Testimonials
"I am happy to recommend Fergus & Margaret as financial
advisers for life insurance planning and financial advice in general.
It was very important to my husband and me to find trustworthy,
well informed, hardworking advisers, and who most importantly,
are truly independent. That description certainly fits Fergus
& Margaret.
Too many financial advisers are not independent and unfortunately
are little more than salesmen pushing products which suit them
in terms of the commission which is generated for them. As a solicitor,
I know how important it is to retain a professional adviser who
I can be assured works in my family's interest alone, without
he or she being influenced by personal considerations.
Fergus & Margaret's friendly, personal service since we became
their clients in early 2009 has been excellent."
Samantha & Marcus Peterson
Pyrmont
*********************************
Fergus and Margaret Hardingham became our financial
planners in 2004 after we decided that we wanted to leave the
detailed management of our financial affairs to someone with the
skills and enthusiasm to do the job well.
Being in our early thirties with a very young family
and a busy lifestyle, we found the last thing we wanted to be
doing with our spare time was analyse investment strategies or
deal with all the other things a financial planner is better equipped
to deal with than we are. But to us, the traditional financial
planning model of percentage fees and hidden incentives is a bit
of a worry. After trying some other planners and being unsatisfied
with the results, we were attracted to FM Financial Solutions’
business model because we’d placed ‘trustworthiness’
at the top of our priority list. We find FM’s commitment
to openness, honesty and the principal that you ‘pay for
what you get’ suits us down to the ground.
We carefully scrutinise all the advice we receive
and in every instance have found it to be based on rigorous analysis
and a thorough appreciation of our unique circumstances. The results
thus far bear witness to Fergus’ and Margaret’s abilities.
We have no doubt that all FM’s clients benefit from the
same level of professionalism and would not hesitate in recommending
their services.
Georgie & Craig Roussac
STANMORE
*********************************
FERGUS HARDINGHAM has been known to my wife and me for the past
four years since our retirement. It is with pleasure that we are
able to write this testimonial.
I worked for forty-four years with the Electricity
Distribution Industry and my wife for twenty years with the Department
of School Education. When it becomes necessary to place your retirement
finances in the hands of a Financial Planner it is imperative
to feel you can trust that person as much as your physician to
ensure your total well-being. During these years with September
11 and other issues to consider it has been comforting to have
his advice and care, as well as the time he has taken to educate
us in this field.
We have found Fergus has proved to be knowledgeable,
articulate, sensitive and caring with all his advice and to date
all the planning he has developed for us has actually been achieved.
He has been sincere, open and honest and we feel most comfortable
with his qualifications and expertise in his field of Financial
Planning.
We have no hesitation recommending Fergus Hardingham
very highly indeed and wish him and his wife Margaret every success
with FM FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS.
Ross Graham and Lesley Graham
DUBBO
*********************************
We first met Fergus Hardingham 3 years ago and during
the time he has been our financial advisor we have learnt to appreciate
his professionalism. His attention to detail and record keeping
is meticulous. Fergus contacts his clients frequently to keep
them informed. He seeks confirmation of all actions and works
diligently in interests of his clients. We have immense confidence
in Fergus’s financial ability. We unreservedly recommend
his service.
David Rayner and Bev Rayner
COONABARABRAN
*********************************
FM Financial Solutions have provided us with sound
advice to ensure we have adequate insurances and estate planning,
whilst increasing our wealth. We feel satisfied we have the right
insurances and a clear estate plan to protect our young children
in event of serious illness or death. The investments which FM
Financial Solutions recommended have performed very well and have
exceeded our expectations. We are very happy to be associated
with FM Financial Solutions and appreciate the honesty and the
friendly manner in which they do business.
David and Catherine Neeves
GILGANDRA
*********************************
Fergus Hardingham has been known to my wife and myself
for the past 4 years. I first came in contact with Fergus whilst
I was employed by Dubbo City Council as the Director of Environmental
Services. I had been contributing into the Local Government Superannuation
Scheme for the past 37 years and more recently into the Local
Government Executive Scheme. My wife who retired in December 2002
was employed in the legal profession and had also contributed
to a superannuation fund. Fergus was assigned to look after my
interests in the Local Government Executive Scheme whilst employed
by FuturePlus Financial Services, (FuturePlus looking after the
financial planning needs of members of the Local Government Superannuation
Scheme).
Following my decision to retire from Local Government I relied
heavily on the direction and advice offered by Fergus as I believed
that with his expertise and knowledge as a financial planner,
he would be able to assist my wife and myself to put in place
a ‘plan’ that offered us the financial security to
continue to experience the lifestyle that we both enjoyed prior
to my retirement.
