Kate Ward

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

I was very stressed & worried as the value of my 2 pension pots were reducing rapidly, due it seems, to recent events, Covid, Liz Truss & wars!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Kate Ward helped you?

She listened & I felt after just my first meeting with Kate that my load had been lifted & I was in safe hands. I knew I wanted a regular income from my pensions & Kate found me a good annuity.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. It was all sorted very quickly.

Repeat review from verified client

August, 2023

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

How has Kate Ward helped you since your last review?

Helped me to plan ahead .

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

The need for inheritance planning and an income on our porfolios

How has Kate Ward helped you?

With the abive

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

A tax free trust fund and some inheritance relief

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

I needed to draw funds from my pensions and my pension company would not allow me to without speaking to a Financial Advisor. I had been putting this off because I didn't feel like I should pay for advice because I thought I already knew how things work.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

After the first meeting with Kate, I realised that I was totally wrong thinking I knew what I was doing with my pensions. She opened my eyes to different tax efficient options and I realised had I not had that advice I would have been much worse off in the long run.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was able to drawdown the money I needed to fund my lifestyle,and pay minimal tax, retaining a big percentage of my tax free entitlement for future drawdown, ( which is also growing in the fund so my tax free amount is increasing!).

What could they have done better?

Kate could not have done anything better, from start to finish over several meetings I found her straightforward no nonsense and friendly approach a breath of fresh air in comparison with what I have previously experienced in this market. I would personally recommend her to friends and family and indeed have recently done so.

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

Kate has been my advisor for the past few years. Kate was recommended when I sought an advisor to grow my finances for investment.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Helped in providing services and advice on inheritance, personal investments and consolidating pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy with the level of service provided. Kate has gone above and beyond to help me use the services afforded by the company, and also in the advice given to guide me on my finances.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Cannot fault the service provided.

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

I wanted to review whether my pension fund was returning an acceptable and competitive amount. I also needed advice on tax efficient investment strategies.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate’s empathetic approach gave me the reassurance that my investments were in safe and trusted hands and peace of mind regarding my future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very satisfied, to date, with the return on my investments and the way in which Kate has kept me informed and updated throughout.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing.

Repeat review from verified client

August, 2023

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

How has Kate Ward helped you since your last review?

She has always responded promptly to emails when I have any questions or concerns. Kate understands what I want from my pension fund and has provided me with clear guidance so that I have been able to make decisions around my retirement that have given me peace of mind. Apart from her knowledge and clarity around communication, Kate is approachable and nothing is too much trouble.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Kate

Kate has been most helpful. She is clearly very knowledgeable and explained everything very well so we could understand all our options.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

pension consolidation

How has Kate Ward helped you?

consolidated all concerned

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

To merge multi pensions and navigate through financial options

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Carried out above seemlessly Continues to advise.....

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Repeat review from verified client

July, 2023

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

How has Kate Ward helped you since your last review?

Since transfering my pension, Kate has helped me with consolidating my pensions and adding a lump. We have a meeting scheduled in September to look at planning for retirement.

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

We needed advice on whether to put all our pensions into one pot

How has Kate Ward helped you?

After looking at my current pension schemes, Kate advised they should be left as they are so as not to lose my tax benefits.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

Nearing retirement, I needed to speak to someone who would unravel the complexities around pensions and help me identify how best to make my pension work for me.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate's advice has been succinct and clear. She has a good grasp and understanding of what I want from my pension fund in retirement and has been of enormous practical help as well as providing food for thought. Always responsive to emails and happy to meet up whenever I have any questions or concerns - nothing is too much trouble. The most important things I want from a financial adviser are someone who understands my situation; someone who can guide me and contextualise things in a way that is meaningful; and someone who stays in touch. Kate's approachability, combined with her knowledge, fulfil the key things I look for in a financial advisor. I would certainly recommend her, without hesitation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To a large extent, yes. We are all subject to the vagaries of the market at present but otherwise, certainly.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that springs to mind and therefore nothing that might be critical.

