Alan and Jane Dyer

Case study: Approaching retirement

Alan and Jane Dyer, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Client since: 2012

Adviser name: Andrew Peters

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Alan and Jane are in their early sixties and recently retired. Jane previously held senior roles as a board level PA and in office management, and Alan retired in 2017 after a long career in precious metals reaching the position of Marketing Director for a bullion company.

Both have two grown-up children from previous marriages; Jane’s family resides in the north of England, and Alan’s live in Buckinghamshire.

Why did Alan and Jane decide to take financial advice?

Following the death of the founder and MD of the bullion company where Alan was the Marketing Director, he was unfortunately made redundant after a restructure by the new management. As he was only a couple of years away from when he planned to retire, he and Jane decided to investigate whether it would be feasible for him to retire sooner than they’d planned.

They had always had a financial adviser who was Alan’s cousin. However, following his cousin’s retirement, they agreed with his recommendation to transfer their business to Andrew Peters of Black Swan Financial Planning.

How did Black Swan Financial Planning help?

Alan and Jane approached Andrew to find out if it would be possible for Alan to take early retirement, rather than look for another job after his redundancy.

Thanks to the financial planning which they’d undertaken over the years, they already had a good foundation on which to base their plans for the future.

Andrew was able to advise that it was indeed possible for both to take retirement earlier than the State Pension age of 66.

He then helped Alan and Jane to consolidate their multiple pensions into a new managed fund, which has enabled them to retire at 63.

How have Alan and Jane benefited from the advice?

The main benefit has been the ability to relax! Alan and Jane no longer have the stresses of working life, and they can relax in the knowledge that as long as they follow their financial plan, they can continue to enjoy their retirement.

Taking early retirement and being in good health, means that they have the energy to do things that they may not be able to do in later life. They have been able to help their children and spend more time with them than they would have done if they were still working.

Alan says: “We are careful with our spending, preferring to use the funds we have to enjoy experiences, do some travelling and spend time with family, rather than buying expensive things. And when it comes to investing, we are not big risk-takers.

Black Swan Financial Planning and Andrew in particular, are very clever at working out how risk averse we are, and coming up with solutions that we feel comfortable with. We are happy in the knowledge that we can continue to enjoy a comfortable retirement.”

Alan and Jane have recently visited friends in the USA, enjoyed a holiday in South Africa and are planning to get a few more trips off the ‘bucket list’ before too long.

Of Andrew, Alan says: “He is a very, very friendly person who is great to chat to and easy to deal with. He explains things very clearly in layman’s terms, and if we still don’t understand, he explains it until we do!”

Client testimonials

I have always found Black Swan to be caring and understanding of my quirky lifestyle. I always feel they try to get me the best returns while respecting my current needs.

Sally Muir

A client since 2011

We would be very happy to recommend the support and service we receive.

Valerie Locks

A client since 2010

I have always been completely useless regarding finance - thankfully our financial adviser is not! I've retired with far more than I ever expected and investments continue to grow safely. So - thank you!

Bernadette Jane Warner

A client since 2000

Very happy with the professional service I have received and feel a lot happier now with my finances put in order.

Martin Field

A client since 2011

Julie Cooper was recommended to me by a work colleague. She has been very helpful, professional and has explained everything well. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone else who are interested in a financial review.

Steven Rooke

A client since 2018

…Service has been first class.

Hugh Fells

A client since 2012

My face to face meetings with Rob Young and Jessica Lyons have always been very open and understandable. My questions have been answered clearly and I have left feeling that my financial matters are in good hands.

Sandra Jack

A client since 2000

[A] safe pair of hands in a complex financial world.

Gary Middlehurst

A client since 2003

A reliable company with good communication skills and good knowledge of the financial markets.

Alan Evetts

A client since 2014

Maureen Pembridge is a long-time trusted advisor to our family. The market might fluctuate but her attention to detail is consistent.

Linda Burnard

A client since 2000

I am pleased to recommend Julie as a trustworthy financial advisor. She explains financial jargon in plain language, and always listens carefully to my particular financial needs and has helped me make the best of my savings.

Carolann Samuels

A client since 2010

I have always been satisfied with the way that Black Swan has handled my account. And I have always found the staff very helpful whenever I need to call the office.

Robert Anthony Matthews

A client since 2012

An excellent personal service from a person I know and trust.

Michael Dalton

A client since 2010

I am getting a very good services from Black Swan, they have got my investments sorted out which was in a bit of a mess.

Roy Jakens

A client since 2012

A good, efficient team providing clear ideas to shape a winning strategy.

Adrian Michael Levenstein

A client since 2011

Black Swan is a company to be trusted, with friendly staff and professional advisors.

David Brian Jennings

A client since 2017

I have been with Black Swan for many years. I have never wished to change anything. They give a good straight forward service.

Martin Barrett Brooks

A client since 2010

Andy Peters has been invaluable in firstly combining several pension pots and then giving excellent investment advice. It has given us a great deal of comfort to know that our financial affairs are in such good hands.

James Guillum Scott

A client since 2014

I find my financial advisor easy to talk to and feel that she understands my lifestyle. She is always available for help when I need her and explains in words that I can understand.

Margaret Ena Glasgow

A client since 2000

Andy is a first rate Director, excellent communicator and leader.

Ross Perry

A client since

Black Swan Financial Planning and Andrew in particular, are very clever at working out how risk averse we are, and coming up with solutions that we feel comfortable with. We are happy in the knowledge that we can continue to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Andrew Peters is a very, very friendly person who is great to chat to and easy to deal with. He explains things very clearly in layman’s terms, and if we still don’t understand, he explains it until we do!

Alan & Jane Dyer

Clients since 2012

We have always found Rob [Young] to be very approachable and knowledgeable. We have every confidence in the advice given and feel comfortable with the decisions we’ve made. There are certain opportunities that we wouldn’t have known about if Rob hadn’t brought them to light, which makes the advice good value for money as far as we’re concerned.

Peter & Pauline O’Halloran

Clients since 2013

Rob [Young] is extremely knowledgeable. I knew nothing about the different types of trusts which will not only secure my income in retirement, but also leave a legacy for my children. I’m glad that I sought his advice when I did.

Sarah Wilson

A client since 2015

I am extremely happy with the service afforded to me by the company and my adviser Julie Cooper.

Geoff Coxell

A client since 2010

My wife and myself have been dealing with Black Swan for a number of years. We have met with different representatives from the company over the years and have found all very helpful in their own way. We met with James [Anderson] a few years ago and found him very helpful and knowledgeable. He keeps in contact with us on a regular basis. We find the Company information very helpful and we feel very secure with our finances.

Andrew Kirchen

A client since 2015

I have always found my adviser to be easy to contact, very professional in his approach, yet friendly and understanding. I have a sense of an experienced company behind him, really on the ball financially and with good standards.

B McBean

A client since 2011

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