Chris & Vanessa’s Story
We met in 2019 and have been working together since that time. Chris had a very valuable defined benefits pension scheme and when his employer opened a consultation to change it, he took advantage of the company funded time with a financial planner.
Since that time we’ve had to consider redundancy, health issues and retirement.
Here’s what the couple had to say about working with the Riverfall Financial team.
What made you seek advice?
Jessica was originally sought by a colleague in 2019 to engage in providing financial advice. I decided to take a meeting given colleagues feedback on her professionalism and honesty.
Upon meeting with Jessica and because of the comfortable, relaxed nature of the meeting, I arranged a further meeting at the Riverfall Financial offices. This also involved my wife, to explore what options we had with my defined benefit pension.
Initially I was looking to take early retirement for around 2024. Discussions were had about said early retirement, indicative transfer value of the Final Salary pension and the potentially viable options to explore that would fit our expectations. Once the DB scheme closed I was enrolled in an enhanced Defined Contribution(DC) scheme and we held preliminary financial discussions based on my preference of a retirement date originally set for 2024.
In 2021, following my wife’s redundancy, Jessica’s advice was a major factor in what she could achieve with her company pension pot; taking early retirement whilst still providing the financial stability she needed. We were able to take a low-risk approach safe in the knowledge that my retirement would be imminent.
When the time came for me to retire, Jessica was able to help with all of the paperwork for taking an income from my defined benefit scheme, putting our minds at rest with financial forecasting and also recommending we both take out a fixed term annuity to bridge the gap between finishing work and starting my state pension. All whilst still providing us with the cash lump sums we desired.
Jessica’s early and subsequent meetings, whether in person, by telephone, emails or videocalls, provided us with invaluable, simplified, honest and effective advice that has shaped our families’ decision in deciding our future.
What’s been the biggest benefit of working with Riverfall?
Other than talking about finances, we have both always felt comfortable talking to Jessica about personal challenges.
With help over the years from the whole team at Riverfall, the advice, guidance and subsequent DC pension transfers we received were instrumental in allowing us to fulfill our dream of taking early retirement and allowing us as a family make decisions on our future lives together.
How has Riverfall made a difference to your lives
I struggle to find any criticism of anything they have done. Throughout the process we have received honest, simple to understand yet complex advice in a manner that was friendly and professional at all times.
We couldn’t be more confident that we are now on track and as such we can enjoy our retirement and all the benefits we’ve planned for.
We recommend them regularly to friends and ex-colleagues in similar positions. It’s so important to know you can trust your financial adviser, it’s such a big investment of time and trust on both sides.
What our
clients say
Frequently Asked
Questions
Absolutely not. Your first meeting, typically lasting an hour, is at our expense and is the opportunity for you to decide if you would like to work with us. It is also an opportunity for us to ensure that we can add value for you before proceeding any further.
We are based in Ruddington and also have office space in Mountsorrel near Loughborough as well as central London. For directions to our Ruddington office please visit our About Us page.
We would always suggest, where you are comfortable and where practical, that your initial meeting is held face to face. We also have Teams conference calling and are happy to speak over the telephone. Call us today and one of our team will be happy to set up an appointment time, day and method that suits you best.
We offer Personal Planning, Business Planning and Mortgages & Protection, including Final Salary Pension Transfer Advice. If there’s an area which we can’t offer assistance on we will help you source alternatives if suitable. We would be happy to run through everything that we offer in an initial, no obligation meeting.
All of our fees are agreed upfront and before any chargeable work is carried out, providing you with the peace of mind that you understand exactly what you’re paying. We also offer a range of payment methods. Our planners are happy to discuss our fee models in an initial, no obligation meeting and will always provide a bespoke proposal for your consideration.
Read our magazine
‘The Bridge’
Communicating with our clients is important to us, so we create our very own magazine, into which we pour the expertise of the Riverfall Financial team.It’s free, it’s exclusive and it’s full of insight on how your money can help you make the most of your life.
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