Nick Swartout

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

We needed some help with our finances.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Very much.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything.

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

Being made redundant

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

By giving excellent advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, every contact been very satifactory

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

Regular review of investments

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Made e aware of what I needed to do

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothng

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

I originally met Ken Bray when opting out of SERPS. We have been with the same company ever since.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

His advice is always sound. He has helped us ensure our pensions our invested to give a good return in as safe investment package as is possible.

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?

Investment advice

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Switching pension provider and inheritance tax planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, very happy.

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

been with brays for many years never let us down

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

always approachable soud advice

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?

My previous adviser was a long time friend who had retired, and I needed advice on managing my pensions/investments as I am 87.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick has reviewed my situation and has made some recommendations that I have found useful. He has given me confidence that the previous advice I'd received has left me in a good position.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is early days as I am following Nick's advice and making the necessary tweaks to ensure I am in the best situation going forward. I am confident that the advice he has given will deliver the outcome I am seeking.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind at this point.

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

Interest in investment

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

In every way a client would expect from a financial advisor

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

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

My Mother had left us some Money

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Advised where to invest which has proved rewarding

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is Happening

What could they have done better?

Dont know think it was a very good rtesult

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

I went to BrayWealth over 35 years ago to discuss private pensions and investments.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick helped us with my Mothers Investments,Savings and Inheritance Planning. He has Laos helped us with our Savings/Investent and Pension Planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely!

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything to be honest. We are extremely happy with Nick and his team who always look after us very well.

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

When I retired (aged 68, in 2008), I felt the need for advice on how to manage my pension

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

he has shown interest in, and understanding of, my financial concerns and helped to arrange an equity release facility when my wife and I needed access to more money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, we are able to pay our way

What could they have done better?

speeded up the response to my most recent enquiry. I worked out scenarios for how the surviving partner would have to cope when either of us dies. I sent it to Nick and await his comments

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

Professional advice from an expert I can trust

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

In all my financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Excellent service and Nick is a great man

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

Unexpected financial windfall

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Investing and planning for the future as well as massive support in all matters after losing my spouse.

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?

40 years ago I decided to save long term for when I retired and I was recommended to Nick's predecessor by a good friend and never looked back.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick has always given me good sound advice explaining clearly the prevailing market circumstances and the best course of action.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The market has turned the way Nick had forecast.

What could they have done better?

Nothing bearing in mind the volatile factors affecting the market in the last few years.

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

My wife and I are of a certain age and we wanted sound investment advice for our coming retirement and how best to plan for our children's eventual inheritance.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick has offered the sound and structured advice we were looking for. He is knowledgeable, personable and patient. We trust him implicitly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Despite the worldwide financial turbulence over the past few years, Nick has endeavoured to keep us on a steady course and for that we are grateful.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, given the state of the financial market. We do not come from a financial background and are therefore babes in the woods when it comes to investment. We have placed our trust in Nick and know that he has our best interests at heart.

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

After Mum passed I needed to protect proceeds of house sale as interest rates at the time were low and needed to plan for retirement.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick explained to me the benefits and potential shortfalls of investments and planning for retirement. We had regular meetings discussing progress of investments and current political climate and armed with this information I was able to choose perfect time to pay off mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, left to my own devices money would have just dwindled away.

What could they have done better?

Not a lot.

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

My family have used Bray Wealth for many years regarding investments, pensions, inheritance and general financial advice

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick has continually helped with financial planning for our family’s future regarding investments, pensions and inheritance advice. He has not only helped with financial growth and security but also recognises our family needs in a very personable way and is always available and willing to discuss any concerns beyond our annual review.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I can’t actually think of anything that could have been done better. Explaining things in layman’s terms works well for me.

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

A need for reliable, professional advice

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

He has given us reassurance about our financial future, in language that we understand and with the impression that he listens and advises accordingly. We are confident that his advice will provide security in our dotage!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Because I felt I needed help with my money in the complex financial world.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Invested my money, explained everything very well and minimised those investments in a tax efficient way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, recognising that certain things are out of Nick’s control such as interest rates, inflation etc.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Structured savings and their developed advantages are a complicated world. I needed advice, help and guidance.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Reorganised my pensions into a usable unit and sorted out my ISA account.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I now have a structured cash flow to help me through my retirement.

