Ben Cartwright

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

I needed assistance to draw together many investments and pensions from the past into a more manageable and coherent investment plan

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

From a position of being very wary about advisors, Ben has always been very friendly, easy and open to deal with. Providing me with confidence in the plans he has put forward. The resulting reorganisation and investments are exceeding my expectations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

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

Planning for retirement.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Solid advice based on our financial circumstances and desired outcomes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely. Things are progressing nicely in the right direction.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. He has understood us, our desired outcomes etc.

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

I was recommended Ben's services by a colleague as I wanted to have a better handle over my finances.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

He's given my financial advice without being patronising, helped me move my pension and made my savings work harder.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my money is working a lot harder now.

What could they have done better?

Not much, but our time together is still in its infancy as I'd love to see how we work together when I have big life changes (kids, house etc)

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

Current pension not performing

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Provided good advice, consolidated pensions in to a better performing investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is still early but growth is aligned with expectations

What could they have done better?

N/a

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

I had finished my MBA and was was seeking an advisor to help with my next steps in terms of financial planning.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben consolidated my pensions and mapped out the income I will need to end of life, putting into perspective the income I need to earn. He also put me in contact with a mortgage broker and I was able to work out a way to buy a property more rapidly than initially anticipated.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have the information I need to work towards an optimal outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Financial planning

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben is very personable. He takes detailed interest in understanding what our requirements and goals are. He's always available to respond promptly on email and phone for queries.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes so far

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

Searching for active management of my investment and pension pots from an expert who could make this intimidating field a lot easier to understand and navigate

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has made it much easier understand my financial profile and provided advice and guidance that makes me feel confident about the decisions I am making about my future. I have recommended Ben to a few friends who have adopted his service

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have seen noticeable gains in my investment and ISA profile, and feel a lot less anxious about my finances.

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

Awareness that I wanted long term financial planning outside that provided by employer

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has provided consistent financial advice since our first engagement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Ben has provided me with suitable financial products that have grown on value over this period. His advice has also allowed me to make more informed lifestyle decisions.

What could they have done better?

So far I am happy with the service and products provided. I particularly appreciate the fact than Ben has never tried to 'upsell' or push products and services that are not appropriate for my requirements.

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

I had some money just sitting in my account and I was unsure what to do with it. I knew doing nothing was a bad idea but I didn't know how to proceed on my own.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben helped me come up with an investing plan tailored to my situation and based on my risk tolerance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes absolutely, I wanted a mid-risk long-term strategy so time will tell, but I'm glad I've started.

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

I wanted to transfer my defined benefit pension into a SIPP

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben reviewed my circumstances and was able to produce stress tested models to show me the effects of my planned financial decisions, to enable me to go ahead with the transfer, and later to enable me to retire with confidence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Cant think of any points for improvement

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

Looking to invest

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben gave truthful and honest advice. He was very laid back in his approach and built our trust in order to invest with him

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not as yet as the investment is very new

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

I recently got a significant pay increase and wanted to make smarter financial decisions and plan for home ownership in the next couple of years

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben was absolutely incredible and I cannot recommend him enough! I really had no idea what to do with my money and where/how to invest but Ben's guidance and expertise has been exceptional.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not quite yet but I expect so, yes!

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Pension

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is a long games, pensions/markets have not performed well.

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

To assess income and create a financial plan that would enable retirement at a suitable time.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Financial modelling Consolidating pensions Investment advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

With a demanding job it was getting harder and harder to find the time to organise my finances. Although I tried to keep on top of market updates it got harder and harder. I also didn’t know where to start looking as there are a lot of advisors out there and it’s difficult to filter out which are the right ones to fit your needs.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben was actually recommended through a work colleague and on our initial conversation I knew Ben was right for me. He knew exactly what I needed and he helped me bridge where I am today to where I wanted to be, and more importantly how we get there. He was able to address all my concerns and provide actions that fit my risk levels. He recommended investments that I hadn’t even thought of before which was very eye opening.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s early days but I have every confidence the advice I’ve been given will pay dividends.

