Ian Howe

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

Uncertain how to invest a reasonable sum of money and at the same time receive a monthly income.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Helpful and sympathetic advice on a number of visits.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too soon to comment

What could they have done better?

Currently nothing

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

Needing to invest and protect a reasonably amount of money. Also to guarantee a steady monthly income.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Three visits and detailed correspondence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too soon to comment.

What could they have done better?

Currently nothing.

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

I felt that the major investment firm I was dealing was looking at me merely as a number and had increasing management charges difficult to follow.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian discussed all aspects of my investments, aspects of risk and my future personal financial requirements fully, He has implemented our plan which has produced excellent growth with more transparent charges

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Who knows??

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

Dissatisfaction with independence of previous adviser

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has developed a financial plan with 3 stages which gives us confidence that we have sufficient funds to provide a comfortable retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , returns have exceeded expectations even in a volatile environment

What could they have done better?

I don’t think so

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

Needed when receiving money in a Divorce.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has allowed me to feel comfortable with my finances and to protect them for the future I want.

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 needed to understand where I stood financially

How has Ian Howe helped you?

He has listened to what we wanted to achieve, helped us implement the plan and explained all of it to me in a way that I understand, which is crucial.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s ongoing but I do feel very listened to and supported.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really!

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

We needed some support with overall financial planning

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has a fantastic focus on working with us on what we want from our future and then what financial choices we need to make to support our goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We certainly have the plan that we are really happy with.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, we have a very open relationship with Ian so if there were any issues we would have discussed with him.

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

We needed help with long term investments and financial planning

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has been fabulous in helping us to make both long and short term investment decisions, based on a clear understanding of our particular needs and ambitions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. We know our financial plans are in safe hands.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

My wife and I met Ian via my father, as he is one of Ian’s clients and a discerning judge of character. He answers questions with insight, detail and authority and often backs up what he says with evidence, in the form of data or history, in a way which even I (as very much not someone who grasps all this easily) understand.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

We (my wife and I) are teachers, so early on made clear that we did not have much wiggle room in terms of finances to play with, yet Ian has helped find ways to enjoy a little bit of freedom without living lavishly or beyond our means. While he is an astute businessman, he really gets that making links, getting trust and understanding people and priorities is key in terms in building relationships and allowing us to build and plan for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say with assurance but so far broadly as expected.

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

With a likely 10-15 years of employment left, multiple small pension pots and very busy lives we needed someone to pull it all together and advise on our current financial position and also what our future cash flow and savings would be.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has built a really clear cash flow model, which is easy to understand; has amalgamated multiple pension pots into one, with a clear investment strategy; has offered clear advice, with options along the way. One thing that Ian does is say, you could do this, or could do this and explains the likely differing outcomes. He will give his advice but then allow you to make your decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we now have a disciplined regular review of household finances and future savings. 'What if' questions are now far more straightforward to answer and so big decisions such as 'should we buy a new car', 'can we afford to refurb the bathrooms' become far more straightforward. And the plan is always changing, just like life does.

What could they have done better?

We had the toughest of starts - right in the middle of the covid pandemic - so Ian had to balance running his business as well as supporting his clients. We are in good rhythm now, and it is Ian makes sure we update budgets and runs our annual review.

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

We were heading to early retirement and have a large number of assets we needed to consolidate and manage

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian’s approach started with understanding us our motivations and desires for our life. He then created a financial plan helping understand our investment to achieve our retirement plan the rest was execution and regular update reviewing plans and making adjustments as required. I very personal approach

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are currently able to enjoy our early retirement and co tiniest to work with Ian reviewing the plan and investments. The outcomes to date are what we planned

What could they have done better?

Given Ian’s approach is very personal and we regularly review the plan which include discussion kn changes in the intl markets and govt bonds I don’t see how the service could be improved at this point

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

We had previously several pensions in different places as well as multiple investments. We had no clear long term financial plan modelled out in any amount of detail and as both our children now are starting to hit University stage, we wanted to consolidate everything as well as look for someone that could take on looking after both our children as well.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian was able to help out by consolidating all our pensions and investments as well as some of our longer term life style choices, being able to see all this in one place and being able to model different scenarios and the impact that would have was very insightful and allows us to better financially plan and adjust accordingly. Also his contacts in the Financial Services world allowed us to get very competitive mortgage offer at quite short notice and hassle free.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes, very much so. We feel we are better prepared than we were previously and the regular catch-ups and planning meetings we have in person are extremely productive and extremely comforting to know the financial position / exposure we have as a family.

What could they have done better?

Not much to be honest.

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

We wanted an independent adviser we could trust

How has Ian Howe helped you?

He has brought together all our pensions and investments “under one roof” to enable us to plan our retirement spending and legacies. We are much clearer now on our future spending and know our money is invested in low cost and well reputed funds. We have been very pleased with his investment returns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, see above

What could they have done better?

