Gary Smith

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

We needed to make sure we could be financially secure when we retired

How has Gary Smith helped you?

Gary gave us comprehensive advice on how to plan our financial affairs and maximise the use of our investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is esrly days but we are extremely pleased with the current performance of the investment strategy

What could they have done better?

We don't believe that any stone was left unturned

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gary

It's still early days and I haven't met Gary yet

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

Have been a long term self investment client of Hargreaves Lansdown for many years, I needed to close a SAS and look for a better form of investment strategy for my portfolio. Having made an initial approach to Gary almost 10 years ago it has taken until now for the time to be right.

How has Gary Smith helped you?

Gary not only considered the initial request for the transfer and reinvestment of my SAS, he took a much broader view on how my existing investments could be better used to help in my retirement and ultimately benefit my beneficiaries in later years. A complete package, well explained and well executed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days, as with all investment plans, they are just that, plans. The strategy looks solid and takes into account our risk tolerance, we are confident in Gary’s ability to understand and convey confidence without ignoring the obvious risk attached.

What could they have done better?

With my past experience of Hargreaves Lansdown they do what they do extremely well. Gary is a member of a very experienced team who are always looking to improve and find ways to better support their client base. To this end I have I am afraid no constructive suggestions.

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

Previous investments were doing really badly and we didn’t have the time to manage things ourselves

How has Gary Smith helped you?

He sorted everything out with all our various investments and got it all into shape and we continued to add to the investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have had gains and outcomes better than we could have imagined. We have direct personal contact with Gary at any time for advice .He has come to our home and we have gone to HL .We get unbiased but measured advice as he knows our personal background very well

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

I had recently taken early retirement and was unsure of the best way to optimise my HL SIPP, occupational pensions, ISAs and property assets. I had planned to personally manage my HL SIPP but I had not achieved that. I was also not clear on the options that will be available to me when I decide to draw an income or annuity from my funds.

How has Gary Smith helped you?

Gary quickly understood my financial position and objectives, both short and long term. He gave clear advice on the many options and informed me of the most tax efficient way of handling my funds. We agreed that he would take undertake a full study of my assets and make recommendations to improve my current situation. After three very useful meetings we agreed a financial strategy that is now being implemented. He was very professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Nothing was too much trouble.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the plan that we agreed is now being auctioned.

What could they have done better?

I don’t believe he could have done anything better in the dealings that I have had with him to date. The true test of the advice will be when the investments deliver what is projected.