Asa Cardiff

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

Wanted to consolidate several pensions

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Gave me advice on current market, and saw to their transfers

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet

What could they have done better?

Can't of anything off the top of my head.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

Financial advice for investment of pension tax lump sum at low risk

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Recommended as platform which suited my attitude to risk

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes the platform has performed well and has managed to avoid the risk of Covid 19 financial downturn to some extent

What could they have done better?

The financial advice fully satisfied mt expectations

Asa's reply

You're welcome, Martin. Thank you for taking the time to write a review.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

Just retired and had excess cash which I wished to invest and wanted professional help.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa and I have been together over 10 years, and he has never failed to improve my finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No idea!

Asa's reply

You're welcome, Jim. Thank you for taking the time to leave some feedback.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

I had bits of pensions in different funds and wanted to know what was the best thing I could do to consolidate these pensions into one fund.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

He explained the pros and cons of any amalgamation, and provided guidance on options for me to consider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything that Asa could have done any better.

Asa's reply

Thank you, Martin. Much appreciated. Asa

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Retirement and a death in the family

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Reviewed the various aspects of my situation and provided information and clarification to allow me to consider possible actions in relation to my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is a long term situation open to the ups and downs of the world markets. Green shoots can be seen.

What could they have done better?

Nothing specific at the time

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

To amalgamate several smaller pensions and to maximize our long term savings as I approached retirement.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Introduced us to managed portfolios to suit our attitude towards risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, despite the charging structure our capital has grown faster than we could have achieved ourselves.

What could they have done better?

Not sure.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Needed advise on managing pension pot and planning for retirement

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

He reviewed our financial position and attitude to risk and advised on life cover as well as recommending transferring various pensions into a more effective product. He continues to provide regular reviews on how the pension is performing in relation to target income

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The pension pot has outperformed the market for our level of risk

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Business sale left us with a significant amount of cash to invest.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Discussed our circumstances in detail, advised on rationalising our current savings, our attitude to risk. future income requirements and finally recommended an investment programme with tax saving benefits. Subsequently arranged our investments as previously proposed. At each stage he has kept us fully in the picture regarding his work on our behalf.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our current savings and investments, together with the sale cash have been put in place as previously agreed. As we are only seven months into the relationship we are yet to see the first year's outcome! Asa is however keeping in touch on a regular basis.

What could they have done better?

Having had no previous experience of dealing with a financial adviser it is currently impossible to make any comments/suggestions about possible improvements. Asa has been competent in every respect.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

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

Dissatisfied with previous Financial Adviser.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Interviewing us and listening to our requirements then forming a long term financial plan suiting our needs. Incorporating regular reviews for added piece of mind.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days as first annual review is due shortly.

What could they have done better?

We have been very happy with the service Asa has provided and he has kept us regularly updated.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

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

My previous advisor retired.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Introduced me to alternative range of investments within his company.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

never completely satisfied but, Yes.

What could they have done better?

Face to face reviews should be increased from one to two per year. (Spring and Autumn)

Review from verified client

October, 2018

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

Pension lump sum investment.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

good impartial advice with detailed explanations of the options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

What could they have done better?

none fully satisfied

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Asa

Only interested in handling potential customers who have over 50K to invest.

Review from verified client

August, 2017

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

Widowhood Good investment advice.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Investment advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

?? Don't know.

Review from verified client

August, 2017

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

My wife and I were looking for financial planning, this included investments, retirement planning and long term estate planning.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Developed for us our clear and concise understanding of investing for long term estate planning. Guided me through the process of retirement planning and income expectations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have seen the outcome we were hoping for, advise received, risk defined and investments made. Retirement income achieved.

What could they have done better?

The expertise and attention to detail with which Mr Asa Cardiff has handled our financial affairs cannot be faulted. His advice has been presented in a clear and concise manner, but its a lot to take in, it may help if clients are encouraged to take notes during meetings.

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

The realisation that we needed to begin saving for our family's future.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa has reviewed the performance of investments that we had and, only where appropriate, consolidated these. Affordability and level of risk are regularly reviewed. Asa is very thorough and very patient.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We have continued to invest regularly and are very happy with the growth our investments continue to make.

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

We were about to retire and were looking for advice on how best to invest lump sums from pensions and from an inheritance.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa spent a long time getting to know us, our thoughts about investment risk and what we wanted to achieve in our retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I would wholly recommend and trust Asa to look after your wealth, keep it safe and make it grow. We are very pleased with our investment returns, but most importantly by having a projected investment and spending plan that is bespoke to us has allowed us to enjoy spending some money in our retirement without worrying about whether we will have enough for the future.

