me, my circumstances & my aversion to risk-taking. At no time did I feel any pressure to go for an option that I was not totally comfortable with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

They have more than exceeded my expectations & achieved this under difficult circumstances as the fall-out from the Covid pandemic is still causing delays & complications.

What could they have done better?

I can truly think of nothing that could have been done any better.

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

I found myself with a pension sum after a divorce. The pension sum could not stay where it was and I needed to place it in the care of someone as I did not know what to do next.

How has Ray Duke helped you?

From the first time I met Ray I felt I could place my complete trust in him and his team to do the best that they can for me. Ray talked me through my choices in a way I was able to understand and enabled me to make informed decisions. My faith in Ray and his whole team comes from the fact that they have always been honest, transparent, supportive and knowledgeable. Their subtle confidence and strong belief in the business models and tools that they use makes me feel safe in an area where I have no expertise at all. The whole team are very professional but with added humanity, if you choose to visit Dukes Financial Planning be prepared to be warmly welcomed, treated with kindness and respect, receive the very highest standards of financial care and advice and feel valued as an important client and person (whatever your financial experience or needs).

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My financial journey with the help and guidance from Dukes Financial Planning is on going. Each year I meet with Ray and the team to discuss my current situation, and I am very happy with the feed back they give me each year and the forecast of my outcome.

What could they have done better?

Due to my lack of experience in the world of finance I sometimes get a little lost with some of the discussion at my yearly reviews. The team have got to know me well and recognise my glazed expression when I am not fully understanding, they are very professional and care greatly that their clients fully understand so will reword things and go over them if needed. they always have the time to give their clients wonderful service, I would say always ask if you don't understand.

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

I needed the services of an independent financial adviser after selling my property and needing to invest some of the proceeds of the sale. I have been an extremely satisfied client of Dukes Financial Planning for some fifteen years during which time their assistance and advice has been excellent.

How has Ray Duke helped you?

Ray Duke has been of great help to me in arranging my investments over many years. He has always maintained regular contact, by interim phone calls and emails and in annual review consultations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome over the many years of Ray's help and advice has surpassed my expectations.

What could they have done better?

I am unable to highlight any areas in which Dukes Financial Planning could have done any better as far as I am personally concerned.

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

I wanted someone I could trust and build a working relationship with, Ray was honest and I felt comfortable with him. I had previously sought advice and felt as if I was just another customer and not a person.

How has Ray Duke helped you?

Ray, explained all and although I have a financial background he was not condescending in any way. Recognised that other companies could offer the same und understood my needs and requirements. The process of retiring is a one off and needs explanation without being complicated, which might cloud issues surrounding long term decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

While it is too early to have a long-term view on the service provided, all my initial expectation were covered efficiently and without any problems at all. Advice on delays caused by transfers were explained and Ray and his team did all they could to help. Documentation supplied was efficient and timely both from Dukes and Standard Life. The early indications are that my needs have been met, certainly the first ten moths have all gone to according to what was described.

What could they have done better?

I have not reason to make any suggestions at this time, all that I asked for has been met during the initial process and I feel sure that things will continue as explained.

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

Retirement.

How has Ray Duke helped you?

By looking in detail at my circumstances and having several meetings with my wife and I when he clearly explained the options and explained what he thought would be best for us given our circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days yet as I have only recently retired but I am confident I have made the right choice.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything that he should have done better