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

As a widow with children I felt I needed advice to help me protect my own and my children’s future.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate has helped me to consider new options and explained them succinctly which has been really helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and Kate is always available to advise if necessary if circumstances change.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

July, 2022

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

Needed to accumulate alot of piece meal pensions that were not delivering in terms of wealth accumulation

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Accumulated successfully several pensions that are creating a better pension pot Advised on how to use savings and prepare a tax efficient way into early retirement Discussed a platform to place capital / sales of flat on temporary basis

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes pension pot growing

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

July, 2022

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

Kate was referred by my employer as an alternative pension provider. I had been auto-enrolled in the Firm's main pension plan and I was looking to achieve better growth so was interested in an alternative plan.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate met with me and talked me through the process of moving my pension from my current provider. She also arranged for two other pension pots to be transferred into my fund. She listened to my needs, advised me (honestly) on what I had and how I would need to build the funds to achieve retirement within my timeframe and at a reasonable standard of living. She assisted me in making sure some of my pension was invested in sustainable funds and is currently assisting me with the transfer of a small lump sum into my plan. Kate is always quick to respond to emails.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet! I only transferred in January 2022 and the markets have been quite volatile since then.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

I needed advice on a mortgage of my own.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate was amazing. SO informative and helpful. She found me the best mortgage and insurance deal possible. My house purchase took 47 weeks and she was behind me and supporting me the whole time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%. Kate advised me all the way through and eventually I got my own little house with the best mortgage deal possible for the type of purchase I had.

What could they have done better?

To be honest , Kate couldn’t have done anything else for me. She was incredible. I will definitely go back when my fixed mortgage needs renewing in 2 years time.

Review from verified client

September, 2020

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

Buying a new house

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Advised on mortgages, gave us great options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2019

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

My partner and I are separating and I needed mortgage and financial advice regarding buying a house on my own. Kate was amazing.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate helped with finding me the best deal for my mortgage. Due to the house I am buying being under a Section 106, the lenders are few and far between. Kate has found me one and done all the paperwork for the protection cover too.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%. Kate has been so professional and helpful. I can't thank her enough for taking the burden of this off of me. She has communicated with me really well and at each meeting I had with her she advised me fully.

What could they have done better?

To be honest - I don't think there is anything she could have done better. I couldn't have asked for a better financial adviser.

Review from verified client

December, 2019

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

I was looking to purchase a property as well as to take out some personal protection. I have been using Cooper Associates and Kate took on my case.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate was very clear throughout of all the options available for me. She secured the mortgage and made sure that I get the best rate that suited my needs as well as making sure that the personal protection covered my needs, whilst accommodating my financial position. She was always on hand to explain concepts and scenarios, whether that was directly over the phone or via email and was very understanding with me which helped me consolidate and decide what would be best. Again, she was adaptable to my changing needs and busy schedule so the service was professional at all times. I now have a secured personal protection policy in place which is in line with my mortgage which I now have secured and ready to be triggered, once I move into my new home.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. With Kate I am now finalising a mortgage that is very affordable and suits my current position and I have a personal protection policy in place which ties in with this and covers me for what I need. These processes naturally take a while to sort out but Kate was always on hand to help further the process when possible and I am now only waiting on the vendor to move out!

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind, keep doing what youre doing!

Review from verified client

December, 2019

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

We are trying to buy a house

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate organised our meeting so quickly, she explained how mortgages work so thoroughly and provided a lot of new information to us. She also send all the information over the email. Kate also gave us some tips of what to do to get the mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but hopefully soon we will. As we haven't got a lot of lenders we are waiting for another end of financial year and review our financial situation with Kate.

What could they have done better?

Kate did great I wouldn't expect anything better.

Review from verified client

December, 2019

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

Looking to buy first property

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate has provided excellent advice and supported me throughout the whole process. Kate has given me all the options for buying my first property and enabled me to make informed and careful choices about how to buy my home with the government’s help to buy scheme. I’ve found the experience pain free and quick and Kate has always been available for questions. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and use Kate’s services again.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, supported me in finding a mortgage and negotiating after a down valuation and I’ve just exchanged on my first home.

