Claire Calder

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

death of husband

How has Claire Calder helped you?

sorting stuff

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

not sure

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Early retirement, looking to improve my income and savings

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire has been in regular contact providing financial forecasts, planning and lately, support with Inheritance tax planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Retirement and sale of company

How has Claire Calder helped you?

With investment, financial and inheritance advice. Also Claire has transferred funds from a low yielding cash ISA into a stocks and shares ISA

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are starting to see a return on our investments

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Retirement and sale of company

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire has given us advice on financial and inheritance planning and looked into the transfer of some of our pension pots. She has moved money from a low yielding cash ISA to a stocks and shares ISA.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Despite difficult financial trading conditions, we are beginning to see returns on our ISA.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Reaching retirement age we needed to set up some short and long term planning

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Has given step by step advice on the options available

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mostly yes in these difficult market conditions

What could they have done better?

Happy with service

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Being made redundant at 59, and to consider option to take early retirement at 60.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire provided clear information on my options, inc. final salary pension transfer, cash flow and draw down options, enabling me to make the decisions and then with great support and guidance delivered the desired outcome.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing much really, Claire was friendly, patient and put me at ease, with good clear verbal and written communications. One thought, being relatively new to financial advise, there are a lot of terms, abbreviations and acronyms - so a glossary of these up front would be helpful.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

I was keen to discover if I could retire when I wanted to with the lifestyle I desired for the rest of my life

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire has made me think about financial planning in a much broader sense covering savings, tax, pensions and a diverse range of investments products. She has helped me to achieve a degree of passive income from sources outsdie my pension fund

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I feel more confident that my financial plan is robust and can withstand market shocks and unforeseen expenses.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Being of an older generation I needed financial advice thats up to date.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

She is very patient and explains everything in a way I understand. Very helpful and professionaly excellent.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

-

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Need for guidance on managing pension plan

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Made it very straightforward to deal with all aspects of my plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so , as have others who I have introduced to Ascot

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Looking for advice on financial planning, investments and pensions

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Clear, concise and professional advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

I wanted to improve my pension portfolio

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Advised regarding investments and my pension drawdown

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing Claire and the team at AWM have been excellent

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Lack of time to do it ourselves

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Very clear advice across a range of different options. Always explains things in a simple way

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still early days but we are very happy

What could they have done better?

We lead busy lives and Claire is very patient with us. Sometimes a little too patient!

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Some years ago it was about retirement planning and issues around Inheritance tax. Now as my family are financially self sufficient, there is little pressure on my pension, and I am concerned mostly with investing spare cash

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Mainly maintaining my current portfolio (mainly ISAs) and being responsive when I need to invest or draw down from the funds

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is hard to be positive in the current volatile market conditions. I get irritated by having to pay a fixed 1% fee even when stock values are crashing, and feel the fee should be related to the performance of the product, down as well as up

What could they have done better?

A fairer fee structure which should reflect the performance of the product

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Availability of investment funds and the need for expert advice

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Generally when advice is required

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Our expectations have been met

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Get a better service and adivce

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Invested my pension as well as possible

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes apart from what happens around the world markets

What could they have done better?

Maybe home visit annual reviews again

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Nearing retirement age I wanted to create income streams from various investments that were maturing. Claire assessed my risk factor and came up with some short and long term strategies.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

In a nutshell Claire is making my money work for me. Some interesting government SEIS schemes has also allowed me to get 50% tax relief on these.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes with the normal stock markets having a bumpy ride these alternative investment suggestions are all in healthy positive positions.

What could they have done better?

Ironically contacted me earlier ! So i could have got more years under their guidance.

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

To managed our finances

How has Claire Calder helped you?

