What our Client’s say

Paul shares his experience of becoming part of the Penguin family and how things have changed since he got in touch all those years ago.

Our client, Sylvia, has shared her good news story with us. By trusting in Penguin to help her plan for her retirement, Sylvia has been able to pour her time and efforts in to volunteering for Wenvoe Community Library. We are so delighted that by supporting Sylvia with her own Financial Planning, she has been able to focus her time on helping the Community Library achieve their goals.

Read Sylvia’s story below –

“In 2016 WENVOE COMMUNITY LIBRARY LTD (a not-for-profit company) was registered. I was one of the Voluntary Directors with 2 others. The Company then took over the operation of Wenvoe Library from the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

A team of volunteers operated the library service, we rented the building from Wenvoe Community Council and had to cover electricity costs in an old uninsulated building.

At this time fund raising was high on the agenda – libraries don’t have an income and there were a number of other running costs, an example is insurance which needed to cover us, the public and the books.

We were promised a new building by Wenvoe Community Council, so we set about applying for grants for the internal fittings. Lots and lots of forms to complete… BUT we were successful. We have been able to provide an IT suite, a café and super new shelving to display the books, all with grant money.

We moved into our building in November 2021. We are thrilled to report that we are now a Community Hub and Library, we provide a diverse range of services which are popular and well attended, our footfall has rocketed. We still need to fund raise, but with the income from the café we are under a bit less pressure.

We have our team of dedicated volunteers, we now have 4 Voluntary Directors and a Volunteer Co-Ordinator. It’s been a huge amount of work but well worth it!”

“We know if anything happened to the both of us, our children could come to Penguin and be looked after”…

His well informed team have been able to assist my daughter with her will which gives her great peace of mind, and as there is now only the two of us, it has given me great peace of mind too. Every month I am kept informed of my investments and the newest additions to his team of experts, so if there are any other aspects of my finances that need looking into they will be in Craig’s team. In this economic climate of financial uncertainty I can honestly say I am so lucky I don’t have to worry.

Me and my partner went in to speak with Gavin to set up a pension for us both and talk about relevant life insurances. The knowledge and expertise from Gavin was superb and once the meeting was over, Gavin got straight on with it.

We have had numerous conversations with several of the Penguin Team since and nothing is too much trouble. Penguin sorted out all the transfers from previous pensions and made sure the life insurance was exactly what we needed.

Gavin really did make the process simple and smooth. I would have no hesitation in recommending Gavin to anyone of my connections.

We recently caught up with long-standing clients Leslie and Jacky to find out what Penguin has done for them over the past few years.

We have been in touch on numerous occasions, regarding one matter or another and I have always found every member of staff ready to help with advice and that advice has always been the right way forward for me. Since the death of my husband I have needed guidance on my future investments and health protection, and I am more than satisfied that I will be well looked after, with any difficulties all ironed out for my daughter when anything should happen to me. There is always a friendly and cheerful expert on the end of the phone who is more than willing to put my mind at rest.

Gavin, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the Penguin team for your expertise and patience. Your approachable manner, and straightforward delivery is a great comfort to us.

It’s obvious from working alongside Penguin for the past few years that they hold their clients’ needs and wants in high regard.

We would not hesitate in referring you to family, friends and clients!

Thank you very much.

Our journey with Penguin started in late 2013, like most couples we had a mixed bag of pension provisions, some personal pension savings, some company scheme savings and some cash in the building society. Penguin were really good at helping us to sort out our retirement goals and answering the big question, can we afford to retire. They assisted us to consolidate our personal pension savings into a single place and to maximise the tax efficiency of our other savings. From 2015 until 2020 I monitored our Penguin investment like a hawk (just my way) If we’d invested in low cost UK tracker funds we’d have made a 9% return. Penguin use active management and delivered a 23% gain over the same period (all figures net of charges). The only problem Penguin has is getting us to spend it! The Penguin process works for us.

I have recently used the Services of Gavin Baos at Penguin Wealth. I had various different pensions with different providers, and I had no idea on how they were performing. I arranged a consultation with Gavin, over Zoom and the whole process was simple. Gavin conducted a full review of my current situation and discussed what he thought would be best going forward. All of the information was provided to me, via post and e-mail. I was able to make an informed decision on what I wanted to do. The process was slick, relevant, and professional and I would have no hesitation in recommending Gavin and his team to anyone.

Dear Gavin

Over the last 3 years, you’ve helped me on a personal level to organise my pension and plan for the future. I’m really grateful for the peach of mind.

