Testimonials

An Introduction to McAuley Financial @ Newforge
Alastair McGowan, Chief Executive, RUC Athletic Association (RUCAA)

Dear Colleagues,

David McAuley and his team have been working in partnership with the RUCAA throughout my tenure as Chief Executive and before. 

The relationship has continued to go from strength to strength with their level of support continuing to exceed our expectations.  Not only have the Board and I witnessed this, but evidence of the same professionalism is carried throughout the police organisation with the willingness of McAuley Financial to take their services out to the membership throughout Northern Ireland, allowing officers who are unable to come to Newforge to benefit from Independent Financial Advice.

We have seen McAuley Financial @ Newforge develop and expand their services throughout the police family, including the development of bespoke products to meet specific police member needs.  This has taken into particular account the needs of retiring officers and civilian support staff.

I have been impressed with the quality of staff employed by McAuley Financial and there is no doubt in my mind that this has been a cornerstone to McAuley Financials success and development.  This attention to detail has also provided peace of mind to the Board with regard to how McAuley Financial have dealt with and managed the difficult security issues unique to Northern Ireland.
 
Their clients include new officers at the beginning of their police careers right through to the most senior ranks preparing to retire.  The reflection that their services bring on Newforge is particularly pleasing and the positive impact has been reinforced in member surveys.

It is reassuring that David and his team continue not only to promote the benefits of their own services, but highlight to all of their clients the benefits that membership of the Athletic Association brings.  They actively encourage and have been pivotal in securing the retained membership of hundreds of retiring officers.

It is my belief that the endorsement of McAuley Financial @ Newforge has been very beneficial to the overall services the RUCAA provide to its members and would encourage you all to include their services within your range of member benefits, not only as a simple addition, but as a central means of encouraging the growth in the membership itself.

Alastair McGowan
Chief Executive RUC AA

Looking for independent retirement advice?

“There are many places you can turn to for advice, friends and family, your bank or a professional adviser, but only an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) is able to offer you unbiased financial advice on products across the whole market. Any other advice route will offer you limited advice. And whilst this may be all you think you need, experience shows that when the choices are clearly explained people recognize the value of independent financial advice”

David Elms, Chief Executive of www.unbiased.co.uk

Ch Insp. Galbraith
Retired January 2010

“As the only firm of Independent Financial Advisers providing advice anywhere within the Police family, we had no hesitation in placing our trust in McAuley Financial @ Newforge to meet our family’s financial needs and goals in retirement.

They not only provided the reassurance needed in financial terms, but the peace of mind that our personal information is held securely on police premises.”

Supt Nolan
Retired November 2008

“My husband and I are extremely pleased in how we are being looked after in retirement. It is not an exaggeration to say that we are over the moon with the growth achieved on our investments and we are very confident with the management of our financial goals and aspirations. It is very evident that McAuley Financial @ Newforge have taken the time to understand our particular financial needs.”

Insp Thompson, Retired 2008
Con J Thompson, Retired 2004

“Since my wife retired in 2004 we have now experienced being looked after by McAuley Financial @ Newforge as existing clients over the past number of years and are completely confident that our best interests are paramount in this process. Indeed we have no hesitation in continuing to recommend friends and colleagues to also obtain and benefit from the experience and expertise of McAuley Financial @ Newforge, which is not just restricted to retirement planning.”

Sgt Sheldon
Retired March 07

“I started the process 18 months before my retirement date. Following attendance at a seminar, I was keen to arrange an individual appointment to make plans for Severance Protection and ensure that my lump sum would be protected. Over the months leading to my retirement, my relationship with McAuley Financial @ Newforge continued to grow. With one partner retiring, uncertainty is expected, but with both my wife and I due to go, the financial implications were doubled! However, through the services provided by McAuley Financial @ Newforge, every financial issue was clearly explained in a language we could understand. We now have every confidence that we will maintain our standard of living into retirement.”

Ch Insp. Topping
Retired April 07

“Making the decision to retire was not an easy one, but once I decided on my exact date it was vital that I sought independent financial advice. It was only after attending the retirement seminar with McAuley Financial @ Newforge that I began to realize the full extent of issues facing me and my family. I would strongly advise anyone who is considering retiring to arrange attendance at a seminar and a follow-up appointment as soon as possible. At the end of the day, no other firm in Northern Ireland has their experience of dealing with the issues facing retiring police officers.”

Ch Supt. Graham
Future Retiree

“I knew I was eligible to retire under patton, but identifying the best date to go proved very difficult. I was greatly relieved to utilize the services of David McClurg via McAuley Financial @ Newforge, and now have a timescale in which to plan my retirement. With this in mind, we are currently reviewing our existing policies and mortgage arrangements as a part of a complete financial review, so that any necessary action can be taken well in advance of leaving. I feel confident in the advice I have received and that upon retirement both my family and I will be completely financially secure.”

