Reviewed for

Mortgages ( 1 )

Pensions ( 18 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 14 )

Investments and Savings ( 17 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 5 )

Inheritance Planning ( 6 )

Long Term Care ( 2 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 4 )

Financial Planning ( 15 )

Financial Mentoring ( 3 )

Financial Coaching ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 6 )

£200k - £500k ( 9 )

£100k - £200k ( 1 )

Up to £50k ( 1 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

April, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Riding

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

Wanted advise regarding pensions and ensuring I would have enough income to fund retirement

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

James has given me excellent advise over the last two years not only in relation to my pension but also in regard to general financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has been a challenging time for all investments but James' advise has reassured me and I feel confident that with Pen-Life's guidance I will achieve my financial goals.

What could they have done better?

Nothing in particular. Happy with the advise received and the regular updates received via weekly e-mails.

Review from verified client

April, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Received some money in the form of an insurance bond and needed advice for the best way to get some out tax efficiently in order to help with a house purchase!

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

He explained everything to me in a way I could understand and would have struggled by myself. And talked me through various options and calculations he did to help get money out efficiently.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the money is on its way to the bank and we are able to buy our house.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I needed to consolidate various pension funds and to plan my income during retirement.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

He carried out a very thorough analysis of my financial and personal circumstances. He submitted a very professional proposal regarding my pensions and carried out the subsequent consolidation very efficiently. He has been an important financial mentor at what is a critical period for me and for my family. He has patiently prompted me to think through my priorities, and pointed me to solutions that I had not considered.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

James's reply

Many thanks for your kind words, it is greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with you in the years to come!

Review from verified client

February, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

I needed to invest the sum of my pension contributions.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

James advised me on alternative investment options, taking into consideration risks and returns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

James's reply

Many thanks for leaving me a review, it is greatly appreciated! I'm glad you are happy with the work done so far. See you soon.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Old firms pension to sort out

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

With investments and financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

James's reply

Many thanks for leaving me a review, it is greatly appreciated!

Review from verified client

February, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

Annual review

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

Financial information

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

James's reply

Many thanks for leaving me a review, it is greatly appreciated!

Review from verified client

January, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

We originally needed advice on planning for retirement and pensions. After looking at alternatives we chose PenLife based on their reputation and our initial discussions with their team.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

We have worked with James over the last two years and have been very pleased with his advice, particularly on retirement and personal finance planning. He always explains things in clear and practical terms and has been very helpful in making sure that any queries or follow up actions are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The financial circumstances over the last year or so have meant that some investments have not performed as well as initially hoped for, but this is obviously a result of the various factors which are outside an individual adviser’s control.

What could they have done better?

Nothing in particular as we are satisfied with the service and advice received,

James's reply

Many thanks for your kind words and review, it is greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with you in the years to come!

Review from verified client

November, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Continuous sound guidance from an established quality provider about pension investment and drawdowns

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

excelent explanation of options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Doubtful

James's reply

Many thanks for leaving me a review, it is greatly appreciated! It has been a pleasure getting to know you both and I look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Continuous advice on market movements and how it affects us and our pension funds for the future

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

Keeping us upto date, especially in the Annual Revue and E mailed updates

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, but markets have dropped and only slowly returning to what we see as reasonable levels

What could they have done better?

Doubtful if any thing

James's reply

Many thanks for leaving me a review, it is greatly appreciated! It has been a pleasure getting to know you both and I look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

Retired with out a pension

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

Advise updates

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Forgot to bring my bottle of whisky?

James's reply

Many thanks for leaving me a review, it is greatly appreciated! I hope you had a great time in London and i will not forget the Whisky next time!

Review from verified client

November, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Riding

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

Approaching retirement. Disatisfied with previous provider.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

Transfer of pension. Financial planning. Retirement planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Just in the planning stage so not yet

What could they have done better?

Nothing presently

James's reply

Many thanks for leaving me a review, it is greatly appreciated! I look forward to seeing you both soon.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

We wanted all our investments under one roof with a advisor to look after our portfolio.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

James has transferred our investments under one umbrella and manages them for our best advantage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so, we have reaped the rewards and trust James implicitly, we have no more worries about our investments and can enjoy our retirement with peace of mind.

What could they have done better?

James is a very competent advisor and very nice guy, we are 100% satisfied with James and the team and appreciate all he does for us.

James's reply

Many thanks for leaving me a review, it is greatly appreciated!

