Craig Howard

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

Approaching pension age.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Clarified recent changes to lifetime allowances and their implications.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Very satisfied.

Craig's reply

Thank you for your review. I am pleased we were able to offer advice and help with the changing rules with Pensions.

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

I wanted advice on LISAs

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig was professional, thorough, accurate and helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Craig provided me with all the information I needed to make an informed decision.

Craig's reply

Thank you for your review Charlotte, your comments are very much appreciated. I am pleased we were able to help!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Craig

Good initial meeting with Craig. Very pleasant man.

Craig's reply

Thank you Margaret for your review. I am pleased I could offer help during our meeting.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

To best utilise net proceeds of a property sale

How has Craig Howard helped you?

By providing advice on various annuity and other options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

They seem to have obtained the best interest rate available at the present time, for the amount that we have available

Craig's reply

Thank you Phil for taking the time to complete a review. Your comments are much appreciated. I am pleased we could offer advice and help. Many thanks, Craig

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Craig took over as my advisor when my previous one passed away. As an elderly person with only basic financial knowledge I need someone for advice and who can answer any concerns and general queries I may have.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig has, over the time he has been my advisor, proved himself to be someone who can give me confidence my financial future is safe in his hands. He answers all questions in a format, as an older person , I can understand, and with each conversation I have felt any worries lifted from my shoulders.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. I can start each day with an easy mind. The future for anyone is an unknown but I know Craig will always do his utmost to kepp mine safe.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Craig's reply

Thank you very much for you review Sandy. It always lovely to speak with you.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Craig is always efficient in his approach. He consistently offers good advice and always carries out follow up tasks as promised.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Mainly in financial advice and pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Craig's reply

Thank you for your review. I enjoy working with you both.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Julie Wilson originally looked after my mums. Finances and we have continued for the 11years Penn Craig took over after Julie and we have been very happy with his advice

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig has advised with advice on recent withdrawals

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Craig's reply

Thank you for your review. Your comments are much appreciated!

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

Financial Planning.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig has advised me on my future and current financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mine is a long term plan/outlook, currently due to global issues, my portfolio is down, but I hope that it will pick up once inflation is under control and investor sentiment is more positive.

What could they have done better?

I rely on my portfolio being invested to its optimum level, obviously global issues are a separate issue. I have confidence that my investments are being reviewed on a regular basis.

Craig's reply

Great, thank you for your review and comments Michael.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

Age, things getting too complicated

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Regular personal visits, explains things clearly, friendly and approachable

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

n/a

Craig's reply

Thank your for your review Carole. Your comments are much appreciated. Kind regards Craig

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

Retirement and had the proceeds of a property to invest

How has Craig Howard helped you?

He has visited us at home and advised re investments and planning for the future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Mainly yes but appreciate that markets have been affected by global events

Craig's reply

Thank you for your review Janet. Your review and comments are much appreciated.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

Pension transfer

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Long term planning Pension drawdown. General financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Craig's reply

Thank you for your review Dee. I am pleased you are happy with our service and all is on track for you!

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

We met Craig a couple of years when he joined Penlife

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig manages the administration of our investment portfolio and provides advice & guidance for our financial needs both long & short term

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Craig gives us confidence to make the appropriate financial decisions

What could they have done better?

We're quite satisfied with Craig's performance & quite comfortable and confident with his advice

Craig's reply

Thank you so much Keith for your review, and pleased you feel confident and on track.

Repeat review from verified client

July, 2023

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Craig Howard helped you since your last review?

He has helped me change part of my portfolio to ethical investments, which I strongly believe in.

Craig's reply

Thank you for your review and comments Mike, very much appreciated!

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Personal pension arrangement

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Good , clear advice on various aspects of my pension situation and prospects

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Work in progress.

What could they have done better?

Happy with advice and updates to plan.