Con Austin
Retired June 07

“Quite frankly, I found the prospect of retiring very daunting. However, the retirement seminar provided by McAuley Financial @ Newforge was excellent and immediately gave me the confidence to know that things would be OK. As with many officers, there was possibility of further employment after retirement and ensuring that any investments I made had the flexibility of growth and/or income was of utmost importance. Upon meeting for a one-to-one appointment I felt increasingly comfortable and secure in the advice I received. The process towards retirement is made simple with McAuley Financial @ Newforge and I know undoubtedly that our positive relationship will continue well into the future.”

Con Morton
Retired July 07

“My plans for retirement were quite simple. After clearing my mortgage, I wanted to ensure that any lump sum I invested would be secure. McAuley Financial @ Newforge took the time to learn my individual needs and aspirations and constructed a personalized investment portfolio that corresponded with my attitude to risk.

It is clear to me now that obtaining independent financial advice was the best decision I made leading into my retirement. As banks and building societies generally advise their own products, and with such a vast market available for investment, McAuley Financial @ Newforge explained issues clearly, and in a language I could understand.”

Con Orr
Retired April 06

“Being naturally cautious regarding investment, it was only after attending a seminar that I learned of the many options available to me. At my annual review, I was delighted to learn of the positive returns from my investments. What impressed me most however, is that an ongoing review of our circumstances was provided, enabling both my wife and I to feel secure heading into another year post-retirement. McAuley Financial @ Newforge has exceeded all expectations I had regarding the level of service I would receive and I couldn’t be happier with the positive relationship I have developed with my adviser”.

Ch Insp. McConnell
Retired April 07

"Having previously suffered from receiving poor financial advice, we were cautious about trusting our financial affairs to anyone.  However, over a number of years, we have found David McAuley to be a person of integrity, and everyone at McAuley Financial @ Newforge shares his high standards.  When the time came to plan for retirement, we sought advice from Tim Stewart. He did not rush us into making decisions, but was willing to take as much time as was needed to explain the finer details of risk, investments, etc.  He was also very knowledgeable about the area of ethical investments, and took extra trouble to ensure that he met our requirements in that field.

Overall, we have found our contact with McAuley Financial @ Newforge to be a very positive experience, with ongoing customer care and support at this important time of change in our lives."

Sgt McAfee – Custody Sgt Banbridge
Retired 7th May 2005

“I could have retired in an earlier phase but delayed to phase 6 and was quite apprehensive about the prospects.  There is no doubt that obtaining the right financial advice helped to smooth the way.  From the outset it became clear that all would be OK.  McAuley Financial @ Newforge focused in on my existing finances, policies and investments which were in need of review and overhaul.  Once they were sorted out and on track, it gave me the confidence that the right foundation was being formed.  Involving my wife throughout the process was beneficial and everything was explained  clearly and in language we could understand.”

Insp Jordan – Strandtown (Latterly Ballymena)
Retired 6th April 2005

“I was fortunate enough to get another job after retiring from PSNI and my main requirement was to invest part of my lump sum after clearing my mortgage.  It is important to have the confidence in knowing that capital invested is secure.  I found that the Independent Financial Advice offered by McAuley Financial @ Newforge vital as the Banks & Building Society advisers inevitably only recommend their products. 

The range of issues covered at the Retirement Seminars was extremely relevant; it was only after going to one of the seminars that I started to relax about the future.”

Sgt Carroll – PSNI Newtownabbey
Retired 16th April 2005

“With Retirement pending, my wife and I sought Financial Advice from an alternative firm of financial advisers.  The advice, while sound, did not cover the totality of financial planning as required.  Going into retirement brings uncertainty but reassurance was brought through our dealings with McAuley Financial @ Newforge.  Their seminars brought a flavour of what to expect in retirement allowing us to go into it with confidence.

We felt very comfortable, and quite frankly, relieved with the Financial Advice we received, we have now become clients of McAuley Financial @ Newforge and look forward with confidence to continuing our positive relationship throughout retirement.”

Con Cairns – Communications Training Garnerville
Future retiree

“I am due to retire later in Phase 6 and find the prospect quite daunting!  The McAuley Financial Retirement Seminar I attended was excellent and I had no hesitation arranging an individual appointment.

Coming from a ‘training’ background, I am very aware of how information is presented to me.  Every financial issue is clearly explained and all decisions are taken based on ensuring that we can maintain our standard of living in retirement.  I would certainly encourage Officers going off in this Phase to get to a seminar and arrange an appointment as soon as possible.”