You’re always available to answer questions and explain things. I value your expertise.

Secondly, I want to acknowledge how you demonstrate the values of BNi in your actions to support my charity.

Penguin Wealth adopted Age Connects as their charity, As well as that, you have led from the front through the encouragement of others in BNi, following up on ideas and making a personal commitment to achieving the fundraising target for the charity.

I can’t thank you enough. Of course, I want to thank all the BNi members that have responded so positively to that various things we have all done together to raise funds.

I will not hesitate to recommend you and Penguin Wealth for the knowledge you have and the social value base you and your organisation demonstrate.

I’ve been working with Craig since around 2003, I don’t remember how I found him in the first place, it was probably from a newspaper or internet advertisement, but I’m glad I did. At the time I had several remnants of pensions from firms I’d worked for and had been made redundant from and I wanted them consolidated. I know it took some time but Craig managed it and I ended up with a decent pension package. Obviously since then Penguin was born and they’ve been looking after me ever since. I have already recommended Penguin several times and would have no issues doing so again.

Being a complete beginner when it comes to managing my finances I couldn’t recommend this company more. They have set up life and critical illness cover for me, as well as a pension plan. Being a nurse, I work long hours but they’ve been very flexible in arranging telephone meetings to meet my availability. If you’re like me and don’t know where to start when it comes to managing your money and your future, I would recommend arranging a meeting with penguin.

We have been with Penguin Wealth Management for 15 years and have been more than happy with the advice and service we have been given regarding our finances. They have provided planning for our retirement and pension, updated our wills, organised our Family Trust and secured our children’s inheritance. We had a recent zoom meeting with Craig to update our situation and once again, good advice was given. Customer Service is excellent and we always have a quick response to any queries. Many thanks to the Penguin team for their help and support. Would not hesitate in recommending.

I have been with penguin from the start and with Craig Palfrey before that and have found them to be excellent in what they have done for me enabling me to retire at the time I wanted to growing my old company pension funds and teaching me how to plan the staff are so helpful and Rhianydd will sort any problem.

Before joining Penguin Wealth we were worried about our financial future. Penguin are very professional and passionate about what they do, this is evident in their honest and straightforward approach.

We felt very comfortable throughout the whole process and had any questions answered in a method we could understand. All of our concerns were addressed.
The team are tireless in their approach to getting you on a path of financial security. Apart from their knowledge and professionalism, it was their compassion and empathy that stood out for us.

Please do yourself and your family a favour and make contact with Penguin Wealth – you won’t regret it!

I remember once being told by Penguin to put their number in our phones because when the worst happened we had the number of the ‘4th Emergency Service’ at our fingertips. Sadly they were right, twice. Penguin have supported me through the complexities of estate planning, wills, tax, processes galore and all the things I don’t excel at or even want to know about! They take the complex subject into their safe hands and you are guided and supported through areas that they are experts in and you need reassurance and clarity with. On a brighter note, it’s not all about the aftermath of losing a precious family member. They have sorted a mortgage out for me, they consolidated my pensions and now that’s actually a growing investment pot – there are many aspects to what they can do for your finances. The important thing is they do it brilliantly, I thoroughly recommend them.

I’ve been listed as executor for a relative for more than 10 years but it wasn’t until Penguin held a webinar on probate that I understood what that entailed. The whole process of probate was thoroughly and clearly explained in a way that a layperson could easily understand. The webinar was an eye opener that’s not only helped me to be better prepared come the day when I’m called on to execute a will, but also to prepare the executors of my own will for what is expected.

My Dad, after extensive research, chose Penguin and in particular Craig Palfrey to manage his money – they set up Trusts, wrote Dads and Mums wills and invested their lifetimes earnings.

So as a result I ‘inherited’ Penguin and their services and I couldn’t be happier. The whole team are friendly, professional, accommodating and just generally all round great people! Both my parents died within years of each other – Penguin were magnificent – no question that I asked was deemed stupid, they dealt with all my needs sensitively and compassionately. All their actions and those through my parents ensured that I was protected from a massive inheritance tax bill, everything was above board and explained clearly and as many times as I needed it.

I have now transferred my pensions to Penguin and I now have all my investments with them – I wouldn’t go anywhere else! I have complete peace of mind even in these uncertain times, and I have a clear idea of my financial future.

Penguin are based in Cardiff and I am in the South East of England – this has never proved to be a problem. I thoroughly recommend Penguin to all who are looking for Financial Services.