With advise

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Transfer of db pension

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Excellent advice and management of sipp

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Planning need

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire is very technical and financial aware with a good personal touch and brilliant communication.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

On track and as expected

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Transferring my DB pension to a SIPP and ongoing management of the funds

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire provided clear and timely information and recommendations. She is an excellent communicator, highly knowledgeable and overall provides an excellent service

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely in all respects

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, all is first class

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Annual Review of my SIPP investment

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Provided clear advice on my options with sound recommendations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. It was very good.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Nearing retirement and so wanted some assurance that I could meet my financial retirement goals.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Assessed my attitude to risk and placed my pension funds in a lower risk portfolio whilst also allocating a proportion of funds away from direct market exposure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - less wild fluctuations than when I was managing my own money and decent returns. Cashflow analysis helped with my understanding of what was achievable.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Need to better manage my wealth and retirement plans

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire is an outstanding adviser who has great clarity of thought and is innovative in her planning advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

There is little I would suggest for improvement

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Retirement and a,decent pension

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire and the team at Sutton Winson have kept ahead of the curve with the markets, switching investments where necessary and have kept me informed throughout.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I doubt it

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Ongoing management of my financial affairs

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Clear effective advice on portfolio management through regular meetings and contact

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, but turbulent times this year affecting performance

What could they have done better?

As above very turbulent year

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Financial planning

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Looked after all our retirement plans, inheritance and advice on pension transfers.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We are very happy with the service provided.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Great planning and advice.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Creation of SIPP

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Explaining the rules and regulations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No suggestions here

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Coming towards early retirement

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Gave good advise, listened to what I was after

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days, but going in the right direction

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

We have been clients of Ascot Wealth Management for many years. Recently, because our previous adviser had moved on, we were assigned to Claire.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire arranged a meeting to introduce herself. We were impressed with her knowledge of our accounts and the way sh handled our questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's too soon to say.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Very reactive poor quality service from previous IFA who were one of the big firms. Seemed to want to do very little for a lot of reward, and where not interested in the wider picture beyond my pension, which became an issue when I took the lifetime allowance and ceased to make contributions, but still wanted to save & invest outside pension.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

From day one has taken a very holistic approach to both myself, and now my family. I now feel more confident that my pension funds are working harder for me, and they've helped me/the family save outside pensions to ultimately get 3 of our 4 children onto into property ownership in their own right with the 4th to most likely follow that path in 2022.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In a word, yes. Feel confident that Claire & the team are working well for me and my family, and they have proven to be good at coming up with solutions for the developments that come naturally when children become adults and want their own homes.

What could they have done better?

Tone down the 'Tech Speak' and remember that not all clients are as tuned into what is happening on a daily basis in the world of finance as IFA's are as they are busy doing their own thing which ultimately generates the income which feeds the flow of income to be invested.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Pension movenent

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Strong advice and excellent follow up

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much so

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Needed some tax advice many years ago.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

She wasn't my initial advisor at AWM but has been supporting me for the last couple of years on various aspects of my finance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes she is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and supportive

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Pension legislation and retirement

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Advice on investments and future plans

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I needed financial planning for pension reasons and IHT advice

How has Claire Calder helped you?

In all that was required

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I really don't know

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Needed financial advice following my husband's illness

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Gave excellent advice. Very calm and reassuring. Never pressured into anything. Always willing to explain many times, until she was happy I fully understood her suggestions. Readily available and quick to answer queries. Has maintained high level of care over several years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. Makes my life much easier in main financial matters. Gives peace of mind to avoiding future financial problems

What could they have done better?

Not aware of anything. Very happy with service provided.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Needed help to manage funds

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Investment advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

divorce

How has Claire Calder helped you?

She is personable and understanding of individual circumstances and needs, very helpful with all financial requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Predominantly pension and inheritance planning.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Solid and clear ongoing guidance and advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely !

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Pensions advice

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire is knowledgeable and responsive. She also delivers, making sure that any task or advice is followed through. Claire and AWM offer a thoroughly professional service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

To date all expectations have been met

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Needed advice on Family Trusts and Estate Planning.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire provided clear and concise advice and reassurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I was already using Ascot Wealth Management for my financial advice and planning.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire joined the Ascot team and has picked up the reins for our advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we had a very thorough presentation from Claire in the summer from her office in South Africa.

What could they have done better?

Not much, it was all the information that we needed.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I was referred to AWM from another Wealth management company.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Provides full service for all my financial / pension investment & advice requirements

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Heading towards retirement

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Provided an indepth analysis of cashflow requirements for the rest of our lives. Then put together an investment strategy that met/exceeded the needs of the cashflow plan. The investment strategy was excellently put together and Claire showed great patience in helping me understand all the different products that were included in the strategy and were helping to spread risk. Patient, Intelligent, Excellent product knowledge, Clear strategic thinker

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Hard to say. Excellent service but maybe a faster turnaround on monthly report (only a small thing)

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

My mother's inheritance

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Unlike larger companies she is innovative and cutting-edge

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very pleased

What could they have done better?