What could they have done better?

The only thing I would change is that I wish I had met Asa earlier!

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

Where to place my pensions.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

A successful placement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I cannot find a fault

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

I wanted to ensure that I invested in a portfolio of Stocks and Shares in an isa that best met my attitude to risk, whilst still hopefully providing a reasonable return.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa looked at my complete financial situation and considered my future requirements and then provided a recommendation that has provided a good return over time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

In a position to pay off the house mortgage, considering downsizing and semi-retirement.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa was recommended by our original adviser who had to cease working due to health reasons.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - Asa became our adviser when we had no mortgage, downsized and fully retired pensioners. Due to the ill health of our original adviser, our finances had been in limbo for a few years. Asa reviewed our new financial situation and recommended changes that have resulted in a good return on our investment in a very volatile market.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

I was left quite a large inheritance and wanted the money to work for me.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa advised the best way for me to invest and took into account my cautious nature.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I feel my money is safe whilst providing me with an acceptable income.

What could they have done better?

This is a new experience for me, so I have nothing to compare it to, therefore I don't feel anything better could have been done.

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

Widowed and needed advice to make the most of my money.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Recommended good investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Moe than.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

I was approached by the company.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

With pension planning and general financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I may be able to comment more in 20 years.

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

I had several pensions that were not earning much and needed some professional advice.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

He pulled all the information together and explained how I could be getting more from the investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - so far, so good :-).

What could they have done better?

I don't really know - I have nothing to compare my experience with

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

Inheritance.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

With good information.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

If he could see the future then wouldn't that be terrific!

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

Management of money originally invested through Edward Jones.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Introduced Standard Life.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

My previous IFA was very poor indeed and I needed someone who would look after my investments properly, to give them the chance to grow more effectively.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa is very friendly and approachable. He considered my needs carefully and has put in place a pension that is performing so much better than my previous IFA. The online facility he provides allows me to keep track of my investments on a daily basis. My investments are reviewed every 3 months and proactive changes are made to make the best of any current and predicted economic conditions. I feel that my investment is being really well looked after and it shows in the results achieved so far. In terms of charges, I consider Asa to be extremely good value and when compared to the growth achieved I would say the service provided is superb value for money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Well, I'm not able to retire yet, but Asa continues to help me in achieving the pension fund I am aiming for.

What could they have done better?

All my dealings with Asa have seen a responsive and positive outcome. Everything is dealt with in a highly professional manner. The Birthday cards and Christmas gifts are a nice touch too. I honestly can't think of anything that could have been done better. An all-round great service.

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

I had various pensions and I needed some help and advice, Asa was recommended to me by a friend who had dealt with him.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

He gave me the advise I was seeking.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I know.

Review from verified client

June, 2017

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

invest money.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

took over from previous advisor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

As I approach retirement in a couple of years, I wanted advice on my pension and whether investment was a route I wanted to take.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

I knew nothing about investments and Asa was great explaining it all to me and carefully assessing my attitude to risk. I felt confident with Asa's advice regarding my pension and my first very nervous steps in investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy indeed with the way things are going. I particularly liked the "comfort" meeting a couple of months in, just to ensure that I was happy and for Asa to explain everything.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - it was great!

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Approaching retirement in 10 years.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Excellent advice with regard pension savings and moving assets from one asset class to another.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , it is an ongoing process.

What could they have done better?

Very happy

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Needed a pension review.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Sound advise on where to invest for the best return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Limited knowledge of financial markets and with a sum of money to invest due to endowment policy maturing.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa reviewed my particular needs and wishes, and then drew up a financial plan that met those requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have been very pleased with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

I think the interaction with Asa is just right for my requirements. A quarterly review of my portfolio with the option to accept or amend suggested changes. An annual personal review to keep abrest of any new requirements, market trends or changes in my personal circumstances.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Making the most from the finance we had.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Simple explanations. Easy to talk to. Very knowledgeable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have. He promised a very good return on our investment and he has not let us down. All recommendations from him have proven fruitful.

What could they have done better?

We really cannot think of anything. He is there if we need to speak to him at all.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Inheritance.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Finding the best way for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has been just under a year so I will wait for the annual overview.

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied so far.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Retirement and inheritance.He helped me to understand.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

He helped me to understand the appropriate approach for me to take regarding investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been very happy with the results of his recommendations and am confident that this will continue.Asking.

What could they have done better?