I have always been wary of financial advisors but was recommended to Penguin by someone I trust. Now I wish I had found out about them years ago! The use of 1:1 zoom meeting with the advisor (Craig) was very convenient. They explains everything in ‘layman’s’ terms and makes the whole process of investing/pensions simple. I have found the company very easy to get hold of by phone or email, with quick responses throughout the COVID period, in stark contrast to many companies I have to deal with in the course of running my business. I would highly recommend their services.

Following a recommendation from family we booked an appointment with Craig at Penguin. We were welcomed by smiling, friendly faces who couldn’t do enough for us – we felt like royalty! Craig was fab (& still is) he went through everything methodically & clearly explaining in simpler terms what needed to be done to secure our finances & future. Penguin makes it their business to get to know you as a person and this gives them the knowledge to know what keeps you awake at night & alleviate those anxieties. We have entrusted Penguin basically with our lives & we feel more than comfortable to do this. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Penguin to anyone we just wish we had done it sooner.

Following a recommendation from a friend, I arranged a meeting with Oliver (Ollie). He immediately made me feel relaxed and in safe hands. He and his colleagues have always been helpful, professional and keep me informed every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

One of the best decisions I ever made was attending a Penguin seminar nearly 10 years ago. I am now happily retired with finances and estate all in order and with an an ongoing investment plan for my pension pot. I would highly recommend that anybody who, like me, did not have a retirement plan and need expert guidance and support, contact Craig and the team at Penguin Wealth.

My wife and I have entrusted our personal investment strategies and estate planning to Penguin since the inception of the company in 2010.

We cannot fault the service we have received with all aspects of our financial planning requirements. The responsiveness of all the staff is second to none and a personal service is guaranteed. I would strongly recommend anyone requiring financial advice/help to give them a call.

I’ve worked with Olly for about 8 years now and I can honestly say he’s the most straight forward, plain speaking IFA I’ve dealt with. There has never been a time when he’s ‘over egged’ or over promised. Clear, simple, informative communications addressing our issues and wants delivered in a friendly and knowledgeable manner. Highly recommend both Olly and Penguin without a moment’s hesitation.

If you need mortgage advice, then I could not recommend Tom Davies more highly. Nothing was too much trouble for Tom. He is friendly, yet highly professional and gave me the best advice. He worked tirelessly to find the right option for me. Thanks very much. When I need further mortgage advice in the future I will always be requesting to work with Tom.

Thanks for your help last week, things were getting a bit fraught with the solicitor’s compliance team, but eventually got resolved and the divorce matters completed.

I must say again, that one of the best pieces of advice I received from you was to place any gifts to the children as loans under our trust.

It worked well, as the gift has stayed within the family, and was discounted in the financial settlement of the divorce.

In normal circumstances I do not deal with the financial aspects in our household.

These financial matters were dealt with by my partner.

I was aware of Penguin Wealth and that they were dealing with my partners financial matters like ISA accounts, pensions and Investment portfolio etc,

However in March 2020 very suddenly, my partner suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak, paralysed on the left side of his body and hospitalised for many weeks.

Meanwhile we were in the midst of the Covid19 crisis and the hospital was on lockdown with no visiting at all and almost all businesses either closed or working from home.

Whilst he was hospitalised it became essential that we release some funds from his portfolio so that we could make what were now essential changes to the home in order for him to be able to return home safely when he is discharged from the hospital.

My partner who’s speech was also practically non existent at this time asked me to contact Penguin Wealth and ask for this drawdown of funds to be done.

In order for the funds to be released signatures and identities of those with power of attorney had to be obtained and confirmed and I must say that Penguin went above and beyond in their response and kindness to us both and made it possible in extraordinary circumstances to achieve our goals.

I would recommend Penguin Wealth to anyone who is looking for a reliable and trustworthy financial advisors who put their clients at the forefront of their business.

My partner and I are most grateful to Penguin Wealth and their staff for their kindness during our crisis, Thank You all.

Thank you all for your hard work in planning for our financial future after the Coronavirus Crisis finishes. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and are also helping our mental well being. Best wishes to everyone in the team, your families and your friends.

Thank you for the continued updates, it may not be, but should bean old adage, you can never over communicate in finance-but you can under communicate, and that causes concern. I feel informed and confident in your work and I thank you for your attention and skill. I believe my fund is in safe hands and in today’s worlds that says a lot. Please continue your good work on my behalf and know that I value it.

There is so much gloom at the moment and when we hear the news we feel that not only will our business and staff be affected but our hard earned savings and investments.The videos and emails you have been sending are putting our minds at rest. Not only are you working hard and making vital Professional decisions on our behalf, but you are keeping us informed and putting our minds at rest.There isn’t a lot people can do at the moment and your advice and information is comforting.