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

One of my good friends recommended Ben for financial planning. I didn't have any active pension at that time as I was working as an independent consultant.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has been helpful for me to understand the importance of financial planning. We went through real numbers, my current financial situation and then planned a regular pension contribution accordingly as per my situation. Ben sends regular newsletters which contain meaningful insights into key financial topics. He also keeps in touch and keep me informed on how the pension account is doing and if we need to adjust that.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I think I am on the right path towards a decent financial situation upon my retirement.

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

Before speaking to Ben, I’d recently come back to the UK from working in Germany, having secured a significant promotion. I was looking for professional advice in terms of planning for my financial future and investing the savings I’d built up. I also had clear life goals such as buying my first property.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben is an excellent advisor. Ben is approachable, down to Earth and provides advice with a calm, professional manner to explain the options available. Ben throughout has always been available, responds very quickly to my queries, while ensuring that he keeps in regular contact to see if there’s anything he can assist with. With Ben’s advice I’ve been able to set up a Stocks and Shares ISA, ensured maximum matching pension contribution from my current employer and have transferred another pension pot to a newly set up St. James Place Retirement Fund to ensure maximum benefit. I’ve also appreciated Ben’s advice to effectively plan for recent unforeseen circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I’ve been delighted with the service, advice and guidance Ben has provided.

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

Had a Pension Fund and needed to manage closer.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

I have always received clear consise and professional information from Ben each time we speak/communicate. He is able to impart financial information so that you understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - my portfolio is growning in line with expectations

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

Confusion and uncertainty around pension planning and Ben was recommended by a friend

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has clarified my circumstance and helped me consolidate my pension funds and get them working harder for my retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Retirement and pension plans

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Helped in the Life retirement pension plans

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

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

Consolidating and increasing nvestmemts

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

He helped my understanding and realise what my investments could provide me as a retirement income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Investment returns have been poor across the industry during the time I have invested so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that Ben could do. The co.pany could offer more enticing fees.

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

I needed someone who could do some of the thinking, product analysis etc for me given my busy schedule.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has been particularly helpful in simplifying my pension positions and ensuring that i am aware of and fully utilizing any tax / pension allowances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Given my needs Ben has been great so at this stage I don't think he could have done anything further to assist me.

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

Consolidating my pension plans.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Placed my pensions into a new direction and supported my family in further investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far to date.

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

I was looking for some advice about long term planning and investment strategies for my savings, in order to make sure I was maximising the potential returns of my money, whilst also having an adequate appreciation for the risk level I required. I was also looking for an insurance policy that would protect myself and my family in a health related issue should it come about.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben walked me through all my options, creating a strategy that not only allowed me to relax about the progression of my savings, but in a way that I could understand and work well with day to day. The process was very simple and any questions I had Ben was more than capable to explaining it to me in layman's terms. Taking out the insurance was even easier, Ben knew exactly the right amount of protection I needed and was able to show me the best terms for the insurance quick and easily.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investment strategy is a long term one so for now I am happy that Ben has helped me ensure I have a managed plan with an appropriate risk profile, which means I can relax a bit more. The insurance was so simple, I would recommend the process with Ben to anyone! I am now covered and have no more worry about not being able to work and provide for my family.

What could they have done better?

Honestly, everything was more rigorous and detailed than I ever thought the process could be, I have done a far amount of research on these subjects but Ben was able to help with my overall life plan to do with finances, savings and protection and I feel much more confident in my future by having done so.

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

I was looking for pensions advice with a particular focus on the consolidation of multiple pensions including two final salary pensions.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has provided me with a good understanding of both my current position and future forecasts. I have been impressed with his knowledge and find myself trusting his judgement. My pensions have been consolidated and are showing positive returns despite difficult market conditions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have although some advice was different to my expectation but the reasons were fully explained with very sensible arguments. As already mentioned I trust Ben and have faith in his advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that springs to mind. Ben makes himself available for face to face meetings when we need them which can be very useful.

