I cannot recommend Steven Barrett and Bluewater Financial Planning enough. I was unexpectedly in a situation where I needed urgent help with navigating financial retirement options alongside suddenly entering the freelance world. I hadn’t a clue. I read a number of online articles and commentary pieces where Steven Barrett gave no nonesnse, non-macho, no jargon advice. I saw he offered a fee based service. When we met, he explained things so clearly, patiently and without patronizing or bamboozling. He is also bright, well read, knowledgeable and understands international markets and makes a quick read of a client’s needs. My view is that he is a genuinely decent person who puts his client’s interest foremost. all this wrapped in real warmth, a great personality and a sense of humor and an ability to soothe worried waters.
- Anne Roper -
I needed some advice about moving my pension some years ago and Steven was recommended to me. I took his advice and I am very happy with the results. He is very professional and knowledgeable and so I highly recommend him as a financial advisor.
- Leo Ballance -
Steven Barrett at Bluewater is an efficient and thorough financial advisor. His probing questions resulted in a clear understanding of my current situation and my needs for the future. His resulting advice accurately pinpoints my investments to maximise my benefits. I would highly recommend Steven to anybody looking for financial advice.
- John Harnett -
PGA Club Professional
Since Steven has been looking after my pension pot investment I have always appreciated the human touch in his approach to my financial concerns. He has always been very responsive to my queries and provided clear information and full transparency on the fees involved. My investment is in good hands and I take great pleasure in recommending his service to anyone looking for financial planning.
- Daniel Aupy -
Retired
Steven is a pleasure to deal with, knowledgeable, pragmatic, excellent advice and above all, honest to a fault. I have no hesitation in recommending him highly.
- Susanne Cahalane -
Retired
Highly recommended! It’s hard to find an independent financial advisor who can provide in-depth and useful information in Ireland but BFP is one of them. Steven has been absolutely phenomenal and I have recommended him to a number of people. He has answered questions that I’ve had on numerous different areas in our finances, always had time for me, his rates are fair and affordable and he’s definitely saved us money in the long run. I can recommend him highly t anyone looking to improve their financial situation.
- Emmett Cooke -
Composer
BFP and Steven were instrumental in help rationalize our pension structures after making sure that he understood our goals. Knowledgeable and excellent range of service at a reasonable cost with good advice and always available if you need to talk through something. Highly recommended.
- Chris & Orla Horn -
Retired
The first moment I met Steven Barrett I knew he was going to be my Financial Advisor.
I was introduced to Steven at Bluewater Financial Planning by my actuary when I was transferring my pension from the UK.
From the initial meeting, liaising with the pension administrators, my actuary and the pension company we used, ensuring that the correct paperwork was in place to satisfy the courts, pension trustees and HMRC, negotiating a favourable charging structure, right through to informing me of all the retirement options available to me and planning my ongoing cashflow requirements, Steven has been very professional, answering my calls and emails promptly. I have found him to be extremely personable, knowledgeable and patient and would have no hesitation in recommending Steven to any of my family and friends who would require his services.
I look forward to his continued advice and support in the future.
- Angie Pierce -
Retired
I wanted to do some lifestyle financial planning, reduce my mortgage term, and ensure my pension was adequately funded. Steven was recommended to me by a business contact and I’m very happy that I went to him. I’ve found him to be knowledgeable, approachable, professional, objective, capable, honest, adaptable, and patient. Following his process over the last 6 months has already produced solid results and has helped me to develop the confidence that I can build good financial habits and achieve everything that I would like to.
In a relatively short space of time Steven:
- Did a comprehensive review of my assets, liabilities, and cash flows
- Encouraged me to identify short and long term priorities. Examples are funding hobbies and holidays, replacing my car, reducing my mortgage term, and ensuring my pension is well funded
- Recommended immediate changes to my pension to diversify risk without sacrificing performance
- Recommended immediate changes to my cash flow to close out expensive loans and but me in a better position to achieve mid- and long-term goals
- Set up a structured reminder system to keep me focused on key financial disciplines. This is helping me to better manage cash flows and replace bad habits with good ones
- Developed a financial plan that balances all my priorities and shows – if I do what the plan says – what my financial position will look like every year
- Provided a structured spreadsheet to help me account for and balance cash inflows and outflows on an ongoing basis
- Provides ongoing advice and feedback, and explains all the options in an easy to understand and stress-free way without forcing anything on me.
Without Steven I would never have had the motivation or ability to achieve all these things, and I look forward to continuing the work with him into the future. My mind is so much more at ease now Steven, thanks. Highly recommended.
