Andrew Smith

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

I felt the time had come to get help in planning my financial future and advice on how best to use the funds i have. As i get older i also wanted a direct contact to someone so i could ask questions , explain my plans and also have an advisor to carry out transactions . Also having someone to turn to if at any point i feel vulnerable and need more support.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

He is in the process of consolidating my investments and placing them in suitable products to best protect my future . He has explained everything as he has gone along and encouraged me to ask questions and made me feel very comfortable in making enquiries .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has actually turned out to be better than i expected. we are still in the process of settling plans as it is early days but having worried about doing this in the first place as i have always handled my own affairs, it feels like a good decision on my part made at the right time. There is quite a lot of form filling and information that is needed so i would encourage others to undertake this while they still feel capable although i do feel i would have been well supported if i had needed it

What could they have done better?

i have no knowledge of how financial advisors work but feel this is probably as good as it can be

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

Many many years ago we were discussing pensions and finance in the office and my boss recommended a chat with Andrew. We had a chat and Andrew made a plan and we have stuck to it and built on it many times. We have no financial experience and needed help to build a secure financial future with someone who could help and guide us on our journey towards retirement.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

Yes. We have made investments we would have not done without Andrew's (and his team) help and we can see a positive financial future ahead of us. Had a meeting recently and Andrew had already anticipated a question "What if we don't sell....." and he had already prepared the graphs needed to show the answer - it was of course the right answer LOL. Just before Covid we bought a second property and Andrew guided us through the mortgage process and also when we re-mortgaged at the end of the fixed rate term. Having someone on the outside looking-in is so useful and he is there at any time to answer questions no matter how simple they may be.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Andrew says we can both retire today and still live a similar life style without having to work for it - but I enjoy my job and will carry on working (albeit a three day week) until I get too engrossed in other things on my now 4-day weekend.

What could they have done better?

To honest - nothing. We are happy with Andrew's predictions for our future. We can relax with the knowledge we (or should that be Andrew) have made the right decisions. Andrew has a great team behind him and I thank my ex-boss for his recommendation.

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

Planning for the future.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

Retirement planning and implementation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of. Always available for clarification and advice. I am regularly updated with any relevant information, market fluctuations, regulations etc.

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

Complex IHT and tax planning

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

consistent advice explaining the range of options and their consequences

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

nothing that I am aware of

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

I realised that advice and guidance towards helping my partner and I achieve a solid financial plan was best achieved by seeking independent financial advice. I wanted an advisor who could provide accurate information, backed up by careful explanation and who could allow me to confidently choose the most appropriate style of managing our finances.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

For more than 30 years, Andrew (and his father before him) has provided a consistent and straightforward service. Having no financial background myself, I felt extremely comfortable with the way in which Andrew has consistently managed my financial affairs. He has kept me on track to achieve my stated financial goals and life plan. The clarity and common sense which he applies to our financial relationship means I get a good nights sleep, confident that my wealth is steadily progressing even in uncertain times.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Things are going in the right direction as projected.

What could they have done better?

I don't believe Andrew could have done any better for me over the years. I appreciate the personal contact we've had - both annually, and lately over the internet. My hope for the future is that he and his great team continue in exactly the same way. Thank you.

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

I have used Andrew's services for over 15 years.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

He's looked after my entire portfolio of interests, starting when I had minimal income and has worked with me as my situation has changed. He takes all the hassle out of everything related to the process that he possibly can.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I'm not retired yet, but this is not Andrew's fault! He's working with me on an achievable long term plan.

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

I have worked with Andrew for quite a few years now, but a recent change in circumstances made me think harder about the future, to set goals and have a more specific financial plan in place. I trust Andrew to provide me with the right investment advice.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

Andrew has always given me straightforward advice and guided me towards the right plans and products to maximise my investments. He has excellent product knowledge, market awareness and experience, and provides clarity when needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, my investments seem to be on track and heading in the right direction.

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

My wife and I wanted an independent, no-nonense, plain English speaking, honest advisor to assist with our long-term pension/retirement planning.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

From the outset, which was many years ago, Andrew provided a no-fuss, simple service to us. He has diligently guided us through the complexity of equity investing, giving clear explanations at every annual review; and more often when we've required information or reassurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have been extremely happy with the results of our investments following Andrew's advice and guidance. Despite the disastrous effects of the financial crisis and the current pandemic, his recommendations have held us in good stead.