What could they have done better?

N/a

Review from verified client

December, 2019

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

Looking to remortgage a BTL house.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Looked at our options pointed out an option to our plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Bring Kit Kat biscuits!

Review from verified client

December, 2019

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

Looking to remortgage

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Reviewed my current mortgage and advised me on next steps

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, most definately

What could they have done better?

Very happy with the service and advice received

Review from verified client

December, 2019

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

Needed a small mortgage to purchase a home

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate searched and found me an appropriate lender

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I completed on my purchase today and without the right mortgage found by Kate, this would not have happened

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything more Kate could have done for me.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

I choose to use a financial advisor based on my low income and adverse credit history.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate was amazing from start to finish. I went into this expecting to be judged based on my personal circumstances. However it was exactly the opposite. Kate explained everything clearly and kept in touch throughout the process to keep me updated. Kate had ideas of who to approach for a mortgage as my circumstance was difficult and clearly did her homework because I was accepted and ontop of this I had an amazing rate from a high street lender.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I now own my own home and couldn't of achieved this without Kates knowledge.

What could they have done better?

I really don't have any constructive criticism for Kate. I cannot fault the service I had.

Review from verified client

July, 2019

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

I was in the process of purchasing a house, having relocated (temporarily living with parents) but with sketchy income initially. We planned on my parents lending me the money to complete my purchase with the intention of applying for a mortgage after completion to repay them.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate explained that most lenders would not consider me until I had been in my house for 6 months. As I had 3 months good pay slips (just) she suggested we apply now rather than later. Kate was able to source me a good deal with cashback and no fees! From application to Mortgage Offer took less than two weeks - was well impressed! Kate also provided a quotation for Life and Critical Illness cover, but I declined this as I am single and have no dependants. If my situation changes I will have no hesitation in contacting Kate again.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - firm Mortgage Offer in place, now waiting for completion date!

What could they have done better?

Kate could not have done anything better - the process was so easy! I could not believe that I had had my "mortgage interview"! My previous lender had put me through gruelling telephone interviews lasting hours. My experience with Kate could not have been more different, it was so relaxed.

Review from verified client

July, 2019

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

Buying our first home and needing a mortgage but not sure how much we could borrow or how to get the best deal.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

By clearly explaining all of our options to us and helping us to pick one that worked best for our circumstances. We now have a mortgage agreement in principle and are confident Kate will continue to help us, not just with this house purchase but in the future too.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are now in a position where we can buy our first home together.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

I needed help with re-mortgage and health insurance.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate found the right product and a fantastic rate of interest for the exact amount that I was looking for.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, 100%.

What could they have done better?

Kate was absolutely brilliant in her dealings from start to finish I was kept updated at every stage of my re-mortgage.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

I required to renew life insurance. At age over 60 and with high value, longer term requirements for both life and income protection insurance, this was not an easy placement.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

Kate worked quickly and effectively to understand the complexities of my situation and then returned with an excellent, clear and comprehensive review of the market availability for my situation. We then worked promptly through the process with clear guidance and assistance, including considering options for reducing costs through business-based plans until the major part, the life insurance was achieved. We are still working on the other and if Kate can't find it, it won't be for want of trying. All in all it has been as good an experience as buying insurance can be.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not really to be honest, she seems to have it all covered

Review from verified client

May, 2019

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

We have our own business and were looking for a professional adviser to assist us in replacing our current mortgage that was coming to and end and also to review our risk covers.

How has Kate Ward helped you?

She took a holistic view of our financial situation, assets and current risk covers and offered alternative view points to what was possible/available

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have now completed on our new mortgage with Halifax and are very pleased with the outcome and the time that process has taken from start to finish.

What could they have done better?

I can't offer anything in addition to what's already been said. The whole experience has been far better than ones I've had from using business colleagues that I've met through networking/clients.