What could they have done better?

Not sure, they adapted my attitude to long term planning, so I’m content with my position.

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

Inheritance

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

He has always listened to what we need, invested our funds so that now we are able to live as we want to without feeling anxious. He always helps us when we have queries about our funds and spending. Easy to contact, quick to respond. We are happy and trust his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of at this time.

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

Planning for mortgages and investments, then later retirement.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Excellent at providing options… ones we would never have thought of ourselves. This has built a solid pension fund portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely hit targets.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Initially we were looking at our financial position when our 1st child was born. We are still with the same Company after 33 years.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick has always been available to discuss our financial position whenever personal circumstances have changed. Our plan was always to retire with enough money to retire early enough to enjoy ourselves and Nick has given us the advice and confidence to do this.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I would always like to buy at the bottom of the market and sell at the top. I haven't always been lucky in this respect.

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

We moved from our previous Financial Advisor after meeting Nick when he was dealing with my mother's estate. We were so impressed with how he went about everything, we decided to move our private pensions to Bray Wealth Management.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

He has helped and guided us towards and into taking early retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely! Without his skills we would still be working rather than getting out and enjoying ourselves.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all. I have recommended him to several friends and will continue to do so in the future.

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

Concern as to whether our pensions would provide sufficient funds for our retirement.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick, and his team, enabled us to manage our funds in such a way that we were able to pay off our mortgage within three years, at which stage we were both able to retire. Our funds grew to the extent that they remained fairly static whilst paying off said mortgage, returned very good growth whilst markets were good, and provided us with a comfortable monthly draw down. Even with the economic downturn of the last two or three years our funds have not fallen, and are now beginning to rise again.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To say that we "have seen the outcome we were hoping for", would be a gross understatement. All expectations have been exeeded.

What could they have done better?

Frankly, not much, if anything.

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

I was considering reducing my hours at work and I needed to know whether this would be financially possible for me. I also needed advice on my pension situation as I would be retiring in a few years time.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

He and his predecessor, Ken, have patiently and clearly explained matters to me on many occasions and have provided advice, reassurance and set up investments which meet my needs and match my levels of risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Broadly, yes. Obviously, the pandemic affected the financial world, but overall, the progress and outcomes have been positive

What could they have done better?

I’m not sure that I have enough financial expertise to comment on this. Certainly, in their personal dealings with me, they have been excellent.

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

Pensions advice and financial planning

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick is a great sounding board on most financial matters. He always points us in the right direction, recommends reliable people if it's not his expertise and Bray Wealth Management is a very efficient, friendly and reliable organisation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes -100%

What could they have done better?

Hard pushed to find something here. Someone from his office responds fairly quickly if I reach out.

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

50 years ago a chap popped into our office called Ken Bray and i liked the cut of his jib. He was my advisor until the end

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

continued on from Ken, Nick is very good

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

could have offered to take me to Stamford Bridge more often

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

Approaching retirement age and investment planning for the future

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick has continued to provide our family with sound financial planning advice throughout.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Despite global market difficulties in the past 3yrs, yes.

What could they have done better?

Not very much.

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

I used to ow a small business and was looking for financial advice around the time of exiting the business so that I could maximise the value from the many years' work and setup suitable protections for my family.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick has provided clear, sensible and grounded advice throughout the time that he has advised me, this advice has helped me me understand my options and make the best possible decisions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have setup insurances, ISAs and and pension fund with the help of Nick and the team at Bray Financial

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

To make an investment

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Keeping me updated on changes in my investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I am aware of

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

To help with financial planing for the future

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

He has helped us to make financial plans and goals looking at both the short, medium and longer term

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is an ongoing situation but it has helped us to plan for the future and reduce as mortgage a part of that plan

What could they have done better?

Had a magic wand for the stock market!

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

Advice on consolidation of pension plans

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Pension advice, savings plans such as investment ISA and financial planning

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 was looking for a private pension scheme and was recommended to Bray Wealth Management.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick has been my personal adviser to all enquires, with vey helpful suggestions and long term recommendations. He has spent time and energy, in a very personable and charming manner, presenting his advice, overviews, and projections in a stimulating and understandable way. I have been and continue to be very happy with his service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have indeed. Throughout the years I have been given comprehensive, excellent advice.

