Angela Maher

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

Insurance

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Insurance and investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Retirement planning

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Given consistently thoughtful,professional and valued advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything that I would ask them to improve. Angela and her team have been excellent throughout.

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

Whilst I knew I needed a private pension, I had no idea how to go about it. Angela Maher was recommended to me, and because her guidance and management of my investments has been exceptional, I have recommended her to others.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

She has provided me with a super portfolio which has made very good gains year on year.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No, I don’t think so.

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

because I had heard good things about her

How has Angela Maher helped you?

given good advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

I am pleased with the results

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

When I retired 11 years ago my wife and I required an adviser to help us in the planning needed to ensure that we could meet all our retirement goals.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela has provided advice on where to invest our savings, which investments to liquidate first to minimise potential IHT issues, gifting to children, advice when legislation has changed (for example recent IHT changes affecting pension pots), certain tax matters, IHT planning and alternative investment solutions such as EIS.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are on target to meet our retirement goals.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that springs to mind.

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

Complicated business and personal family affairs

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela has helped with her wide knowledge of product availability and regulatory requirements for small self-administered pension schemes. Together with our accountant, she has advised on discretionary trusts and other family financial affairs. She shops around for the best rates/deals for us on ISA's etc. and we have recommended Angela and Acumen to relatives and friends. A trusted adviser with whom we feel confident for whatever the future holds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely, yes.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything!

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

Angela has handled all my finances for the last 40 years. She has provided invaluable advice and as a result ensured that I had financial security for myself and my family when I needed it most. She communicates in a clear and understandable language and I can rely on her to make the best decisions to suit my circumstances. Above all she is honest and transparent.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela handled two very complex matters for me in the last 6 years. Without her help and unwavering support I would not have coped.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am very grateful to have had the benefit of Angela’s knowledge and expertise. The advice she has given regarding my investments and pension has proved very beneficial.

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything.

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

Angela has looked after our affairs for years, varying from SIPP advice through to inheritance/investment advice.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

As above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes at all stages Angela has discussed the options and when we should implement change

What could they have done better?

Nothing fabulous service

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

Our stage in life

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Her patience and genuine knowledge was invaluable

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing she is a star

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Angela

I received a very prompt call back from Angela who provided me with sound and honest advice concerning my pension enquiry and has offered to follow this up once I've collected further information.

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

Approaching retirement my Wife and I considered the option of transferring my defined benefits pension into a SIPP and managed fund.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela started with the basics, putting both my Wife and myself at ease regarding the process, the possible options and the risks. In so doing, she clearly demonstrated empathy and understanding, and looked not only at our personal circumstances but also our immediate family group. Angela has a broad understanding and experience in personal financial investments and planning. She has immense patience and is able to explain sometimes difficult topics in a simple and clear way which inevitably helps in building confidence when making significant decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We are comfortable with our decisions, made on the back of Angela's advice, and given the geopolitical challenges of the past 2 years we have seen no major surprises.

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

I needed first-class advice on various matters since my retirement.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

The availability of support and the breadth of knowledge which Angela and her colleagues provide is second to none. If further advice is required, Angela always knows someone to whom she can direct me, e.g. wills, LPA's etc. A good decision to join Acumen's clientele.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes indeed.

What could they have done better?

Lot a lot!

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

Towards reaching age 75 I required advice and guidance in respect of my SIPP and Investment Portfolio.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Yes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Excellent professional advice and knowledge.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Angela

Angela has not acted for me in a personal capacity but has advised a number of my clients .I am a Specialist Family Lawyer and my reputation will depend on not only the way I have dealt with clients but also the specialists who I refer my clients to. Angela and her colleagues, Celia and Daniel have been first rate in understanding my clients specialist financial needs which involves investment and pension sharing assistance . I would certainly recommend the Firm and particularly those I have mentioned

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

During my working career I received financial advise/planning from a company that also looked after my companies general insurance and pension planning etc. I retired in 2013 and in 2014/15 the company that had looked after my pension and general planning advise ceased trading. I therefore needed to find an alternative financial advisor to help me plan my pension and inheritance tax situation. After interviewing several advisors my wife and I decided to choose Angela Maher at Acumen.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

When we first chatted to Angela Maher we set out our goals in order that Angela could fully understand our needs. Those goals have not changed and over the 8 years that we have been with Acumen Angela has consistently delivered an excellent standard of help and advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have seen the outcome that we were expecting and Angela has been an integral part of our plans being achieved.

