Client stories

Evidence from real planning conversations

These notes describe specific constraints and outcomes. Names are shortened for privacy; details reflect the engagements we actually deliver.

“We came in with three pension pots and a vague hope of retiring at sixty-two. The income schedule they produced showed we needed another eighteen months of part-time work — inconvenient, but better than finding out after we had already stopped.”

Helen M. Retirement Income Planning client, Hampshire Retirement Income Planning

“The portfolio review was thorough on fees and overlap. I would have liked a stronger view on one particular global equity fund, though I understand they avoid stock-level picks. Still useful enough that I trimmed two duplicate holdings the next week.”

James R. Investment Portfolio Review client, Bristol Investment Portfolio Review

“Our tax-year allocation checklist stopped the usual March scramble. We knew by November exactly how much was going into pensions versus ISAs, and we stuck to it.”

Priya & Adam S. Tax-Efficient Savings Guidance clients, Surrey Tax-Efficient Savings Guidance

“The estate conversation did not replace our solicitor — it prepared us. We walked into the legal meeting with priorities written down instead of arguing over the table.”

Margaret L. Inheritance & Estate Conversation client, Devon Inheritance & Estate Conversation

Extended case notes

Two longer examples of how discovery, modelling, and written recommendations played out.

Closing the gap before a defined-benefit start date

Couple in their late fifties, Corkeryham area · Retirement Income Planning

Challenge

One partner’s final-salary pension began at sixty; the other had only a defined-contribution pot and a desire to stop work at fifty-eight.

Approach

We modelled three bridging options: ISA drawdown, delaying the second retirement, and a temporary part-time consultancy. Tax bands and National Insurance credits were checked for each path.

Outcome

They chose a two-year bridge funded mainly from ISAs, preserving the DC pot until the DB income began. Written milestones kept both partners clear on when spending must tighten.

Untangling workplace pensions after three job moves

Marketing director, mid-forties · Investment Portfolio Review

Challenge

Four workplace pensions, two still invested in default funds with high charges, and no single view of overall risk.

Approach

We inventoried each pot, flagged exit penalties, and ranked consolidation candidates. One older scheme with valuable guarantees was left untouched.

Outcome

Two pots moved to a lower-cost arrangement; the guaranteed scheme stayed put. The client now receives one consolidated statement and a clearer risk picture.