Penguin has been looking after my investments for nine years and I have total confidence in them to do what is best to keep my money as safe as possible, especially during these uncertain times. I panic when global events affect investments but then I am reassured when I get an update by email, statement or video from Penguin telling me exactly what they intend to do to ease the potential damage to my savings. If we are investing, then we need to have trust in those who are looking after our best interests. I don’t know what I would do without these reassurances.

We have been advised by Craig Palfrey and his Penguin team for 20 years now. In many ways that says it all! Sound decisions are made by a team we fully trust and who are straightforward and honest to deal with.

Penguin have been providing their client base with regular factual, concise and non-emotive updates regarding the impact on financial markets around the world and how that relates to our investments.Even though the state of my portfolio truly doesn’t concern me in these awful times–what will be, will be-Penguin’s calm professionalism is much appreciated. Penguin provide reassurance that somebody else is keeping a watchful eye on my investments whilst I expend my emotional energy on managing today’s challenging environment.

Really appreciate the update and the proportionate protection offered by your ‘Advanced Investment Strategy’ decisions at an extraordinary time.

Many thanks for the update, it’s been very helpful and it is good to know that the team are being very proactive in looking after our investments in these troublesome and testing times.

I guess at times like this it’s not always visible what you’re doing behind the scenes for clients, so the visibility and transparency of this is really welcome.Thanks, and I hope you manage to continue to find sensible ways to navigate through the crisis

Can you let the Team know that the videos and communications recently published are really useful and reassuring whilst we are going through this difficult time, particularly with the volatility of the markets right now. It gives me confidence that you are carefully managing our investment and reacting quickly to the changes to give us the best results for the longer term.

I must say how pleasing it is, the way Penguin is keeping in touch and giving us the best levels of reassurance possible in these trying times. Well done guys, huge pat on the back!

We sit tight and do as you suggest and God bless you all for good advice.

The team are amazing. No question too stupid. Takes you step by step through everything to ensure your understanding of the different financial solutions to your own particular needs. Have total confidence in their advice on the way forward not only with Asset protection but also pension release options.

Absolutely first class service from the team. I highly recommend Penguin Wealth for genuine, honest and straight forward advice. Extremely knowledgeable of the market, but most of all, really nice people to deal with.

I wanted to drop you a short note, to thank you and your colleagues for providing such a fantastic service with regards to the family medical package you have arranged for my family and I. I noticed a problem with my eldest son (4) in the bath, took him to the doctors and they said they thought it was a hernia and that he would have to wait 9 months for an operation. I called the Spire, he was seen the following week where it was confirmed he actually needed a camera to go I through his belly button and then a triple hernia operation. We were given a range of dates to choose from and the operation was carried out the following month.

It was a fantastic service, facilities, pre-appointments, and post care. It was like a hotel, we were in for the day, had our own room, we were all catered for, kept well informed, they couldn’t do enough for us.

The other little one (3) has a nut allergy and is currently undergoing treatment to detect how severe and which types of nuts. Again the whole experience has been fantastic.

I would highly recommend private medical insurance for anyone, especially if they have young children. Thanks once again for introducing me to the Aviva programme, it has had an immeasurable effect on my family.

Anna came to us when she was looking for an IFA to help her deal with her closing Pension. After her Discovery Meeting and further Planning Meeting we’ve had the pleasure of helping her manage her pension and investments and providing her with ongoing support for all of her financial concerns.

After being advised to look into different types of Director Cover by his solicitor, Owner of Crafty Devil Brewery, Rhys Watkins, was recommended to chat with Penguin. Here’s what he has to say about working with the Penguin Team.

Jerry Bolt wanted to reach his Financial Freedom date by 60, we helped him get there two years earlier! Here’s what Jerry had to say about working with Penguin.

Mr and Mrs Wright talk us through their journey with Penguin

I thought I’d drop you a quick line to say a big thank you for all your support and advice over the last few weeks. The experience remained the most relaxed we have ever encountered and you have given us such confidence in both what you have done for us and also in our own decisions. Keith has happily gone off to start his new reduced hours today! We will look forward to seeing you later in the year.

I’ve recently had the occasion to contact my financial advisors PENGUIN WEALTH. From the outset of my first email to them, my initial point of contact was Rhianydd Summerhayes (Client relationship Coordinator). Her very quick reply to my query was dealt with a very professional approach and advice, where i asked for a reply to be emailed to me, but that a chat with a financial advisor would be better. We agreed a time that i could expect a call the following day.