What could they have done better?

The way in which the company is set up has meant that not much at all could have been done better. The major benchmarks that we initially set have all been achieved.

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

Transferring of pension to SIPP to allow access to drawdown of funds and to manage my portfolio

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela quickly got to grips with my situation, talked through my details, circumstances, plus my wants and needs, then spent time talking through all the options available and suitable before making her recommendation, which was very thorough and detailed and was in a language I could understand. Angela arranged a meeting with the Investment firm so I could ask further questions to ensure it was the best product for my circumstances. Angela and her team are always available to support with any queries or to discuss any concerns and are always extremely helpful, professional and courteous.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely and I feel that my full needs have been met and continue to be met with regular reviews.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - I am totally satisfied with the outcome.

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

I needed pensions advice

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela has helped me for many years with my investments and pension. I have always had excellent advice from Angela and trust her implicitly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Highly recommended when I finished work and wanted to safely invest my funds

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela is always available for advice and help providing me with options that suit my own goals

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Angels and the team have helped me during difficult and un predictable times

What could they have done better?

Very little

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

Initially, I was looking for advice on growing my investment portfolio prior to making a major purchase.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela has been a steadfast and trusted advisor of mine for yrs now. She helped me navigate the choppy waters of the pandemic and recovery and has kept me on-track ever since.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Angela has redefined my relationship with my finances. I now think about them completely differently and am able to plan my life with a level of confidence previously unknown to me. It's a liberating feeling - highly recommended!

What could they have done better?

I can safely say that Angela and the whole team at Acumen couldn't have helped me ny more than they have done!

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

I had been given poor pension advice from a previous IFA and needed some advice on how to correct my position. Acumen were recommended by a couple of people as good reliable people.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela and her colleague Daniel Frampton assisted me with an ongoing complaint against my previous IFA which was being investigated by The Financial Services Ombudsman. They also assisted to transferring my and my wifes pensions into a more suitable pension scheme.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%

What could they have done better?

Nothing at this stage.

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

When I started my career as a self-employed barrister, too many years ago to mention now, as well as securing the services of a good accountant, I wanted and needed the services of an excellent financial adviser.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Over many years, Angela and Acumen have helped me with setting up my pension provision, trust funds/ISAs for my children's futures as well as guiding me through some of the stormy waters that can be the self-employed Bar, with assistance in securing specialist mortgage provision, life insurance and income protection policies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Angela and Acumen's expertise in all things relating to financial advice has allowed me to be 100% confident that these important aspects of my life are where they should be, so yes - I have seen and continue to see the outcome I hoped for.

What could they have done better?

The service provided is second to none - Angela and her team are always immediately responsive to any query/issue that I need assistance with. I have no complaints about any aspect of their service and can't think of anything they could do better!

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

Wish to ensure I could leave money for my grandchildren in a Bond that would grow with them.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say with the current economic climate.

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

Being a young solicitor with a family my husband was looking for good financial guidance which would help him plan for his future and retirement.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela helped him to do this and was always very approachable, giving clear advice both verbally and in writing. Everything was fully explained so that confident decisions could be made as regards a pension, inheritance planning and investments. Regular reviews were always useful particularly if changes needed to be made as regards our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. After over twenty years of financial planning with Angela my husband retired with a good secure pension.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I am happy to say. Since my husband died Angela has been a tower of strength continuing to guide me through matters relating to changes in the estate. No matter how difficult I found things, speaking to Angela made me feel calmer thanks to her sympathetic ear and patience.

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

As my wife and I were approaching our 50’s, we started looking forward to our retirement. I had always been aware of my financial planning from the age of 18. However what we needed now was someone who could take our investments and pensions and put them to work for us, to give us the early retirement we longed for.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela has helped by advising us on all the aspects of financial planning including investments, pensions, wills etc

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?