Nothing worth recording - overall we are very satisfied

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

Initially I became a client of Ian’s because I was not happy with my previous financial advisor. Over the last two years however Ian’s advice and support have been particularly invaluable as I have had to navigate my way through an unexpected divorce.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has guided me step by step through an extremely difficult and painful time. Getting divorced has thrown me into financial uncertainty but he has been a constant and reassuring presence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I feel my finances are in extremely safe hands. I have had to take control of my own finances rather than relying on my husband, and Ian has enabled me to do that.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I am completely happy with every aspect of the financial planning Ian continues to provide.

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

After selling a business I wanted to ensure my finances were well organised.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Created an overall financial plan, structured investments and out in place other wealth management and protection initiatives

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far! We are on the journey not at the destination.

What could they have done better?

Nothing but positives, so very difficult to answer.

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

My wife and i weren't making our money work for us in the best way possible, so needed to consolidate our finances accordingly and regroup more efficiently.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

He has provided key financial advice and services for us, especially in the realm of insuring ourselves in case of circumstantial changes in the household.

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?

We both felt we needed someone to advise us on where to put our money. We don't have a huge amount, but wanted what we do have to work for us in the most efficient way possible.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has helped us to plan for the future, re-invest money and make sure we are protected as we grow as a family. His help has been friendly, understandable, and invaluable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Honestly, I dont know!

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

Consolidation of my assets after the passing of my wife.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

He has provided clear and concise advice on the forward planning of my assets to ensure I can enjoy the lifestyle I am looking for.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, everything appears to be functioning correctly.

What could they have done better?

Nothing apart from supplying the winning National Lottery numbers.

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

I have had a financial advisor for many years, but Ian was offering a financial planning service, and as I was coming to the end of my working life, I wanted help with planning my future financially.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Great advice on investing, but also his 'three hats' policy of financial planning has been so helpful for working out how my finances will be when I stop working. He paints a really good picture and makes it easy to understand, especially for someone who doesn't really understand figures, projections etc. He's helped me appreciate risk, and has advised brilliantly on investing and getting really good returns on investments, but also being fully aware investments can go up, as well as down!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I haven't retired yet, but have a very clear picture of what I can expect.

What could they have done better?

I don't think so, unless he can help me win the lottery.

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

When I turned 18 I felt that a financial adviser would aid me with decisions surrounding student loans, career options and financial independence. I looked for an adviser that could get to know my situation from this critical age and help me with a long term view.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has provided invaluable advice to me as a client with less financial knowledge. He is always accessible, knowledgable and considerate of my personal situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although I have longer term goals with Ian that have not yet come to pass

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

I wanted to get control of my finances and plan for retirement.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has been an invaluable advisor, coach and friend who has helped me to gain financial control and make a plan for the future. He stops me making decisions based on instinct or emotion and generally takes the anxiety out of my financial position.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. I feel in control and well informed.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. I’m basically very satisfied.

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

Current financial planning company wasn’t delivering an acceptable level of service

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Offering a personal, professional and knowledgeable level of service

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Had a foolproof crystal ball

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

Consolidation of finances and future planning.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Discussion on long term view has been very helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes the process and discussions provides much reassurance of our situation.

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

We realised that like many busy families, we had multiple pensions, savings and investments in multiple places but we were unsure whether these were working hard enough for us or whether we were doing enough to meet our medium and long term life plans. In short - we were in need of some financial planning expertise!

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has been instrumental in helping to understand the path to our long term financial goals. He has also really taken the time to understand us as a family; our values, how we like to spend our time, what is important to us - and he has used this insight to give us the best possible advice. Most importantly of all, we find all of our interactions with Ian to be straight talking, open and honest - he has made the process of understanding our financial health fun, when it can at times feel very daunting!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. We can honestly say that the years of advice and guidance we have received from Ian have transformed our lives. We are now fully confident of a realistic path to our long term financial goals. We cannot recommend this process enough.

What could they have done better?

Not a lot! We are very happy with the service and relationship we have developed with Ian and Druthers.

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

I have used a financial adviser since taking out my first mortgage when I was 21. I have always used an adviser for my pension and for equity ISAs and investment portfolio.

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Ian has streamlined the investment of my SIPP and ISAs and also helps with my small self-managed investment trust portfolio although this is not advised. Ian did a lot of research to ensure my particular Environmental Social and Governance objectives were met.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The investments are now managed in line with my risk profile and in accordance with my investment objectives.

What could they have done better?

The advice has been excellent - markets and market timing not so good!

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

Planning for retirement , pension , investment & money management .

How has Ian Howe helped you?

Implanted ISA investment & advice on maximum monies allowed into Pension . Projections of money available in retirement , giving peace of mind .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

For the risk level I am prepared to

What could they have done better?

In my mind at present - nothing