- Diarmuid McCarthy -
Senior Technical Consultant
My Company has the pleasure of working with Bluewater Financial Planning towards reaching our financial goals. Always helpful, knowledgeable and patient.
- Arik & Natalie Warshager -
IT Consultants
Steven’s expertise and vast knowledge of the insurance market, has put my mind at ease, knowing that my family is protected and covered. He guided me through the huge array of confusing products in the market and recommended the best options to suit my needs. His communication was always excellent and his advice is independent and honest. I know I have full confidence in Bluewater Financial Planning to provide me with continued financial support and advice in to the future.
- Ronan Cummins -
Senior Developer
Bluewater Financial Planning provides a great service. Steven makes the sometimes daunting task of financial planning accessible and straightforward. His affable manner combined with knowledge and experience put me at ease straight away. I sought investment advice and he was able to take on board my needs and personal circumstances, provide a number of options and recommendations in as much detail as I required. I came away with a decent understanding of how to be efficient with investing in terms of fees and which options best suited me. I never felt pressured or pushed in any particular direction. The whole experience was relaxed yet thorough, friendly yet professional. I would not hesitate in recommending Steven to my friends or family for similar services / advice.
- Paul Lally -
Pricing Consultant
We found Stephen through our research online. There’s so much info out there as regards mortgages, pensions, life assurance etc, it can be mind boggling, so we really wanted someone to consolidate it all in a coherent and straightforward manner but without feeling pressured into anything either. We are delighted with where our finances are to date and would recommend Stephen to anyone seeking financial planning. He’s a pleasure to deal with, generous with his time and above all will provide you with a tailor made solution that best meets your needs. The process was quick and seamless and we’re delighted with the options we have chosen today.
- Aonghus & Siobhan Davoren -
Bluewater Financial Planning has been instrumental in helping my father navigate the complicated world of pension maturation and financial planning. After our initial introductory meeting where we talked about broader financial goals we had an in-depth review of our family finances, what the options were for pension maturation and which ones would be the right fit for my father. Steven also did a risk assessment of potential future needs and how we could plan for those eventualities. Steven brings a wealth of knowledge as well as a personal touch so often missing from the larger institutions which made the difference for us in deciding who to deal with. I would wholeheartedly recommend him and Bluewater Financial Planning. Many thanks Steven.
- Alan MacKenna -
Data Protection Technology Advisor
Bluewater’s service is excellent, I am very satisfied that I received the best advice. Steven takes the stress out of financial planning and assurance shopping by providing independent, honest, competitive quotes in a clear and concise manner. Steven is professional, friendly, efficient, pays attention to detail and is always there to answer my questions. I have full confidence in Bluewater and have recommended them on numerous occasions to clients, family and friends who are looking for independent financial advice and exceptional customer service.
- Susan Farrell -
Financial Accountant - Farrell & Company
I have used the services of Bluewater Financial Planning on a number of occasions and I have found them to be trustworthy and knowledgeable in all financial matters including investments, savings and insurance. I would have no hesitation in highly recommending Steven to friends, family and colleagues.
- Ciaran Jay -
IT Operations Manager
Have worked with Steven for many years and am very happy to recommend him. Is gentle and thoughtful in his approach – but is driven in pursuit of the best options for his customers. Highly experienced and knows his sector well. Innovative and good to work with.
- Tony Carey -
Business Development and Financial Advisory - Cooney Carey
Steven has advised me on my finances since 2008. He has always shown himself to be very honest and always puts my needs first. Steven is one of my trusted advisers and I always look for his opinion before making a financial decision.
- Kieran Connaughton -
Director - L. Connaughton & Sons, Texpor and Trinity
I cannot recommend talking to Bluewater Financial Planning highly enough about planning for your life goals. The process involves a thorough examination of your finances which allows Steven discuss the art of the possible for the future. Steven displayed a deep knowledge of the field and with no hard sell on the agenda was able to objectively point out areas to prioritise and focus on based on my own stated objectives.
- Feidhlim O’Hanlon -
Vice President - Cerberus European Servicing
Steven Barrett has steered my wealth through the most difficult financial upheaval brought on by the credit crisis and banking collapse. I have come out the other side of the crisis wealthier than when I went in. This was good considered work by Steven.
- Keith Rankin -
Director - Rankin & Associates
Steven helped me to set up a private pension and find the best one to suit my needs. I knew absolutely nothing about pensions and he was able to explain everything really clearly. His fee was very reasonable and communication was excellent. Highly recommended.
- Tara Walsh -
PR Director