Early retirement

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Advised with financial planning projections, investment management and ongoing financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yez

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

Transfer from company pension schemes to SIPP

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela has provided invaluable advice on my wider financial situation. She is knowledgable, highly professional and responsive. I have, without reservation, introduced other individuals to her for advice.

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?

I'd just set my own business and didn't have a pension so thought it would be a good time to set something up.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

I now have a pension in place which is performing well all things considered. Angela is always available for advice and there are no hidden charges.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes. The service from the whole team at Acumen is exemplary.

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

I have been a client of Angela's for a number of years and have always reached out to her for sound financial advice and guidance. Most recently it has been to do with financial planning and investments/savings post retirement.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

As always Angela has been professional, dedicated and understanding. Angela's wealth of experience and willingness to listen to her client's needs coupled with her ability to review/establish your attitude to risk means that you feel "safe in her hands".

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, in spite of the current financial situation that the Country finds itself in, I still believe I am on the right track following her advice/recommendations.

What could they have done better?

Do not have any areas for improvement and in fact have encouraged my children (young adults) to reach out to Angela's company/team as they look to establish their futures which I would not have done had I not been fully committed to the services they provide.

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

Being self-employed and with a private pension and savings and investments I felt it was very important to take professional advice.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Her understanding of current legislation and expert knowledge in respect of pensions, investments and inheritance tax planning together with her guidance regarding options and alternatives has been invaluable in helping with my current financial planning and longer term goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, in these difficult times I am delighted with the outcome and future potential prospects.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I am currently very satisfied.

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

Transfer of pension pot

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela was really informative and assisted me with financial advice around my pension. She and her colleagues were very informative and knowledgeable and gave me options around my future retirement plans. I am also able to upload documents and view my investments at any time. Strongly recommend Angela and Acumen

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes ..albeit there are concerns with the worldwide economy at present and investments but the service has been professional and bespoke around my needs.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I have a small amount of savings I want to add to and get the best return from them

How has Angela Maher helped you?

She has taken me through all the potential areas I could invest, looking at risk. She has also reviewed my pensions to see if they could be more beneficial invested somewhere else

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I wanted to transfer my Company Pension to a Private Pension

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela reviewed all my finances and explained in great detail my options. She helped me reach a decision on the way forward to completing the transfer.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Angela and her team provide excellent financial services advice and process. I trust their advice implicitly and have never had reason to doubt it. They are available at short notice, just a phone call away. They are professional, friendly, straight-talking, and I have recommended them unreservedly to colleagues, friends and family.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Mentoring and advice on pensions transfer to make sensible decisions on where to invest for both our long and short-term needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have.

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

I inherited some money and needed specialist advice on how to invest it.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

We had several meetings to go through my financial situation and future plans and then Angela advised me on the best way forward in relation to investing money I had inherited, going through the benefits and potential drawbacks. She also looked at my pension to see if that was the right plan for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet, as it is too early. The money I have invested is for my retirement so I am hoping it will grow over the long term.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I have a number of DB pension schemes and I wanted to look at the merits and feasibility of transferring my pension out of these schemes

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela helped initially by providing advice on the considerations for transferring out of my DB schemes and options for investment management. Although the transfer was evaluated and carried out by another Financial advisor, Angela helped guide me through the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am very satisfied with the outcome and look forward to working with Angela and Acumen in the future.

What could they have done better?

I have been very satisfied with the help and support so far, and now we need to turn concepts discussed into much more concrete plans.

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

Early retirement wanted to transfer my pension

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Provided advice on the investment of my funds

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ongoing

What could they have done better?

Nothing worthy of note

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

Moving from a large corporate company to a small family owned business, I wanted some advice on transferring my pension into a different scheme.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Yes, her knowledge was vast and she was able to answer any questions I had.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I was happy with all advice.

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

How to manage finances and invest for the future

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Financial planning and investment planning - Angela helped me out a clear plan in place that is helpful now and in the future. I feel confident I have invested my money wisely and feel more in control of my finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I would highly recommend them

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

I required expertise in investing surplus monies

How has Angela Maher helped you?

