Our Client Stories
I was introduced to Richard and HFL by my partner in 2018 when I first started seriously considering retirement. Having not paid too much attention to previous company pension communications I realised that even though I always believed I “would be OK” I didn’t actually know how OK and furthermore, didn’t fully understand all the pension communications I had received from the company. The first meeting was a quite informal explanation of the paperwork I had received over the years that left me feeling comfortable about my future and for the first time feeling that I was beginning to understand my options.
In January 2019 I had decided that I would retire during that year and formally became a client of HFL and Richard. From the first “recap” meeting until my retirement in August that year Richard was very clear in his communication of the options and financial details involved. He also took great care to ensure that I understood this information and also any potential pitfalls of each option. Every discussion was properly documented in a way I could understand, including all conversations/communications with the pension fund administrators and investment managers. Dealing with fund administrators can be quite an onerous, time consuming and lengthy activity but with HFL taking this pain I always felt that I was moving forward in the right direction.
At no stage did I feel under pressure to make a quick decision, in fact completely the opposite – Richard ensured that I could explain why I had made each decision, what it meant to me and what the potential risks were.
During my first year of retirement I have kept in fairly regular contact with Richard, who is always accessible and ready to answer any questions. I have just completed the first formal annual review. The summary was comprehensive and it was encouraging, in these uncertain economic times, to feel that my pension is in good hands. I would certainly recommend HFL and Richard to anyone approaching this stage of their life that is looking for sound advice.
DS, Wales
I am very pleased to be able to supply this testimonial for Richard Woodwards. Richard has been advising my wife and I on financial matters for the best part of 15 years. In this time I have been very pleased with the advice and guidance he has offered. He explains matters of a financial nature in a way that is easily understood. Explaining and advising on the level of risk etc. on any proposed investments.
I would have no hesitation in recommending him to you as trustworthy and extremely competent in any financial advice offered.
GW, CLACTON-ON-SEA
I feel very confident that our funds are wisely invested. One of our investments is gave unbelievable returns (over 30%). I know that I can plan my day around the appointment time as he is always on time. Regarding my investments, Richard make’s a difficult subject easy to understand.
BC HAVERHILL
I totally trust Brenda and her team. They are so much more than a financial planning agency. They consider your circumstances, take the time to get to know you and then they advise you in YOUR best interest. I feel understood, cared for and in very good hands. Thank you so much to all of you at HFL.
Y El Dabi, Director Evolving Leadership Ltd
My wife and I have known Richard for 10 years now and has been a most trusted adviser. He has never let us down once and has always carried out whatever he has promised to do….and more. He has helped my wife and I with our savings, investments and pensions.
He is always available should we need him, and regularly comes to see us to review our circumstances and make sure what we have is current and still suiting our needs.
Through his knowledge he is able to keep us up-to-date with what is happening in the market place and the wider global economy and is able to guide us on ways of saving tax whilst maximizing our returns, without taking unnecessary risks.
His visits are always an occasion and we would both have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone.
BE CAVENDISH
I just wanted to drop you a line to give some feedback on Brenda Santimano and her team at HFL. As well as providing finance advice to me as part of my leaving ********, they are also helping me with my new company set up and associated accounting. I’ve found Brenda and her team to be excellent in all that they do, and I’m pleased that ******** recommended them to me.
STUART
Thanks for a great meeting today. Some great ideas to what we can do for the I***** project and moving on to J*****. We briefly told Patricia of HFL who we love and highly recommend to anyone needing finance or their life sorting out! So bare that in mind for your many clients. She said it would be great to speak to you about the options so both please contact each other to discuss and let us know the outcome. Look forward to hearing from you both.
CARLO
Richard, I just wanted to write you a quick note to say thank you very much for all of your help, guidance and emails in relation to my mortgage. You kept me informed when I felt I was getting no where with solitcitors and the housing company and this alone may be worth its weight in gold! You kept me sane, even when I was probably driving you insane – sorry! Thank you Richard!
DONNA
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to yourself and Patricia, I finally completed on Tuesday (on my Birthday). After 7 long years I am now a “sole” house owner !!
I would not hesitate in recommending you in the future, or obviously using you again for myself.
Thank you
ELLEN
After scouring ‘unbiased.com’ I contacted HFL for an assessment of my financial situation and was very pleased to have done so. Richard, the IFA, proved very knowledgeable and guided me through the various options available for my pension and other investments.
Over two subsequent meetings he has diligently applied himself to all the paperwork and explained the fine detail. All my questions have been answered and the investments are in the process of being set up.
At this point I can confidently say that appointing HFL to manage my financial affairs has been one of my better judgements and I look forward to an ongoing financial relationship with Richard and HFL.