14 reviews | 2 verified advisers
Review for Toby Dawson
What could they have done better?
Nothing, Toby is incredibly patient and has explained everything clearly to me so I can make informed decisions
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial adviser?
I’d never used a financial adviser before, apart from for mortgage advice, and as a result, I wasn’t making the most of my money or investing for the future. Having been made redundant around 10 years earlier, my workplace pensions had been frozen, and I knew it was time to seek professional advice and get a better understanding of how to make my money work for me.
How has Toby helped you?
As someone who has very little knowledge of financial matters, I’ve really appreciated how Toby Dawson explains everything clearly and simply, making what could feel quite complicated much easier to understand. He has helped me set up a new pension to complement my existing workplace pension and advised me on how to make the most of my investments in a tax-efficient way. He has also helped us plan for retirement and think about savings for our son. I feel much more confident about my financial future thanks to his clear advice and guidance.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
I’m so pleased to finally feel that I’m making sensible decisions with my finances and have a clear plan for the future. It’s reassuring to see my investments growing, and I’m really happy with the advice and support I’ve received. I feel much more confident knowing I’m taking positive steps towards securing my financial future.
Review for Craig Fitzsimons
What could they have done better?
Nothing, Craig was organised and explained things clearly.
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial adviser?
I was looking to consolidate all my work pensions into a single place, and review my ISA and ensure my money was placed in sensible investments.
How has Craig helped you?
Craig gathered all the relevant information from me and wrote to all four of my existing pension companies to let them know he was my adviser and transferred them to a single place. He helped me understand my risk tolerances and recommended a suitable fund to invest my money in.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, everything is in one place where I can see my pension and ISA.
Review for Toby Dawson
What could they have done better?
Nothing I can think of
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial adviser?
I wanted to improve how my pension was working and to ensure I works have enough to retire
How has Toby helped you?
He helped me go through working out what I need for retirement and if the investments I have (and continue paying into) will be enough, he also helped set up a life insurance and gave me contacts to sort power of attorney and redo my will. He visits at home and is always generous with his time.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
My pension improved
Review for Toby Dawson
What could they have done better?
Honestly, nothing. Toby has been an pleasure to work with and be supported by - thank you.
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial adviser?
I'm a few years away from age 60 and am enrolled in a number of NHS pension schemes as well as a private scheme. These have been complex to try to navigate, and I'd been putting this off. I'd starting thinking about the next phase of work, pre-retirement and retirement planning, some needed home improvements, caring (and care cost) responsibilities for family, the possibility of study again (and study fees), organisational change at work, and how I could make all these work financially. It felt overwhelmingly complex and quite anxiety-provoking.
How has Toby helped you?
Toby has been hugely helpful. I've particularly appreciated so much initial analysis and scenario planning upfront. Toby is calm, thorough, and always manages to explain the technicalities in lay terms. The initial analysis, written report and recommendations were clear and helpful. The financial planner is a really clear and valuable tool. I've also really appreciated that where I've needed more specialist advice (eg. mortgage equity release for care costs), Toby has been able to introduce me to recommended specialists, and with a thorough handover to make those subsequent conversations easier.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes. It's ongoing work, but has been enoromously helpful and reassuring so far - thank you!
Review for Craig Fitzsimons
What could they have done better?
I am very happy with Craig and Cadence.
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial adviser?
A change in my personal circumstances prompted me to take a look at my finances. I realised that the decisions I was making could have a significant impact, so I wanted professional advice to help me understand my options to allow me to make an informed decision.
How has Craig helped you?
Craig has helped me not only with my initial planning but also by providing ongoing guidance as my circumstances changed. I now have someone I can turn to who understands my situation and can help me make the right decision when things arise. Access to their online system means I can see my investments in real time and their communication portal means I can speak to Craig and his team directly. Craig always responds promptly.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Absolutely. I now feel much more comfortable about my pension and investments, and my inheritance planning and I have a clear path to do what I need to do.
