Emma

For the first time, I feel I can stop worrying and simply enjoy life

My name is Emma. I’ve been a client of Hansford Bell since 2017, so about nine years, and I work with Chris Palmer.

I was looking for a financial adviser, you know, nine years ago, because I was working for a company; I had shares. It’s an international company, so it’s trading in US shares. I also had an inheritance come through, and I just wanted to do the right thing by that and not fritter it away, even though Chris is constantly telling me I need to buy a camper van.

When I initially met with Chris, it was really to understand what to do the right way with my money, just to make sure I got the best out of it. So, I had multiple pensions. I was actually self-employed at the time, so I didn’t have a pension, and I just wanted to make sure that I didn’t just stick it into a 1% bank account and not earn that much money on it.

I just used Google to find someone local, a financial adviser. I’m down in Devon, so I found them in Tavistock.

I chose to work with Hansford Bell because they’re local to me; it’s four miles down the road from my home, and I met with Chris, and initially we gelled straight away. We both have a passion for Excel spreadsheets.

So, over the time that I’ve been working with Chris, he’s helped me sort out my pensions, and he’s helped me look at ISAs and investments that meet the needs that I want. So, I’m sort of a medium- to low-risk person, but he’s helped me find suitable products to meet that need.

Working with Chris on the team gives me confidence. I feel I’m not stupid when it comes to money, but I don’t know how to invest it in the right way, and he always gives very sound advice, which comes to fruition. He’s doing well for me, so I’m happy.

For my financial future, I feel secure. He’s given me confidence that I’m in a good place for the rest of my life. I’ve recently stopped work, and he says I can afford to do that. So, what’s not to like?

So, the three words that I would use to describe Chris are trustworthy, approachable and patient because he’s certainly had to use those when working with me.

I think one of the best things about working with Chris and Hansford Bell is that they are very approachable. If I need any advice on anything, I can reach out, and they’re always willing to help me in whatever way they can.

I think since working with Chris, the most valuable piece of advice is to trust that things will be okay. He keeps trying to reassure me that the investments we’ve done are sound and that I am secure for the future. I think the background of being a single mum, always in the back of my mind, is uncertainty, and I have responsibilities, but he tries to reassure me often that things are okay.

I would 100% recommend Chris and Hansford Bell and his team. In fact, I’ve done that for a multitude of friends because they’re just exactly what it says on the tin. They are very knowledgeable, they are calm and easy to talk to, and they give really great advice. And from my own experience, it’s worked well, and so I’d highly recommend them to any of my friends and family.