Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 1 )

Mortgages ( 2 )

Pensions ( 41 )

Equity Release ( 4 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 19 )

Investments and Savings ( 37 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 17 )

Inheritance Planning ( 10 )

Long Term Care ( 2 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 4 )

Financial Planning ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 23 )

£200k - £500k ( 6 )

£100k - £200k ( 2 )

Up to £50k ( 1 )

( 2 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

March, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was dissatisfied with my previous level of service and advice.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon has made our future financially secure, helped plan retirement and ensure we have the funds to do what we want to do.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Simon and his team have provided a superb service

Review from verified client

October, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I sold my business and retired.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon helped in advising how best to invest the capital from the sale of my business, that would provide an income throughout my retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is too early to see if the outcome is what I am hoping for. However, to date (putting aside the impact of Covid 19) the grown in my investment has been what I was hoping for.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was a Pension Trustee with my former employer and as I was nearing my target retirement age I was looking for a financial advisor that understood my personal goals and what I was looking for in retirement. A former colleague of mine who was also a Pension Trustee, recommended Simon to me. From the outset my wife and I were completely comfortable that Simon understood our goals and aims and the advice given matched those targets.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Once Simon understood a little more about our background, lifestyle and our aims in retirement, the advice and recommendations given matched those goals and aims. These were delivered in an open and easy to understand format. Graphical lifestyle planning models, investment principles and early advice on tax implications were covered in a way that was relaxed and easy to understand. This was when Simon was with his former employer.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good! When Simon advised me he had set up on his own Stewardship Wealth and we read the principles under which the company had been formed, we had no hesitation in transferring across to Stewardship Wealth. The key for us is in the personal service Simon provides. He really looks to understand what your own objectives and goals are for retirement and how best these can be met.

What could they have done better?

At this stage I can't think of anything!! It's actually exciting and satisfying to support a fledgling start up company clearly committed to pursuing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria and offering True Wealth Portfolios. Fully understand this takes time to develop, but will be keenly following the roll out.

Simon's reply

Hi Ian, Edna, Thanks so much for the VouchedFor review. Not only is it very kind of you to share your thoughts with the Stewardship team, but doing so in such a public way is very helpful. Prospective clients very much value the opinions and experiences of existing clients like you. It helps them make an inital enquiry with much more confidence. And that in turn helps us grow the business and fulfil our Values and Visions. Looking forward to some kind of normal future, whenever that might be. Kind regards, Simon

Review from verified client

October, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To review our overall investment portfolios and decide whether to transfer or not from Company Final Salary Pension Plans.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon explained very comprehensively the complex options available for pensions. Simon helped us understand our current financial situation more clearly and projected cash flow models to meet the requirements of our desired future lifestyle. Simon worked with us to establish what the best outcomes could be for our personal circumstances and how with deliberate actions we should invest and disinvest to maximise income and tax efficiency on an ongoing basis. Simon has a real enthusiasm and ability for conveying very complex financial options in easy to understand ways.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far. Our initial objectives to instigate wealth planning actions with Simon rather than the accumulation of discrete investments across various plans and accounts has been achieved in a way we feel has worked well for us. We are still in the early stages of the investment cycle so not yet able to confirm on investment outcomes.

What could they have done better?

Simon exceeded our expectations. Having been professionally involved in Pensions, investments and benefits for many years it was particularly refreshing to hear Simon explain so clearly the pensions freedoms and choices available. We continue to enjoy our reviews with Simon on an ongoing basis to maximise the benefit of working with him and have recommended him to both colleagues and friends.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Need for control of benefits currently held in multiple work pension schemes.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Provided a very professional service in assessing the current benefits, advantages and disadvantages of each pension scheme. In addition, Simon also supplied detailed reports on the advantages, disadvantages and risks involved in transferring each pension into a scheme tailored to my personal requirements and attitude to risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its very early to judge as the new system is still being put in place. To date the services provided have been very satisfactory.

What could they have done better?