We have found Fergus to be very knowledgeable and
sensitive with his advice and direction, which has lead to a sound
and profitable financial plan for my wife and myself. As a result,
when Fergus decided to leave FuturePlus and establish FM Financial
Solutions with his wife, Margaret, we had no hesitation in deciding
to retain Fergus’ services, and thus became clients of FM
Financial Solutions.
My wife and I have no hesitation in recommending Fergus
Hardingham to advise, develop and administer financial plans for
any person who is retired or considering retirement.
We wish Fergus and his wife Margaret every success
in their new business FM Financial Solutions.
Doug Herd and Jan Herd
DUBBO
*********************************
This is to certify that I have known Fergus and Margaret
Hardingham of FM Financial Solutions Pty.Ltd. for the past five
years. I first met Fergus during my time as General Manager of
Dubbo City Council whilst he was employed by the N.S.W Local Government
Superannuation.
I cannot praise enough the ability of Fergus and Margaret
in providing first rate advice on all aspects of financial advice.
It was for this reason that when I retired in November 2004 I
transferred my superannuation portfolio to them as quickly as
I could. I consider their attention to detail, proactive service
standards and trustworthiness to be first rate and my wife Barbara
and I are pleased we made the right decision in November 2004
in selecting them both as our financial advisors.
Tony and Barbara Kelly
DUBBO
*********************************
My wife and I have known Fergus Hardingham for the
past 3 years, leading up to my retirement in January 2004. I was
employed by Penrith City council and contributed into the Local
Government Superannuation Scheme for the past 20 years. My wife
who has also recently retired, was employed by the Education Department
and contributed into State Super. Fergus was allocated to look
after our interests while employed by FuturePlus Financial Services,
who look after the financial needs of retiring members of the
Local Government Superannuation Fund. He has assisted us in implementing
a “Plan” which will give us the financial security
to enjoy our retirement.
Leading up to my retirement both my wife and I built
a good rapport with Fergus and relied heavily on his advice, and
when Fergus made a decision to leave FuturePlus and establish
FM Financial Solutions we decided to retain his services. Both
my wife and I have no hesitation in recommending Fergus Hardingham
to any person who is considering retirement to assist and advise
them in financial matters.
Robert Johnston and Robin Johnston
PENRITH
*********************************
When we decided to retire we sought advice from our
Superannuation Fund and Fergus Hardingham was the financial planner
assigned to us. The financial Statement of Advice he prepared
for us was presented clearly and concisely and was very easy for
us to understand. Fergus made every effort to ensure we understood
exactly where and how our money was to be invested and how our
income stream would work.
When Fergus decided to become an independent advisor,
along with his wife, Margaret, and established FM Financial Solutions
Pty Ltd, we did not hesitate to agree to become his clients. Again
the Statement of Advice was informative and made it very easy
to implement. Fergus is always available, by phone or email, for
any queries we might have and our questions have always been answered
quickly. He constantly reviews our portfolio to recommend improvements
to our investments. We would have no hesitation in recommending
FM Financial Solutions Pty Ltd.
George and Joan Capsanis
MOUNT RIVERVIEW
*********************************
Gail and I began researching for a suitable Financial
Investment organisation to invest our retirement funds with approximately
two years before I retired, with Gail retiring a year before me.
Looking back, we had meetings with three Financial Investment
organisations and Gail and I attended various evening or day investment
seminars. As I had been a Local Government employee for the last
fifteen years, I had contributed maximum contributions to my retirement
scheme with a Local Government Investment organisation and I decided
we should commence our retirement plan with this organisation.
From our initial meeting with the Local Government
Investment organisation, Fergus Hardingham was our consultant
and when I retired in August 2003 we accepted his initial investment
portfolio prior to him resigning to commence a new Financial Planning
firm. I began feeling uncomfortable with the management of our
finances and I set out to trace the whereabouts of Fergus and
Margaret Hardingham and their new company. I then arranged to
transfer our retirement funds to their company in November 2004.
Gail and I have just completed the second review of
our Investment Portfolio, and we are satisfied with the returns
on our initial investments and the ongoing advice we have received.
At this stage we have no plans to move away from FM Financial
Solutions Pty Ltd as we consider their company alert to the state
of the financial markets and value their advice and support information
provided to implement necessary changes to our portfolio. Meetings
with clients are on a one to one basis followed up with meeting
notes.
We value the personal service provided by FM Financial
Solutions Pty Ltd and look forward to a long association with
their company.