What could they have done better?

Andrew and his admin team operate such a diligent system, it is impossible to think of any major improvement. We simply trust trust he will keep on doing what he does so well!

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

I wanted to get the best and most up to date information on financial planning

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

Andrew Smith has ensured that myself and my family are protected with adequate insurance, have a suitable mortgage and have sensible pension planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Initially my aim was to consolidate my various pension packages into a single managed portfolio fund.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

He advised which were the various options given my end goals bearing in mind my retirement date target, my personal risk aversity level and regular investment value I was willing to put forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Generally yes, given the extreme volatility the market has shown over the past 10 years and is showing at the current time.

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

My company has investments in a self administered pension fund. Andrew advises my company and its pensioners present and future on these investments, and also advises my two sons on personal investments.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

Andrew helps us in an ongoing regular manner on the investments under our control and makes sure that they are suitable for the planned growth of the pension fund.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcame we aspire to is the ongoing stablity and growth of the pension fund. I feel that we are seeing this outcome being achieved despite some really challenging times that could easily knock us off course.

What could they have done better?

Although Andrew is the person who proposes changes and improvenements in our investments, these are always discussed with a majority of trustees in regular meetings together and only instituted if all trustees are in agreement.

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

I wanted to plan for my retirement.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

Andrew helped me understand my true appetite for risk vs reward through a process of going through questionnaires and reviewing the results.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcomes have been generally in line with the risk profile of the portfolio however the recent covid 19 pandemic has had a big impact on the portfolio.

What could they have done better?

Andrew is aware odf this and he and his team are working on improving the visibility via the online portal. Currently I am only able to see the Total value of the investment and the breakdown of this information is currently provided separately by Seneca Reid.

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

Variuos reasons. Initially I needed advice on a mortgage and also investment suggestions for equity that I had made following the sale of my company. Also needed advice on investments for our Company pension fund and guidance on inheritance planning for the future.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

He gave good direct advice for the areas where he could assist and provided contacts and introductions for areas that were outside of the scope of his remit.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definately. Had very good and consistant returns over the many years I have been involved with Andrew at Seneca Reid and the guidance has always been correct and useful for making the right decisions.

What could they have done better?

Very happy with the advice and level of contact I have with them and at the moment there is nothing in particular that I feel they could do that would assist me further .

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

Planning for retirement and managing finances in retirement

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

Confidently advises on matters financial during my retirement and for my wife as well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing as far as I know

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

Retirement

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

He gave us good advice and visual aids to see our financial forecasted income going many years forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is too early to see any outcome.

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

Nothing specific. I was looking for someone to help manage my money and future planning

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

He always helps me with all financial planning. All areas from saving and investments to mortgage and long term planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Andrew and his team are v available and help with my security and planning for my wife and myself.

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

Over 20 years ago as I started my professional career, I wanted impartial advice from someone who would stay with me throughout my career. It was pure luck that I met Andrew at an event and since then he and his team have provided me with clear guidance that has enabled me to make decisions tailored to my personal and professional circumstances.

How has Andrew Smith helped you?

Andrew has helped me navigate the complex world of personal pensions, investments, insurances and even helped me with finding the right kind of mortgage. Time after time his advice has delivered, the big test is yet to come, when I retire! But we still have time and I know Andrew will be at my side when those important decisions need taking, with his practical and most importantly understandable guidance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes, I have achieved excellent growth in my ISAs and have always been able to manage my finances to suit my circumstances at any specific time.

What could they have done better?

I honestly cannot fault Andrew and his team, they remind me when I need to review any of my financial related products and I have never felt pressured to look at products that I did not deem suitable at the time, instead I have sought timely advice for certain products (eg Life and Critical Illness cover) and this has been provided when I wanted it. Andrew has even shared some rather interesting books with me which have also helped my understanding of investments and given me an insight into his approaches and philosophy, which is sound and based upon his great knowledge and experience. Andrew is a normal guy who's own life has run in parallel with mine in many respects and as a consequence he really understands his clients and for me that has made for consistent excellent advice. Just keep on doing what you have always done Andrew!