Can I afford to retire?

Having spent more than 40 years building a career and reaching the heights of senior management, I wanted to explore the possibility of retirement or, at least, scale back my work to spend more time on my boat, but I was not sure whether I had sufficient means to do so.

I have several investments, savings and a final-salary pension scheme and was faced with several options at retirement, but I was not certain which way to go. I was seeking clarity in this complex area and needed help and guidance on how best to achieve my goals.

I decided that I would arrange to meet three firms. As a part of this, my meeting was arranged with McLeod Browne (offering a free exploratory meeting), at which I met Karl Smith.

I explained my situation to Karl and told him what I was trying to achieve. He then went on to explain the McLeod Browne financial-planning process. This included Karl drawing several diagrams which helped me to better appreciate his methods. It was during this process that I really warmed to Karl and felt that he was offering exactly what I wanted. In fact, I decided to engage his services immediately and never did meet those other two firms.

I gave further details of my pension and investments - and we arranged to meet again. Before I went, I was given a series of detailed forms and a risk-profile questionnaire to complete.

At our next meeting, the completed questionnaires and risk assessment were discussed and analysed.

Karl had put together a ‘skeleton' plan for us to discuss. He showed me several scenarios, based on his analysis, and I could see the impact of different lifestyle choices, both now and in later life. He showed me the risk or, should I say, lack of risk which I needed to take, in order to achieve my goals - which was reassuring.

His presentation was concise, but friendly and professional - and I decided to progress with his plan and recommendations.

Karl has helped me to plan for my retirement - and I am pleased to be working with him into my future.

He has provided a reasoned and realistic strategy, tailored to my personal circumstances. I am now looking forward to retiring and take great comfort in knowing that I have enough to see me through.  Jim Brown, Hampshire