Marcus Dodds

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus provided me with great service and his professional and personable manor put me at ease from the get go.

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

Lump sum received from sale of shares and property needed financial advice to ensure invested well and safely for good return and planning for retirement

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus has been very helpful in all aspects of our financial planning with regular reviews and now knows our family very well so this is also reassuring bearing in mind our personal circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have been very pleased with the returns/reward from our financial advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to note

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

Advice about pension and finances

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Dealt with my enquiry promptly

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?

Needed advice what was the best way to invest my money

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Gave myself and my wife solid advice about investing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far our investment is doing well.

What could they have done better?

Perfectly happy with all the advice Marcus gave us

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

For professional overview of my finances.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

By providing me with this advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

i have a little understanding of financial affairs but I value professional advice. I always have.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

He has shown me where I might have made expensive errors.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Not in my opinion.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus was able to provide all the help and information we required in a very professional and easy going manner. Would have no hesitation in recommending him at any time.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

I felt really comfortable throughout the appointment and like my needs were really understood. After the appointment, Marcus sent me a detailed email referencing what we had discussed, which I really appreciated. I wouldn't hesitate to reccomend him.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

excellent meeting in every respect; all questions and issues regarding IHT discussed and resolved. Cannot recommend Marcus too highly.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus Dodd reassured us that one pension we have will not be lost should we not take money from it, and that there were a number of options that we could follow. He also advised us on other financial points we should consider.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

I was able to get clear information about my queries. He explained everything in the simplest of terms.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus was really helpful and explained my options clearly. I have no doubt I will see him when decisions need to be made.

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

Recently retired

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Sound advice, excellent communication skills, finding out what our lifestyle plans are.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

First year yes, however current economic situation worldwide is having a detrimental effect on savings.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

School fees

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

He has given sound advice.

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?

Had money to invest

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Gave me all the information I needed and advised me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes thank you

What could they have done better?

No

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

Looking to retire earlier than hoped for

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Sensible and client-appropriate advice - he listens actively.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not much. The state pension NICS top-ups will add much to our income in less than 3 years.

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

My husband needed advice on pensions

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus gave us honest and fair information about my husband pension and the pros available to us. He spent time ensuring we had all the information we required and helped us to make an informed decision about our futures.

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?

The best way to invest for the future

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus has supported, advised and help me plan for my future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Don’t feel he could do anymore…

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus understood my situation and suggested a pension solution appropriate to my circumstances. He also made me understand my own pension situation, and explained the several pension pots I have acquired from different employers. I couldn't have achieved these results without Marcus.

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

Had a sum of money to invest

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Helped by good advice in which way would be appropriate for us to invest our money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Has only been invested recently.

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

I had a cash lump sum which required investing for mid-long term

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

He explained all available options very clearly as well as taking time to evaluate my desired outcomes and appetite for risk

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say for results but excellent advice received.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

To invest in new pension as well as evaluate existing policies

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Friendly, approachable advisor who answered any queries and gave me my options

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?

To consolidate my late father's investments & later financial planning g & retirement investment for myself.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

A great deal

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I know of

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

I needed somebody to advise me on inheritance planning , pensions and a need to make my money grow instead of sitting in a bank

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus has sorted out previous inheritance and has planned for the future , moved money into share isa’s yearly and helped invest in areas where we think gains can be made in the future also he has consolidated some of my pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes ,considering the last couple of years have been difficult due to covid and now the Ukrainian war

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Very helpful. And good advice. 5 stars.

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

I NEEDED ADVICE ON MY PRIVATE PENSIONS

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus helped me get the right product that suited my needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still early days

What could they have done better?

NOTHING I FOUND MARCUS EASY TO GET ON WITH

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Very friendly, easy to understand, clear and thorough. I walked away feeling a lot more confident in my comprehension of the decision I made for my investments

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus acted in a very professional manner and gave me a clear understanding of the options available to me.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Very knowledgeable adviser and helps to explain in straightforward language

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus was extremely professional and put me at ease instantly with his knowledge and genuine character. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family who were seeking financial advice

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

Upcoming retirement.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Clearly understood our needs and made helpful suggestions without being pushy. We find him to be very personable and knowledgeable and trust his advice. He identified a state pension opportunity which we were not aware of.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Whilst it is early days for our investment plan we are very happy with the suggestions made.

What could they have done better?

Not aware of anything.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus was extremely flexible in arranging the meeting - I had to change the date and time several times and he accepted and fitted in with my changes. The meeting itself was in the Armstrong Watson offices in Carlisle which proved to be a great venue. Marcus was pleasant to meet, informed and knowledgeable and easy to communicate with. All in all, a great experience albeit one where my circumstances are such that we will not be conducting any further business at this stage. This in no way reflects on Marcus or his ability.

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

Sold a property

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

What there is out there that can actually make money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus was very helpful, everything was explained fully to allow us to make an informed choice. Highly recommend.

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

Considering semi-retirement.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Clarified options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus was very helpful giving useful advice and information.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus explained everything very clearly. I have a lot of confidence in him .

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

I was retiring from the NHS. I had 2 other pension pots. I wanted to add to my NHS pension pot, and get the best out of my other two pots.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

He discussed with me in detail the pros and cons of buying extra income for my NHS pension pot, i.e. whether to spend almost £60k of savings on another £3k per annum income, or to invest the money elsewhere. I understood the different options but preferred to go with the security of increased regular income, which Marcus respected. He discussed with me in detail what to do with my third pension pot. As part of this exercise, he got me to do a detailed statement of my income and expenditure, so I could review my needs pre and post retirement. I found that very helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I don't know. This is all a learning curve for me, and I think Marcus did very well in educating and advising me, so I am very pleased with the service he offered. But I don't know what I don't know.