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

My circumstances changed significantly. I was made redundant and was looking to work as a contractor after 30+ years as a permanent employee. I was also thinking about the possibility of stepping away from my career in a few years time and I wanted for some sound financial advice to help me with this decision. A friend of mine, who is also a client of Ben, recommended him and I have not looked back since

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has helped me to plan my finances in a tax efficient way that I am confidentt will allow me to fulfil my wish to step away from my career in a couple of years time

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Lockdown, Brexit and the Ukraine war have all put a big strain on financial markets and so some of the growth of my portfolio has been slower than hoped. However, Ben's advice is aimed at the long term and I am confident that my desired outcomes will be achieved.

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

To secure professional help for retirement planning

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Provided sound guidance in terms of maximising wealth opportunities to secure a ling term plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes from Ben definitely however the market conditions are a challenge

What could they have done better?

NA

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

Wanted to consolidate all my pensions into one plan

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Provided great advice about the steps needed to do this and initiated the transfers for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The pensions are now consolidated and happy with the result.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I had saved quite a bit but wasn't sure how to put my money to work in the most efficient way. I also wanted to consolidate my pensions from prior jobs.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has helped me to structure my pension in a manageable way that makes the most of the allowances I have. He has also helped me to set up an ISA for my medium-term savings goals, and he has given me useful advice on matters such as mortgages, insurance and cash savings accounts.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My goals are long-term so I have not necessarily reached the desired outcome yet, but I am happy with the advice I have received and I have full confidence that I will achieve my financial goals.

What could they have done better?

Not applicable.

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

Retirement planning and pensions

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Advised on long run forecast. Good explanations of investments undertaken and offer of service to consolidate private pensions to one pot.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Need to properly allocate my savings

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

managing a investment portfolio

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet

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

To discuss and plan about my pension savings

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has helped to detailed out my finances which has helped me to start saving towards my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen the positives of detailed financial planning and benefits towards pension savings, specifically the one term view.

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

Diversifying away from corporate pension

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has helped me diversify my portfolio away from my employer and in managing my annual tax liability through pension contributions. To date, the SJP pension performance has outperformed my employer pension by an order of magnitude. Ben has taken away the headaches and significantly simplified my financial planning. Ben also advised me on insurances and protection with easy to understand advice (albeit my conclusion was that my employer provided protections were sufficient for my current needs).

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Moved to the UK and needed advise on how to best manage my finances

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Outlined the benefits of pensions and understanding the financial mechanisms that allow for future proofing and protection.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

on going

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

Retirement planning and consolidation of funds

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Supported retirement planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I wanted to make more of my money which largely just sat in a current account earning little interest

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has been extremely helpful in explaining to me how I could very simply make my money work harder for me and help me to achieve my longer term goals. He has also helped me to understand my pension much better and to advise me on my current life insurance coverage. Everything Ben has offered has been really clearly explained and backed by some degree of financial modelling so that I can see how these solutions can work for me and my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has not yet been long enough to say - as Ben says, this is a medium to long term arrangement!

What could they have done better?

Found me sooner

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

I wanted to get some insights into my finances and planning for retirement

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has been handling my financial planning queries since 2018 and I'm very satisfied with the level of guidance and support provided by him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I needed advice on pensions when I was self employed

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben advised on the right plans for my situation so that I can grow money and save enough for retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I was looking for both investment and pension advice at a time in life I was keen to do more financial planning for the future.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has provided significant help across a number of areas, lifetime financial planning, investments and pensions. He has made me aware of and advised me of the best steps to take each financial year to optimise my tax position aligned to my financial plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen more than I expected in terms of the advice and positive financial impact. Even during recent months with an unstable economy, I feel I am set up well for the future and have the right balance of risk.

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

I required pensions advice and consolidating different employer pension plans.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Through Ben I've been able to consolidate my pension plans which I can now more easily monitor. I have also followed Ben's advice for planning ahead for retirement, the schemes and allowances that are available and suitable for my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Personally I believe Ben has delivered an excellent service as a financial advisor. I contacted Ben following a recommendation by a close friend. Having experience Ben's services I'll also be recommending Ben to other colleagues.

