Craig Howard

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

In my 30’s I decided I should start planning for my retirement, all be it initially in a small way. Over the next 40 years through their expect advice I grew pensions & investments, at one time, to c£800k

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig has helped in the more recent years in drawing down funds to aid our retirement ensuring safety & growth for the future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Through the ups & downs of the value of investments our outcome has surpassed our expectations of 40 years ago

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind as to what could have been done better

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

Consolidation of pensions. General financial planning in run up to retirement.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Facilitated the consolidation of several pensions onto one platform. Advised on pre retirement strategies. Gave a good overview of current financial situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has simplified my pensions which have seen growth since the start.

What could they have done better?

Everything has been fine. Great communication and flexibility in arranging meetings.

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

My husband and I were retiring and needed pensions advice to provide a retirement income. A good friend of ours recommended Penlife, he had received very good advice from them for his retirement provision too.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig took over as our financial advisor when John Walker retired and he has carried on and helped us look after our finances generally. We really enjoy our annual review meetings with Craig, he doesn't rush us and we take time to discuss in detail the pension investments, how they are performing and what our plans are for the forthcoming year.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Overall, yes we have. The whole global situation has meant our investment funds had not been creating profit but more recently things have started to improve. We have total trust in Craig and the Penlife team, we have peace of mind going forward our pension investments are in the best hands.

What could they have done better?

We wish we had known Penlife years ago when we were still working, we would have had best advice regarding investing for our future retirements.

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

I wanted to consolidate my various pension pots into one place so we contacted Penlife after a recomendation by a previous colleage. Craig contacted my wife and I and offered to do what we didn't feel we could, but needed!

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Craig is professional, personable and speaks in a way that is understandable for someone who is not fluent in financial or pension markets. He is available and replies quickly to any queries or requests. I have recomended him to colleages.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The first step i.e. consolidating my various pension savings is complete. It was not straight forward but Craig navigated his way through it successfully. He is now working on my fund so that I have the option to stop working.

What could they have done better?

I can't answer this as I have nothing to compare it to but I have no criticisms with the way that he has conducted himself or the feedback he provided about the process as it unfolded. To qualify the ratings given - I have no idea if I could have got similar or better advice elsewhwere cheaper but I feel that this is unlikely.

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

Realised our (both my wife and myself) pensions could be doing better than they were so looked for advice.

How has Craig Howard helped you?

Listened to our needs and tried to put the projections and advice into a form we can understand clearly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To say the market is volatile at the moment is a significant understatement! We have confidence our interests are being looked after as well as possible.

What could they have done better?

We’ve had one or two hiccups along the way (prior to Craig) but these have been dealt with in a professional and understanding manner.