A thorough review of my circumstances and detailed discussions to decide what type of investments and which providers to use to suit me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes my investments are well looked after and are doing very well

What could they have done better?

I am fully satisfied with the service provided

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

Many years ago we were considering early retirement. We needed advice to assess our financial position and suggested investment that would enable us to do so.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela provided us with options and an understanding of their implications.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Options chosen were able to cope with the market and our requirements so that we had an income that met our current and future needs. As the markets have changed and our need for a stable income have also changed so to as the advice and options chosen to provide an optimum outcome.

What could they have done better?

Can not think of anything.

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

Retirement

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Giving sound financial advice regarding the sale of the family business. Her approach is very professional, but she is wonderful in understanding individual needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes so far it is steady and making sure all the financial foundations are well and truly in place for further growth

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I required guidance in respect of pension income drawdown and inheritance tax planning.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

A very competent and knowledgeable adviser, able to explain clearly all the options, together with the pros and cons. Tailored advice to my individual circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, excellent outcome with ongoing advice.

What could they have done better?

No, improvements not needed.

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

Angela sorted the SIPP for my commercial premises a number of years ago, but recently I have sold my business and Angela has given me and my wife wise council on what to invest in and the best way to look after both our and the families interests.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

When I was selling my business and I knew we would need sound advice I asked 3 Financial advisor for their opinions on what we should be looking to do, Angela's advice and reasoning behind it stood out.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes the investments are doing what was indicated

What could they have done better?

Nothing, it was quite refreshing that questions that do "don't know to ask" are posed for you and answered so you actually get a much broader overview so my wife and I could make informed decisions. I never felt like difficult questions where being avoided, everything discussed was open and honest

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

Angela has been advising me and my husband since we retired in 2003.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

When my husband died in January this year she helped me to consider my financial options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my investments have grown in spite of some dips.

What could they have done better?

Nothing!

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

As I came up to retirement age advice was paramount

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Her professional advice over the years has been invaluable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Our quality of life is more than acceptable thanks in part to aSmgela

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Angela

I recently met with Angela and her colleague Philip Jones to discuss my pension management. Their knowledge and support was excellent, taking time to thoroughly explain all the areas and questions I raised. I would wholeheartedly recommend this company, and am looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship with them.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Angela

Friendly, efficient, reliable

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

Investments and savings advice to assist with the purchase of a first home.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela gave me excellent advice tailored to my needs and situation based on a thorough assessment of my personal situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is still early days on the investment front, but I am certainly happy with the direction things are heading in.

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

My personal pension matured i sought advice on the best way to invest and meet my future financial needs. I also required advice on how best to give financial support to my children

How has Angela Maher helped you?

She recommended the most suitable investment management company for the pension. Angela has introduced us to an equity release advisor

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Angela has been fantastic and efficient I don’t think anyone could do better.

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

Inherited money from my mother and pension lump sums on retirement

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela took great care in understanding both my long term needs and the level of risk I was prepared to take. A very holistic approach was taken. Time was taken to ensure I fully understood the investments made. As time has gone along She has constantly monitored my investments and so I feel secure leaving it to her.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes..with a balance of investments we have been able to draw a steady income

What could they have done better?

No . Highly satisfied

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

Funds saved to invest

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Prompt friendly accessible advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Death of previous IFA

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Took over from previous IFA and made recommendations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Work in progress

What could they have done better?

No comment

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

Approaching retirement and needed advice.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Gave me excellent advice on how to consolidate my pensions. Also helped me set up wills ands LPA’s.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes absolutely

What could they have done better?

Did everything well and have continued giving excellent advice and service

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

Upon deciding to retire early

How has Angela Maher helped you?

She gave me invaluable advice and support on discussing my options and gave me the confidence to invest my pensions and savings for the future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , whilst the pandemic has obviously affected markets my investments have grown which is testament to her advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of both Angela and the team are always available should I have any queries or am looking for advice

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

1997 first encountered Angela Maher and have been with her ever since.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Discussed Financial Planning in a way I could understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and able to develop.