What could they have done better?

I have no negative comments.

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

Future planning

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

On the options to achieve a plan, and regularly reviewing that plan in context of objectives and circumstances (mine & external factors ie markets, products, legislation etc)

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, regularly review plan in context of objectives and circumstances

What could they have done better?

.

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

Managing pension advice and transfer; financial planning and savings management.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick is always approachable and has always answered my questions / queries in a very professional manners. He is able to explain all financial data in terms that everyone can understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In terms of the advice and plans managed by Nick, yes.

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

Always been husband family adviser

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Always happy to answer questions and help with investments and planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Pension advice

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

His advice has been invaluable

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Have no complaints

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

We are have had a relationship with Bray Wealth Management for many years. Nick took over responsibility for our affairs a few years ago and we are vey happy with his service.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Planning for the future with clear heads and sound advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

we are very happy

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

Saving for retirement.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Good advice for looking long term planning. Support through early retirement. Just being there.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing as far as I can tell.

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

Mortgage and pension advice

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

He assists with our decision making

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I don’t have any issues with the advice he has given.

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

I wanted to look at investing and saving money for the future - in particular to save to buy a house

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

He has been very helpful in advising me on which accounts / ISA are best for investing in as well as helping me to further understand the housing market and when might be a good time to invest. I didn't have much prior knowledge on ISA's, interest rates and I feel more clued up on it now.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I haven't seen my money growing as much as i would have liked.

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

We first reached out to Bray Wealth Management 5+ years ago to get a firmer handle on our finances and build a plan for the future.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick has guided us in recent years on the following: 1. He has helped us to visualise what our financial position could look like in the future based on various assumptions. 2. Nick has helped me to monitor fund performance and switch between different pension funds. 3. He has done some initial work with us on understanding the different ways to drawdown pensions. 4. Nick has also worked with us on understanding tax implications on pensions and various alternative investment schemes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Expert guidance is critical in preparing yourselves for the financial challenges that lie ahead.

What could they have done better?

Covid was a difficult time for financial advisers as the financial markets performed terribly for a 2 year period. It's difficult to suggest what they could have differently with such a challenging backdrop.

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

Having children

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

He’s helped balance the attitude to monetary risk vs savings between my husband and I and helped us through some key major financial life decisions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have a good balance of investments and savings and a plan for each stage of our lives to retirement

What could they have done better?

Nick is great no comments here from us

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

A friend recommended a Financial Advisor they used themselves to provide me with advice about savings

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

It has been very useful to have someone keeping an eye on my savings and pension where I have little time to look into these things myself. Nick has also been very helpful with regard to the finances of my parents.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I'm happy with the way my savings are managed

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything they could have done better.

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

Needed advise on my savings

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Nick is very approachable and explains things in a really clear way I am really happy with his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I always had financial adviser since i moved to UK 10 years ago, mainly to deal with my pension contributions and investments.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

I was looking for an adviser i could meet regularly after the previous adviser i had left the company he was working for; as the company has also been acquired by a larger firm i wanted to go back to a more personal and tailored type of advice. I liked the approach of Nick and after the first meeting was alraedy clear to me that was the type of relationship i was looking for.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Investment advice

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Very thorough, sage advice. Very easy to talk to and Nick explains everything well

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?

Changes in employment situation

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Advice has been tailored and appropriate to suit our needs.

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?

Changes in employment and associated pension schemes

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Provided transparent and considered guidance on best approach to meet our aims.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Not able to advise on this as have no areas of concern.

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

recommended by a friend at a time I needed to consolidate 6 pensions and get some idea of likely date when I could retire

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

I now have a single pension scheme invested in a way I am happy with. Also get annual check ups showing how total finances will hold up as I grow older

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

dont know

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

Inheritance following death of parent and my own divorce

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Advising me on my financial options including pension policies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind!

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

Seeking advice on planning financial security for the future.

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

His knowledge and confident advice has ensured early retirement was possible. He has also been very reassuring when we have been making our decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Sometimes I don’t completely understand the financial jargon, but I choose not to ask as my husband will always explain anything I am unsure of.

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

How best to combine wealth when my wife and I married

How has Nick Swartout helped you?

Personal, professional and able to explain complex life time investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Great service

What were the circumstances that caused you to