Asking for a change in his sporting allegiance is not the constructive suggestion he might have had in mind. In other words, I cannot think of anything that he might have done better.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Interest rates offered by the bank were low so we decided to get advice from a Financial adviser.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

We have never invested money before and Asa was able to explain clearly and simply all the options to us. He knew our circumstances and was able to advice us on the best course of action .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have continued to invest our money with Asa's advice.

What could they have done better?

There is nothing that Asa could have done better.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

We had some savings and wanted to ensure they grew in value and retained their value ahead of inflation. We decided that fund based investments gave the best vehicles for this and that an IFA was the best person to advise us.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa talked to us about our attitude to risk and then advised us as to the most suitable portfolio for us to invest in.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Asa gave all the necessary documents pertinent to our needs and the subsequent choice of portfolio has proved to be very well suited to them.

What could they have done better?

We feel that Asa has done and continues to do an excellent job in the advice he gives us.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Wanted several policies collated under one banner with view to better return on what we had.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Advice, simple explanations of various options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good, at moment in right direction but still a few years to go yet!.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

the 2008 crash.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

I am not very interested ,,,,,he understood that and got on with the job.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

I needed financial advice.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

He looked at my finances and suggested consolidating a number of smaller pensions into one.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Growth has been on the higher side of what I was expecting.

What could they have done better?

I feel that the fees charged, a percentage, could be a little more competitive, that said, it is more than offset by the increase in value of the portfolio.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Start a pension and savings plans.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Came round to my house and went through all figures on my pension and advised how to get the best of the markets that my money was invested in.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes!.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. was very knowledgeable and gave sound advice

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

On inheriting a considerable amount of money in 2008, we wished to use the money wisely, in order to achieve financial security in our old age.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa outlined the possible actions we could take, together with making sure we were aware of all the risks associated with the proposed plans. He explained each option clearly and concisely, so that we fully understood what to expect, and the charges we would need to meet in order to avail ourselves of his services.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have achieved far more from our investments made via Asa than we had expected, and now expect to be able to fully enjoy our retirement, confident that Asa will have our needs and concerns in mind whenever he needs fo take any action. Even thougb our relationship is now a long distance one, we still keep in contact regularly, and conduct our periodic reviews via Skype.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything that could have been done better.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Retired with final salary pension lump sum.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Recommended suitable investment based on attitude to risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Bit early to tell.

What could they have done better?

Not sure. Took adequate time to review circumstances and make recommendation.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

I received a redundancy package and became a contractor.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

He took the time to get to gently probe my needs and suggest a strategy that suited my situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - as you are always warned, investments can go up as well as down but - at the moment! - I have made a positive return on my invesstment after charges.

What could they have done better?

I really do wish I could think of something, but I can't! Asa has been very helpful - I guess I'd like smaller fees, but I recognise that a flat rate is fairest as it enables him to advise people with small amounts to invest rather than only handling clients with large amounts.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

I needed advice in investing the capital I had on retirement.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

By asking me about my situation and advising me on which product best met my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

I had an inheritance from my late father and was close to the point of retirement. I needed financial advice in order to maximise the earning potential to back up my pensions.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

We first did a financial health check of all my (and my wife's) assets and liabilities. We identified the safe sum that would be available for investment. We identified the levels of risk, growth and remuneration from a variety of options. I was a cautious investor, wanting little risk to my capital sum so we opted for a spread of investments with Standard Life. He was upfront about the fees and costs. No surprises.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely. Asa has been able to identify the best option for me. I have been able to draw down a regular monthly sum over the years and my capital has grown. More of my funds are being turned into ISAs as each year passes.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything specific, we review my portfolio regularly and meet face to face each year to double check that nothing of significance has occurred that might otherwise threaten my plan. I thoroughly enjoy our meetings as Asa explains very clearly everything I need to know about how my investment is developing.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Pension and investment advice.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

By looking after all investment and pension funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes all seems to be going the way we've anticipated.

What could they have done better?

Not to my knowledge.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

I wanted advice on existing pension policies, one of which I felt was underperforming.

How has Asa Cardiff helped you?

Asa carried out a full review of my pension provision and arranged the transfer of a pension fund to a SIPP where I have more control. He also advised on the use of trust/expression of wishes for the pension funds, wills, and power of attorney. I felt he was thorough and made sure everything was covered. Since then he has provided regular reviews so that I know what is happening.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so. I feel happy I have an advisor with whom I can discuss my aims for the future, and who will act quickly if needed.

What could they have done better?

Bring the biscuits next time he comes to see me! Seriously I cannot think of anything specific.