What could they have done better?

Feel Angela and team are still providing financial expertise/support to my needs.

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

I have known Angela for a number of years and have always reached out to her for financial planning advice across a broad spectrum. Most recently it has been to do with Retirement/Pension and Investments/Savings.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

As always Angela has been very professional and understanding. Her wealth of experience coming to the fore as we discussed not only my wants/desires but also my attitude to risk thereby ensuring I remain both comfortable and confident with the advice being given.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. It is great to know that my financial well being could not be in better hands.

What could they have done better?

Totally happy with service received and do not have any suggestions for improvement.

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

We unfortunately got bad pension advice with another advising company Angela has helped us wade through the nightmare that we got our selves into and helped us immensely and reinstated our confidence.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

She is helping us move our pensions away from a bad investment from our last advisors.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more! She is invaluable in her expertise and knowledge and we have total confidence in her and her company.

What could they have done better?

Angela has gone above and beyond all our expectations with her experienced knowledge and help in our nightmare bad investment prior to her taking it over.

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

I was retiring and needed investment advice

How has Angela Maher helped you?

She helped me structure a sensible financial portfolio allowing for level of risk I could accept

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes with her advice and my judgement I am satisfied

What could they have done better?

Maybe reduced total fees

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

I believe that everyone in business should use the services of a reputable IFA to help with personal financial planning

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela has helped enormously with advice relating to my SSAS pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Really can't think of anything

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

We were looking for advice about pensions transfer and pensions in general. My wife and I both had options to transfer from DB schemes and I had further portfolio complexity to discuss.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela reviewed our circumstances, appetite for risk and overall portfolio. She then suggested courses of action and explained all of the processes and charges involved. The actions recommended have been very different dependent on circumstances so we are very pleased that she and her organisation are genuinely taking our best interests into account when advising us. We are currently engaging her and her team to continue making recommendations. She gives us great confidence that our finances are in good hands having taken her advice, so much so that I am recommending her services to colleagues seeking similar assistance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have seen the outcomes we have been hoping for and have no issues in that respect.

What could they have done better?

At this stage I have no suggestions, the service has been excellent

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Angela

The service provided by Angela was very professional and thorough. I would recommend.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Angela

Angela (and her team) provided a very clear and complete summary of the services/expertise they could provide and how it could add value to my decision making with regard to pension investments. She showed great flexibility in fitting in with my schedule and arranging further more detailed discussions with herself and others to further aid my decision making. It is worth noting that she was very clear in outlining both positive and negative aspects of the various investment choices available which has been very helpful in my decision making.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Angela

Very sensitive to clients concerns and issues, and with a very patient and empathetic manner develops a relationship of trust and respect which is very reassuring. Her open and honest approach quickly helps to develop a high degree of confidence throughout the journey of financial planning and investment.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Angela

Friendly professional service

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

I needed someone who would provide impartial advice on my final salary pension and possible transfer, due to my personal circumstances and the need to have access to money before scheme retirement age and achieve a greater flexibility than the scheme offered.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela provided a wealth of information and all possible options after talking extensively with me to understand my situation and my needs for the present and future. She introduced me to an investment manager who will also monitor my investment to ensure maximum returns for the risk I have selected to take.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is in progress and I am really pleased that I now have a plan for the future and that my investment will be well looked after and feel confident that Angela and her team will look after me well.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that Angela could have done better. The report that she produced had to contain a lot of regulatory information which is quite heavy going to wade through, but I understand that this is necessary to ensure that she has been seen to provide me with all the background information and possible negative outcomes to enabel me to me an informed decision

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

Having decided to retire early I needed advice on the pension options available to me

How has Angela Maher helped you?