If I think of anything I'll let you know

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

After my husband died I needed guidance through the minefield of Inheritance Tax, Pensions and forward planning.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

She was very understanding and able to guide me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied with the help I have been given and she has helped me enormously.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Claire

Never spoke to the person in question...

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Ascot Wealth was recommended about 5 years ago when when I needed advice closer to home and not London based. Mainly for pensions but also inheritance planning

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire has been looking after me for about 3 years and along with Mark we have regular reviews to ensure the investments / pension delivers a good return. I have always followed their advice and very happy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes!

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

TO SORT OUT MY DEATH PLANNING AND INHERITANCE ISSUES AS WELL AS TO KEEP A PERSONAL INCOME IN MY OLDER AGE..

How has Claire Calder helped you?

SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN QUICK TO RESPOND AND OFFER BEST ADVICE FOR INVESTMENTS AND IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND IS DILIGENT .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

ONGOING.

What could they have done better?

I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING UP WITH CLAIRE ON HER RETURN TO THE UK WHICH HAS NOT BEEN AN IMPEDIMENT DURING THESE DAYS OF LOCK-DOWN

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

General future financial planning including pension advice.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Across the board

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

Urgent requirement for professional advice having decided to take early retirement.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Helped me through understanding the complex world of SIPP, drawdown etc. Providing advice on best investments for long term income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Non identified, am happy with the advice provided.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Mortgage for a new property purchase

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Found a great mortgage rate and helped the property purchase complete

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Nearing retirement and going to part time working I wanted to know when I could retire and my anticipated income

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire has advised me for a while now and Claire is helping me to diversify and lower the risk on my pension savings as retirement comes closer whilst still earning a return

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Barring the unforeseen such as the COVID pandemic the return has achieved target levels. Even in the recent crisis the downside was contained through diversification and swift re-balancing of portfolio risk.

What could they have done better?

No - Claire is willing to change the reporting and review formats to suit my preferences.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Looking for Professional Advice

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Gave me very comprehensive advice and options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Advice on pension planning and investment of pension pot on retirement

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Explained options and fund performances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Financial planning

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Yes she did very focused on delivering investment solutions perfect for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Great financial planning with foresight for me needs and circumstances

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

investments

How has Claire Calder helped you?

full managed service

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Consolidation of family savings into AWM and Claire was working at AWM

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Together with Mark Insley, Claire helped understand a number of complex scenario's including potential transfer of a sizable DB scheme. She has been available, helpful, knowledgeable and patient

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is early and I feel in safe hands

Review from verified client

July, 2019

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

Advice and subsequent management of DB pension transfer

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire is my current advisor and first point of contact at AWM

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

June, 2019

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

planning for retirement, childrens savings and portfolio management

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire gave a very clear view of market movement, how best to capitalize and helped to bring data to take an informed decision

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In a tough market situation currently i'm happy with where my investments are taking me

Review from verified client

June, 2019

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

pension legislation,retirement and planning

How has Claire Calder helped you?

on above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

Planning for retirement .

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Calm confident advice and reassurance. Always replies promptly to any query l may have. Pleasant and reliable to deal with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

My husband did all our finances until he became ill. I needed someone to guide me through the minefield of pensions and inheritance planning.

How has Claire Calder helped you?

She is very efficient and deals with any queries that I have without fail.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - all seems to be going well.

What could they have done better?

I am having an issue with one of my late husband's pension providers. I feel confident Claire will deal with this efficiently.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

Divorce

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Claire simplified everything and made a complicated situation easy to understand. She showed infinite patience and clarified the best solutions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

Pension, investment and inheritance planning

How has Claire Calder helped you?

Expert advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

Nearing retirement and wanted to maximize my income and minimise tax to be paid

How has Claire Calder helped you?

She has advised me on investing my pension pot. She recommended options for diversification from just directly investing in funds to spread the risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Whilst I still have some exposure to the market through a low risk portfolio I still see a substantial regular return that I can use for income if I choose.

What could they have done better?

Claire's personal style seems to suit me and she is always very open about the options she is presenting to me and the pros and cons of each. So no issues have arisen.