Review from verified client

October, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

James is great he got to know me and my needs. I look forward to our chats and makes everything clear and precise

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

With clear plans on how my pension works now I have retired

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Everything is fine and our next meeting is near so I will be able to ask his advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing

James's reply

Thank you Ray for taking the time to leave me a review, your kind words are very much appreciated. I am pleased to hear that you are happy with the service that we provide and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Review from verified client

October, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I needed specialist advice on my pensions/circumstances

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

James is extremely helpful and explains everything so that I understand

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing

James's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave me a review, Jenny! Your kind words are very much appreciated. I am pleased to hear that you are happy with the service that we provide and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Review from verified client

October, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

My pension also I have been a customer off penlife for a lot of years

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

Very satisfied

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet

What could they have done better?

Nothing

James's reply

Thank you Colin for taking the time to leave me a review, your kind words are very much appreciated. I am pleased to hear that you are happy with the service that we provide and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Review from verified client

August, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

pension , tax concerns

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

consolidate and budget pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

nothing

James's reply

Thank you Ian for taking the time to leave me a review, your kind words are very much appreciated. I am pleased to hear that you are happy with the service that we provide and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Review from verified client

July, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

I was approaching retirement & had seen the ad for PenLife in various publications & had sent off for a free info pack. Then James called me on spec & we arranged an appointment.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

He helped me come to my own decision on which option to take on my pension. He’s also provided me with a cash flow forecast to illustrate that my pension is more than adequate for my current lifestyle. This is very helpful & reassuring.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I received helpful, timely & unbiased advice from James.

What could they have done better?

n/a

James's reply

Thank you Janette for taking the time to leave me a review. I really appreciate your comments and I'm pleased to hear that you are happy with the service that I have provided.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Yorkshire

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

James became my advisor following a previous advisors promotion, James has continued with excellent advice, help and a great service.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

James has helped us with pension and financial advice following retirement and combining of pension funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Outcome is in line with expected returns.

What could they have done better?

We don't think anything could have been done any better, James visited us at home and we have always enjoyed our meetings.

James's reply

Thank you for your review, it is greatly appreciated. It has been a pleasure getting to know you both. I hope you had a good couple of days away in Scotland. Catch up soon. James

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Having owned our own business, we knew we had to think about our retirement and not depend on state allowances. We also had some money to invest from the sale of a property and an inheritance. We were not confident or interested in 'playing the investment game' via banking portals or other financial tools. We were looking for a company which would offer a bespoke service tailored to our individual needs. We also wanted to be sure that company really understood our circumstances.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

James has recently carried out our annual review and suggested key changes to our investment portfolios. He has also gone above and beyond to find us additional support and advice on a trust / inheritance tax issue.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely!

What could they have done better?

Nothing. James is in regular contact and makes every effort to ensure we are informed about changes in our investments etc.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

We had a number of pensions and investments and wanted them under the same roof with a competent adviser that we could trust to look after them to the best possible advantage.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

James has done a superb job.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Perfect outcome, very satisfied .

What could they have done better?

Very satisfied with all aspects of his work.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I have recently retired and needed advice on what to do with my money for the future

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

James is really friendly and has a lovely way of explaining things. He made a daunting prospect so much easier.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is early days but I feel I understand everything well and feel secure for the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

July, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

Advice

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

Clarifying our investments And offering what I think was sound advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I’m not sure if he could have been better. I was well impressed with his expertise and emailed the company saying so.

Review from verified client

July, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Yorkshire

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

I inherited money from property and Tom Hughes’s looked after my affairs for over 20 years and now James Wandsworth is advising me.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

N/a

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As expected

Review from verified client

June, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

Initially to better organise my income investments and savings

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

By explaining the difference in investment risks on the plans I have. Transfer of a workplace pension to consolidate SIPP in to a single provider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have had 4 meetings with James and he has been well prepared, professional and clear with recommendations going forward.

What could they have done better?

None that I have identified. Agreed actions delivered. Relationship is relatively new but building positively with each interaction.

Review from verified client

May, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Riding

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

Adding to savings

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

Sorted it out for us

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet.It does'nt kick in until next month

What could they have done better?

Nothing.Every thing was explained very well.

Review from verified client

May, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Riding

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

At first it was our business but since retirement it's been personal

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

By helping with our investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

James sent us details and we will see the outcome very soon

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing they are doing well for me

Review from verified client

May, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in North Yorkshire

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

I have a drawdown pension but was concerned about how my investments could be affected by the war in Ukraine. I wanted to protect my income a little more until I reach state pension age in 8 years time.

How has James Wadsworth helped you?

James listened to my concerns and did a thorough review of my financial situation and existing drawdown pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I decided that the option of switching some of my funds to a fixed term annuity would put my mind at ease which was a major concern for me.

What could they have done better?

I don’t think they could have done better, James advised that he thought either option to leave my existing pension as it was or go for the fixed term annuity would be ok and in the end it was my decision.