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Financial Consultants in Derbyshire

Our clients will tell you how our tailored financial advice has made a tangible difference to their lives and financial well-being.

From retirement planning to wealth management, each case study showcases the diverse financial situations we've helped our clients navigate successfully.

Case Study One

Helping a widow to navigate through tax, investments, and pensions.

Financial goal
To retire comfortably in line with our client's plans before she lost her husband, who died in service. This included managing his workplace pension, estate, and investment holdings.

Our recommendation
To move our client’s husband’s pension into a dependent drawdown plan to mitigate a sizeable future inheritance tax bill and ensure the pension remained tax-free for the remainder of its existence. Moreover, we put strategies in place to ensure investments don’t incur a tax liability in the future.

What our client said
“Jess Taylor has been working with me for just under a year following the death of my husband in service, a situation which was, for me, a minefield in terms of understanding the tax implications and issues to resolve.

“Jess has been thorough in working out the best solutions for managing the estate and my pension and retirement six months later. She understood my situation and needs and explained my options; she is patient and genuinely interested in my family and our desired outcomes.

“Jess has taken things at a pace tailored to me, which was particularly important in the early stages, explaining everything and providing clear paperwork and reports.”

Case Study Two

A businessman selling up

Financial goal
To help our client manage his income following the sale of his business and to mitigate tax liabilities resulting from the sale.

Our recommendation
To invest in various pensions, ISAs, and onshore and offshore investment bonds.

What our client said:
“Richard Taylor has been my financial advisor for around 35 years and has advised my wife and me, as well as other family members, for almost 30 years.

“I implicitly trust Richard and his excellent Clear Financial Solutions (CFS) team. They operate with the highest levels of integrity and with moral values. They have a firmly 'Customer First' approach to financial services in an industry sector, which can be tricky to navigate and, at worst, isn't always known for putting the customer first!”

“Refreshingly, the CFS team still believe in answering the phone and responding promptly to customer queries. They go 'above and beyond'. These values are part of what makes them stand out from the crowd. We cannot recommend them too highly.”

Case Study Three

Getting the best pension deal

Financial goal
To ensure our client had the right pension and investments for their needs.

Our recommendation
To transfer existing pensions to a new provider.

What our client said:
“Clear Financial Solutions was recommended to me by a neighbour. I was in the process of looking for a reliable, professional finance advisory company to examine my current pension and savings investments.

“I decided to give them a call and arrange a meeting to learn what they had to offer and whether I could trust them with my finances.

“I was introduced to Richard and Chris. Chris Smith was going to take me through my pension arrangements and the plan to proceed. I found the company excellent in its approach and explanation. Chris explained everything in an easy-to-understand way, including all the financial jargon that goes with looking into one's pension plans. This was a great comfort to me, and Chris encouraged me to contact him or a member of the team regarding anything I was unsure about.

“I find Clear Financial Solutions extremely trustworthy and would not hesitate to recommend Chris or any other member of CFS to friends and family.”

Case Study Four

Securing a better return on investments

Financial goal
To ensure our client’s investments were working in their best interests now and in retirement.

Our recommendation
To sustainably draw some income from the pension and consolidate and change the existing ISAs and investments.

What our client said:
“Clear Financial Solutions was recommended to us by friends, and we are so glad they did.

“After working with Jess, we have complete clarity on our financial position and are confident that our investments, bonds, pensions, etc., work in our best interests.

“Our meetings have been regular, informal and fun! We wholeheartedly recommend Clear Financial Solutions as a trusted family company to look after your finances.”

Case Study Five

Helping a client save for retirement

Financial goal
To ensure adequate retirement savings contribute sufficient funds to pensions and ISAs to take advantage of tax relief.

Our recommendation
Invest in annual pension and ISA contributions.

What our client said:
“Just a quick note on behalf of my mum, Rob, and I to thank you and Jess for visiting us all. It was so lovely to meet your daughter, although I am sorry I didn’t get more time to chat with her personally, especially as I’m sure we have many things in common. Next time!

“Jess came across as very capable and kind, with a straightforward manner, qualities which I greatly appreciate! Especially when explaining my financial affairs to me on a loop until I can get my head around them, which you were both great at!”

Case Study Six

Keeping finances healthy

Financial goal
To help our client maintain their financial health.

Our recommendation
To continue maximising current investments and to allow us to do annual financial health checks.

What our client said:
“I came across Clear Financial Solutions about ten or so years ago when my original financial advisor retired. His exact words were, ‘I’m leaving you with some good people’.

“He was right. Always helpful, and having dealt with both Richard and Chris, they work for you. There are no flash words or phrases; it's just easy to understand, and you know where you stand. That will do for me.

“I meet Chris once a year to go through the details, but I know that if I have a question, a simple phone call resolves any issues that might arise.

“They are a good team, and I would recommend anyone undecided to speak to them. You have nothing to lose, and it might be for your benefit.”