I was very pleased that , as promised, a call came to me at exactly the agreed time the following day!

Speaking to Penguin was a pleasure. Their expertise in answering all my concerns with regard to the forthcoming private pension changes, was both clear and easily explained to me, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the options that could be excersised. We finished our conversation with myself being brought up to date and my anxieties put to rest.

Overall, i was very impressed with my contact with the PENGUIN WEALTH team, and would wholeheartedly recommend them.

Yours Sincerely

Before selecting a Financial Adviser we had discussed our finances with a few other advisers, but from our first meeting with Penguin it was apparent that their depth of knowledge far exceeded that of others we had spoken with.

They have now gone on to be our Financial Advisers for almost a decade!

Penguin took time to listen to us, getting to know us, what our priorities were and our hopes for our family’s future. They took the whole picture into account.

We never felt as though they were working towards their own agenda as other Financial Advisers had done. We also felt in control. It was clear we had many options and that an important factor was selecting those we felt most comfortable with. That they managed this while not overwhelming us with jargon, rushing us or confusing us was a real skill.

Penguin’s support during the financial meltdown of 2008 was invaluable. Without dismissing our fears they guided us and provided reassurance that though bad it would turn around and the important thing was not to over react or become despondent. Penguin steered us through.

Lately we have had decisions to make over pensions. Again, Penguin was able to outline our options, answer all our questions plus a few we had not thought to ask. The end result was tailored to what we felt was right for us – with flexibility to make changes should we wish to.

All the various options available to us were presented in a professional but easy to understand manner and guidance was available at all stages of what could have seemed a very complex process.

Penguin understands that to our family our financial fitness is not simply a matter of figures on a balance sheet, its far more complex than that. To feel secure we have to have confidence that experts who truly care about our future are overseeing our investments. That’s Penguin.

Thank goodness for Penguin…

Both my wife and I were, and still are to a lesser degree, overwhelmed when it came to planning for our
retirement.

Thank goodness for Penguin. They were very patient listening to our expectations, analysing our attitude to risk
and using plain language in explaining the investment options at our disposal which have enabled us to
make financial decisions that have been beneficial to our retirement.

We had a very clear idea of our on-going income strategy after our meetings with Penguin and with their help have subsequently formulated a plan which has fulfilled our expectations. There is no doubt that Penguin’s expertise lead us through ‘murky waters’.

We only ever hear great things about Penguin Wealth…

Following purchasing our first home and setting up a business, my husband and I were pleased to meet with
Penguin and benefit from their expertise. Penguin have been helping us in recent months to put in place the
necessary financial and legal structures to protect us and our business as it continues to grow. We have
found them to be friendly and approachable, and they have listened to our desires and needs throughout the
process.

Penguin have been patient…Even when we took ages to sign forms etc!…and never pushy with their
products. We are looking forward to Penguin’s help and support as we continue on our financial journey.
We only ever hear great things about Penguin Wealth, and are pleased to now recommend them having
seen their work for ourselves! It is reassuring to know we are working with a trusted and highly competent
Financial Adviser, who is helping us reach the goals we want, without pushing his own agenda. They are
knowledgeable and trustworthy, and really took the time to get to know us and our hopes for the future. We
look forward to working with Penguin for many years to come!

Penguin has expanded the education of our Foundation Degree Finance students beyond the classroom………….

by providing “real life” work experience and a valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of the Financial Planning industry.  There is no substitute for the depth of knowledge and understanding gained through work experience and it most definitely enhances students’ job prospects for the future.

Penguin has been extremely supportive of the new finance courses being offered by the University, they have delivered some fascinating guest lectures to our first year accounting & finance students and are valued members of our Financial & Professional Services Advisory Board.  Penguin have also facilitated the promotion of the Foundation Degree in Finance to the wider Financial Services Community.

Penguin are certainly playing their part in attracting the next generation of Financial Planners to the profession.

This is why I work with Penguin – I was so pleased to hear that your team undertook dementia friendly training.  It further reinforces to me that Penguin is an organisation that I want to be connected with.

My dad has alzheimers and my sister and I are constantly battling with perceptions of people with dementia as well as trying to find ways around all the challenges involved.

Having more services and people aware of dementia and amending how they approach their work and interact with people with dementia as a result has a massive impact on these individuals’ independence, dignity and quality of life. This is particularly the case for the area of work Penguin is involved in.

In short, a heart-felt thank you and well done from me to the team!

Kind regards