I found Angela to be very professional and helpful and is clearly extremely knowledgeable in her field. Angela took the time to explain all the options / benefits/ risks etc available to me in a simple and easy to understand manner. Following that she allowed me plenty of time to consider my options, responding quickly to my many questions with no pressure and no hard sell.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am happy with my pension arrangements and the follow up reviews with Angela.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to suggest

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

I was considering a pension transfer from a DB Scheme with my employer and randomly found ACUMEN on the UNbiased.Com website.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela was extremly responsive initailly with a phone call to discuss my issue/opportunity and then with a short period of time followed up with a home visit at no cost to me. We have found Angela to be extremely knowledgable and willing to spend adequate time to ensure my wife and I are comfortable with the information and decisions we are taking. At no point is there any hard selling. We both feel that Angela has our best interests at heart and that we are developing a long and hopefully properous relationship together.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes ~ My wife and I have both transferred DB Schemes with ACUMEN (Angela Maher). Each step of the way Angela or one of her staff have supported us. We are over 12 months now in to the process and Angela has provided a good level of information on our investments and the process as it progressed.

What could they have done better?

Now that we are beyond the initial process and we are simply tracking ouir investments I think it would be usful for ACUMEN (Angela) to faciliate expert or sharing forums for her clients. ACUMEN clients are clearly interested in their financial well being so offering opportunities to discuss topics possibly in the evening would be seen as a value added element. Recently attended such an evening with Hargreaves Lansdown regarding 'Pension Drawdown' which was very interesting with examples of what could go wrong and what works well.

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

To get the most out of my money.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

She helped me take the correct steps to look after my money and was incredibly helpful along the way. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have known what to do!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, better than expected!

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing! I couldn’t fault her.

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

As a former Board member of the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) and Director of Education with responsibility for the CFP Licence programme I was keen to ensure my personal adviser met all the quality standards required for financial planning advice at the highest level. Angela and her team constantly meet this expectation and I am delighted with the work Acumen continue to provide for my needs and those of my family.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela is particularly mindful of the need to ensure she and her team are aware of our goals and objectives and they are always keen to ensure we receive the best advice even if it means referring us elsewhere.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The pension portfolio Angela has put in place is exactly right for my requirements and the regular updates and meetings provided by Acumen ensure I am kept up to date.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - all is good!

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

Putting in place my pension arrangements following a detailed review of the options.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Provided expert, easy to follow, advice in a timely manner. Clearly had good knowledge of the subject and was able to move quickly to seamlessly put everything in place.

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 pension advice and met Angela at an event.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela and her team have been extremely helpful and explained everything in a simple way. They are also very responsive. A great company.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good!.

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

Having reached retirement I needed advice regarding my SIPP pension plan, investments and my potential inheritance tax liability.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Angela discussed my requirements with me at length, understood the issues and then provided me with background guidance on a range of options and provided a written report with her recommendations. I was very pleased with level of service, excellent advice and the costs involved.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am currently very pleased with the outcome, and I continue to receive on going reviews. I am taking a "drawdown" arrangement from my SIPP which has proved very satisfactory. I have invested in certain investments to potentially reduce my inheritance tax liability on death.

What could they have done better?

No particular changes recommended other than minor administrative issues.

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

Our previous financial advisor literally stopped looking after our investments. The company that we had dealt with for many years went through a management buyout and whilst they were engaged in this process we were left in limbo as clients.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

We interviewed three companies including Acumen Financial Planning which was headed up by Angela Maher. Angela met my wife and I and we discussed our need to appoint a new financial advisor. We discussed how Acumen could help us and also the costs and processes of changing to a new advisor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we spent a considerable amount of time in selecting a new financial advisor and we are very pleased with the service and cost that Acumen has delivered. In essence our goals set up initially with Angela have been met.

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

Recent inheritance.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

Talked through various options, advised re: investment portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days, but hopefully!.

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

The move in the pensions market towards SIPP demanded good professional advice.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

By carefully consideration of our circumstances and Taylor if the advice accordingly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes indeed very little as the half yeR.

What could they have done better?

Very little as the half yearly reviews or at other times meant a close professional eye was being kept on the investment progress

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

My previous FA retired and Angela was recommended to me by my accountant.

How has Angela Maher helped you?

With all the above sections and with contentious probate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Investments good and very supportive with probate issues.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Her service has been exemplary. She has also recruited an enthusiastic and loyal team of colleagues who have also been very helpful.