Craig's reply

Thank you Kevin. Happy to help, and organise your pensions for you.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Found an article from PenLife Article regarding 26 pension must knows which was extremely helpful. Therefore contacted my local office to make an appointment to discuss my upcoming retirement and pension plans.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig was both professional and approachable. I found him easy to talk to and he listened to my questions and concerns about my workplace and private pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Have had initial meeting and I feel happy with the information and advice that I have been given so far.

What could they have done better?

Nil at present.

Craig's reply

Thank you for your review Ann, and I am very pleased I could help.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Craig took over our case and was always helpful and professional.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig understood that the time was right for us to take an annuity and helped us through the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We invested at a time when markets were volatile and decided it was not for us and Craig listened and advised on the best way forward for us.

Craig's reply

Thank you Jeanne. I'm pleased we could get things sorted for you.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I initially looked for an advisor to aggregate a couple of work pensions into a SIPP

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig always give plain English advice. We've discussed my future plan for retirement and how we can make that best work for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Sadly I'm too young to retire so for now there isn't an outcome as such but things are going very much in the right direction

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. I always get a first class service from Craig

Craig's reply

Thank you Andrew - your comment's are much appreciated, and it is always a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

Retirement provisioning

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Great listener with some extensive knowledge of his subject which he imparts in an understandable way

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes in terms of our planning and focus for retirement

What could they have done better?

Returns on investments performance due to market volatility

Craig's reply

Thank you for your review Vicky, it's very much appreciated!

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

Investment advice for funds within a family Trust Fund.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig has responded to a change in circumstances and it's impact on the Trust Fund. He has dealt with a complex situation in a calm and efficient manner, responding swiftly to many questions, researching answers that required more detail and coordinating actions with third parties. His communication is excellent, keeping me well informed over a long period of time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. We have clarity on the situation, and a new approach for our investments.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all. I have been very satisfied and impressed with the service.

Craig's reply

Thank you Mark. Your review and comments are very much appreciated.

Review from verified client

February, 2023

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

We have been existing clients of Craig's employer (PenLife Asociates) for a number of years.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

In the past year Craig has provided sound advice on personal pensions and tax efficient income in early retirement. I believe he has a clear understanding of our financial situation, goals and objectives.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Comfortable with the current situation (given the wider context of volatility and a downturn in the global markets).

What could they have done better?

All good. Craig is very professional in his approach. Clear in explaining any complex finanacial issues. His communication and response is excellent.

Craig's reply

Thank you Dean. Your comments are very much appreciated.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Long term planning for both myself and my family

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Constructive analysis of mine and my families current financial situation and possible changes to our retirement plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The changes made following Craig's advice are in line with what we were hoping to see.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Craig has been excellent at keeping us informed at every stage and has made himself available for any meetings/calls we have requested.

Craig's reply

Thank you

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Rationalisation of investments and pensions pending retirement.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig took on the task of over watching my pension portfolio earlier this year and has been very helpful.

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 have been with his employer for a number of years

How has Craig Howard helped you?

To fully understand my investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This all depends on the financial markets.

What could they have done better?

Nowt

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

The need for future investment income

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig is always willing to explain complex financial details and we have found him to be very personable and approachable

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

Cinsolidation if pensions and savings

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Annual review. Withdrawal of sone savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

About to.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind. Craig know his stuff

Review from verified client

June, 2022

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

I was seeking to take advantage of my annual tax-free ISA allowance and looking for a higher return than then offered by the standard high street products.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig took care to evaluate my risk profile and invested time to understand my lack of confidence in the financial services industry following poor previous experience. His guidance gave me the confidence to go forward with my investments and I've trusted Craig for several years now.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No as yet, hence my 'ok' response to the 'value for money' question above. However, I'm currently content and I trust that markets will work in my favour over time.

What could they have done better?

I see no areas for improvement during any of my transactions or communications with Craig.

Review from verified client

May, 2022

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

I sold a house and wanted to invest the funds

How has Craig Howard helped you?

I discussed with Craig the possibility of changing my existing portfolio

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet , the alterations to my portfolio are in progress

What could they have done better?

Nothing really