Ron Fraser and Gail Fraser
KAREELA
*********************************
“In mid 2002 I decided to retire from Local
Government in about 18 months/2years time. During that period
I had a series of meetings with 3 Financial Planners from FuturePlus
(NSW L/Govt Super Scheme). Fergus Hardingham being the final planner
consulted in that period. Fergus complete our financial plan.
This plan was most acceptable to us.
I retired on the 30/01/04 and relocated to QLD. I
had contributed into the NSW L/Government Super Scheme for about
37 yrs. Our funds remained within that system.
During 2004 we has very little contact with FuturePlus.
The majority being instigated by us. We found this to be most
unprofessional and disappointing. We then considered what other
option were open to us.
In late 2004 we became aware that Fergus and Margaret
Hardingham were establishing their own business, FM Financial
Solutions. As we has been highly impressed with earlier dealings
with Fergus’ completion of our Financial Plan (FuturePlus),
his professional manner and expertise. Following further discussion
we agreed to become clients of FMFS.
We are about to meet with Fergus for the 2nd annual
review of our Investment Portfolio. We are very happy with the
manner in which our portfolios has been managed and other advice
we have been given during our association with FMFS.
Recommendation has been made to members of our family
that they seek a meeting with FMFS to discuss their superannuation
and retirement plan strategy.
We have no hesitation in recommendation FMFS to any
person requiring advice in financial or retirement matters.”
Bill & Beulah Webster
TIN CAN BAY
*********************************
Bridget and I met Fergus while I was employed with
the State Government - when we heard Fergus was leaving to start
his own business, Bridget and I decided to switch our (super)
fund as we like the way our affairs were handled.
My wife and I knew nothing about investing our money
and wanted someone with a personal touch, we found that in Fergus
and Margaret. They provided us with important information regarding
taxes, which we had been overcharged for by the funds manager
a detection, we would not have picked up ourselves. We recently
bought and sold two residential properties, it was a most stressful
time on top of all that we had to deal with ‘Centrelink’
and this was worse than anything we have previously encountered.
Fergus and Margaret took control of everything corresponding with
us through letters and telephone, with their help we came through
it all.
We will forever be grateful to both of them, rest
assured, the next time we encounter any such problems we hope
Fergus and Margaret will be there for us. We have recently moved
to Queensland and will continue our association with Fergus and
Margaret.
Tom and Bridget Clarke
VARSITY LAKE
*********************************
We have no hesitation in recommending Fergus and Margaret
Hardingham of FMFS.
From their initial interview right through the completion
of our superannuation and Centrelink (Age Pension) arrangements
we found them to be very efficient.
We also found them to be helpful, prompt and accurate
in their assessment of our financial affairs.
We thanked them very much.
Judith and Richard Griffiths
*********************************
Fergus Hardingham was highly recommended to us by
the chairman of an industry superannuation fund. He knew Fergus
well and commended him for his enthusiasm and passion for financial
planning. We have found Fergus to be extremely thorough and very
efficient and prompt in answering questions whether by phone or
e-mail. There has not been one occasion when Fergus has failed
to answer a question. We value this level of responsiveness very
highly. The other issue that attracted me to Fergus was his "fee
for service" approach to his business. We were well aware
of the exorbitant commissions that some advisers receive in the
form of trailing commissions and % based fees.
Fergus' detailed planning has considerably reduced
our capital gains tax obligations when we sold two investment
properties. On the first occasion, we were able to minimise capital
gains tax by living off the profits of the sale and salary sacrificing
to zero for a 12 month period. This strategy saved us approximately
$8000. This advice cost us $340.
A few years later we sold another property, from which
the proceeds were invested in superannuation and a deductible
amount also contributed to our superannuation that reduced our
capital gains tax liability to zero – the advice provided
to us as part of a comprehensive Financial Plan, reduced our tax
liabilities by around $9,000, which helped to increase our retirement
capital base.
When it came time to structure our retirement income
stream Fergus' advice was invaluable. The Global Financial Crisis
was deepening as we were starting to invest our funds (March 08),
which were at that stage in cash, by a dollar cost averaging process.
Fergus was very patient with us and was extremely thorough in
answering our questions. In addition to this, he provided us with
not only his own insightful analysis of the situation, but also
the insights of other experts.
During the Global Financial Crisis our portfolio returned 12%pa
(this at a time most portfolios were going backwards) and dividends/distributions
from the various funds have continued to generate our required
annual income without reducing our capital.
The service that both Fergus and Margaret have delivered
to us has been excellent in every respect. The reporting that
we receive has been detailed and insightful. We look forward to
our continuing relationship with them into the future.
John and Susan Bock