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

I had money available to invest and I was planning to retire this year.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus drew up retirement plans for me as well as investment opportunities

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The monies have been invested for only 1 month. Let’s see what happens over the next couple of years

What could they have done better?

I was pleased with the advice Marcus gave. He highlighted various opportunities for investments. He also discussed the different options for my pension. His manner was very professional and his advice was very clear.

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

I have a slightly complex section 32 pension scheme with an attached guaranteed minimum pension, that is poor value for money that I am now able to transfer to another provider.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus has been extremely helpful and is one of the few advisers in Cumbria who can offer this type of advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really.

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

I had a lump sum of cash to invest and wanted to maximise tax relief and return on investment.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus looked at my risk profile and recommended a pension vehicle and investment fund.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

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

Money to invest

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Advised us on the best way to get good returns

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and investments will hopefully go on to do well

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

I’m retired and needed professional assistance to administer my SIPP

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

He is always to hand with sensible and practical advice catered to my individual needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Because of the specialist advice I was sure I would get from Marcus.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

By helping me to sort out my investments and pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I hope so. Everything seems to be doing all right.

What could they have done better?

This is a very difficult question to answer! I refer to the answer I gave to the preceding question.

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

A wish to retire as early as possible,my concerns over brexit and wanting my savings to increase instead of sitting in banks with poor returns

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus help me increase pensions with lump sums and higher monthly contributions ,consolidate mutual funds and invest in stocks and share isa and oeic managed funds

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome hasn’t been as high as hoped but with the ups and downs of brexit and now covid 19 I’m hoping things will get back on track soon

What could they have done better?

No criticism, he has been very helpful allowing me to contact him at home during this difficult time

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

I was looking to find the best way to maximise returns from my pension pot.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

He took time to make a full financial review, to discuss fully my best options taking into account the review and the return I wanted to achieve.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The return from the recommended investments were in line with Marcus's projections.

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

I had a number of pensions which I was looking to take in the next few years.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Getting a really good understanding of our requirements, finances, anticipated short, medium and long term plans including our wishes for our children.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have a clear understanding of the best ways for us to utilise the funds and flexibility available within our various pension schemes to best meet our requirements.

What could they have done better?

We have obviously been impacted by the fall in global investment values during the first few months of 2020. In hindsight he could have asked us to think more specifically what the impact of a very significant fall in our investments could mean for us.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Excellent knowledge and service.. Would highly recommend, Thanks Marcus.

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

I was wondering if it was possible to retire from work at an earlier date than I had initially planned.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus understood from the very start exactly what I wanted to know. After just two meetings he entered all the relevant information into a spreadsheet, and advised me accordingly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - after considering Marcus' advice and other factors, I decided to take early retirement. At a third meeting Marcus made a number of recommendations regarding moving pensions and other investment choices, all of which I took on board.

What could they have done better?

The whole process was undertaken within a very tight time frame of just two months. Marcus appreciated the urgency of the situation, and definitely went the extra mile to help me.

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

I had a lump sum which I wanted to invest, but still have access to if necessary, but also have a reasonable return.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus discussed various options with me in an easy to understand and pleasant manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's still early days in terms of return, but I'm still very happy that my requirements have been met.

What could they have done better?

I can't really think of anything that could have been better, he was flexible in making appointments and punctual and clear in all communication.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Marcus

Marcus was very helpful and knowledgable in giving us advice regarding our pensions and would certainly not hesitate in recommending him.

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

Always had one with Armstrong watson

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

with investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

nothing that I know of

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

We moved house and wanted adequate life and critical illness insurance to protect the mortgage.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus set us up with a policy to meet our requirements, and made the process very easy for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing - Marcus was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

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

We wanted some expert advice following my wife's decision to retire and a recent inheritance.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

He listened to our needs, reqirements and some worries and put together a proposal which seemed to tick all the boxes, much of which we would not have thought of ourselves.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say yet but it should and seems as resilient to the uncertainties of brexit as possible.

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

I wanted to speak to a reputable local established company regarding my pension options. With such an important dessicion to make I wanted the best impartial advice for me and my family.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus took time to get to know me and my circumstances and after a few meetings gave me a plan which he explained in layman's terms that I could understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was told about the pros and cons about the financial advice given and hopefully will see my plan grow in the next few years.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure what could have been done better.

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

My retirement and pension decisions.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Based on my agreed risk grading, Marcus advises me how to achieve my best returns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No criticisms whatsoever.

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

To invest for an income in retirement

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Marcus advised of the options available the advice is ongoing with yearly reviews

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far the outcomes are looking good

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

To get the right advice for the future re investment

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Supported me with long term investment for my pension fund

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Marcus has been very supportive in helping make the right decisions.

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

Income during retirement and need to finance purchase of new house

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

In dealing with all maters associated with replies to questions requested

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good

What could they have done better?

Ensure customer understands advice given. Do not assume.

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

My husband and I required expert advice.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

By listening, understanding what we required, exploring options with us, plus being professional and genuine.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It seems to be going that way.

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

We have been a client of AW for many years and Marcus Dodds is continuing with a very good relationship / association .

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

We need good advice and I am pretty sure this is what we are getting.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is like looking into the future, we can only make plans and hope for the best.

What could they have done better?

See above.

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

We were both planning for our retirement.

How has Marcus Dodds helped you?

Listened to what we wanted and advised us accordingly. He was extremely professional and knowledgable without being pushy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes though it is still early days for our long term retirement plans.

What could they have done better?

It would be more helpful to us as clients if the company offered a will making service.