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

self employment

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

advice on monthly pension contribution

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

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

I was contracting for a while and ignored Pensions altogether. Ben was recommended to me by my close friend - to think about my investments, savings and pensions.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Yes - from the start, Ben has been very patient, understanding and knowledgeable - providing me with all the advice I need and has also been very approachable and helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcomes have been better than anticipated.

What could they have done better?

No

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

Needed to ensure a full picture for finacial planning across a broad spectrum of investments feom pension guidance to investments and savings.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has been extremely thorough and detailed in understanding priorities and future needs together with assessing the most tax effective way to meet those goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To date everything is progressing well, despite a rather tempestuous market.

What could they have done better?

Very happt with the engagement, leaving nothing I can provide to improve the service.

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

Transfer my pensions and consolidate into one investment portfolio

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Transfered and amalgamated my pensions. Ben has provided good financial advice on analysing my pension planning options as well as investment choices. He has a lot of knowledge of the pensions market and keeps me fully informed of how my investment is performing. He is very approachable and explains things in a clear and concise way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still early days as the market has been very volatile over the last few years, but the performance compared to other companies seems good.

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

To start planning for retirement

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Advised and guided on suitable ways to plan and save to ensure financial security after retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days. Not yet retired but the modelling presented by Ben has given me a clear picture of expectations and steps that can be taken to improve financial stability

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Pensions transfer

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Transfer and amalgamation of pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Retiring

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Cumulated pensions and set path to a retirement plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All good to date yes

What could they have done better?

Na

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

Interested in long term investment.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Guided and provided professional advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its a long term investment, but i’m happy with the direction I’m heading to at the moment.

What could they have done better?

NA

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

Approaching retirement

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben provides a great service. His advice seems well thought-through and appropriate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really - Ben is there when needed and gives clear advice

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

We were looking for a good pension advisor.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has been a great adviser for us with pensions and a very dependable person. His knowledge of the pensions market and in general the Financial services market is great. I would recommend working with him to ensure you have a good plan in place for retirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes until now

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

Having got to a stage where I needed to focus on a set plan/path for retirement Ben and St James' Place, who were recommeded to me by a colleague, were as good a start as any and I have no regrets

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben has helped in giving me solid financial advice on analysing my pension planning options as well as investment choices

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely

What could they have done better?

Very difficult question to answer asd nothing comes to mind rather than I wish I had met him earlier :-)

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

I was not actively looking, I was approached and when the services were explained to me, it was something that I didn't have in place so made perfect sense.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Focus on long term stability and generation of wealth post retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Planning for my future

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Helped me budget and invest for my retirement. Good advice and happy with the results I am seeing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my investments and pension are on track now

What could they have done better?

Wish I would have stated planning earlier

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

I had not done much planning for my retirement and needed expert advice.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben is amazing and provides me with excellent service and advice. I feel happier and more comfortable that my long term financial security is in safe hands. I have and can call Ben for advice on many matters and he is always happy to help. I would highly recommend Ben.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely. Ben has helped not only with my retirement planning but also other financial investments. I fully trust his advice and I am on track to hit my retirement and financial goals.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I needed someone with insight in preparing for retirement to ensure myself and my family are taken care of in my later years.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Provides a great service tailoring my needs to portfolios he thinks have the best chance of meeting my long term goals. Regularly keeps me updated with market events and is always very friendly and polite.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have seen a steady increase in my retirement fund meeting the projections provided by Ben

What could they have done better?

NA

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

I wanted to start developing a plan for my retirement and the security of my family into my retirement and after my death.

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

Ben provided me with a review on the current state of my my current pension then spent all the time I needed to help me set out my retirement goals. He offered me good sound advice without ever being too pushy, he simply explains the benefits and allows me to come to my own decision which was important to me. He has been very generous with his time and even during covid made sure he kept in touch including reviews over zoom

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Ben has put in place the stratergy we decided upon and although early days we are confident of reaching the retirement goals we set

What could they have done better?

Not sure Ben could have done much more? Everything has been explained, each option is well explained and I am happy with the decisions we have made.

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

Needed to consolidate pensions initially and plan ahead

How has Ben Cartwright helped you?

In every way possible.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Ben is extremely proactive