Very little. Only issues have been delays in getting the necessary paperwork in place to perform the pension fund transfers. These have been outwith the control of the financial adviser.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

Overall

Service

Advice

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Deciding whether or not to move from company final salary pension to a drawdown pension to give greater flexibility and allow early retirement.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Explained the pro's and con's and helped me make a decision based on our lifestyle expectations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days but yes.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were unhappy with the service and advice from our previous advisers.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon spent a significant amount of time getting to know who we are, how we live and how we view our future. He helped plan our way forward financially. Our financial situation is not straightforward given different pension pots, salary incentive schemes, share schemes etc. He presented it all in a way we could understand and crucially make it work for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely. We have far more confidence in the way in which we invest, plan for the future and live in the present. We have a plan and a financial lifestyle that suits us and makes allowances for my chronic health issues.

What could they have done better?

I wouldn't suggest any changes. Simon was thorough and we are so pleased he is looking after us.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were fortunate to accrue some wealth and required help to plan and manage our money.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Through a series of initial meetings and planning tools, Simon established what was important to us and what we wanted from our wealth. He provided advice and options relating to wills, pensions, investments, risk, fund management, administration and advisor costs, inheritance tax and capital gains tax . After we assessed our options and agreed a risk profile we invested our wealth into a variety of investment products. We regularly review our portfolio with Simon and take the necessary actions depending on performance, risk and changes to our circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

In the current economic climate it may be worth evaluating biannual reviews.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

With retirement approaching in the next 10 years or so, and multiple different pension pots, including self invested pensions, I did not feel I really understood whether I'd meet my retirement goals or how to make sure I did, and I had no clear strategy to do so.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

He helped us clarified what our goals were, provided an analysis of whether we'd be able to meet them, and advised on a coherent strategy to maximise our pensions at an acceptable risk level. He then helped us to implement the strategy by consolidating all of our pensions into a single transparent platform.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything I'd ask to be improved. Excellent, clear advice and service delivered with a high degree of forbearance of our questions.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in West Sussex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Coming up for retirement and wanting to make the best of two company pensions. Wanting to ensure that in the event of my death, that there would be enough money to support my wife for the rest of her life.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Went through all the pensions options available to me, discussed all those options in detail, mapped out financials against life expectancy, reviewed our joint positions on investment risk. Came up with the final options and then managed pension transfer through to completion. - Ace guy!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days but all indications are good.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I am aware of.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Moray

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My husband and I were looking at transferring company pensions to personal pensions in order to access more flexibility. We wanted advice on whether a transfer was the right thing to do and reassurance that our pensions and savings would be sufficient to maintain our lifestyle through our retirement.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

He was able to advise on the advantages and disadvantages of transferring our pensions and on the retirement income we could reasonably expect to be able to access. He was also able to demonstrate this using graphs that provided the reassurance we were looking for before proceeding.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I am genuinely struggling to think of ways in which Simon could have improved. We have been very happy with his service.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was widowed young and needed to make some good decisions around my inheritance and invest well for the future.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

He was thorough in going over my financial situation and options available to me. He was always clear and helpful and ready to answer my questions. He advised me on risks, future outcomes and sensible options. Simon is good at making sure everything is understood.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, the options I have taken seem to be going in the right direction.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I had not been satisfied with my previous financial adviser.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon was able to communicate to us clearly what needed to be done once he had understood our objectives. This enabled us to make decisions about our future strategy and planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its still very early in our business relationship, but we feel that we have made the right decisions.

What could they have done better?

We will need to revisit these questions once some time has passed.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed help with financial planning particularly with respect to investments and feasibility of retirement.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon met with myself and my wife several times, to understand what we wanted out of life and what our financial position was. He then conducted detailed analysis to see what options were feasible, discussed these with us, before making his recommendations. Simon has an holistic approach to financial planning; he spent a lot of time helping us discover what we wanted and building trust. He was then able to matching our aspirations with the reality of our position. He was also very upfront about the costs that would be incurred at each stage, and was able to do all the initial work without us committing large upfront costs. His is very responsive and provided fast detailed explanations to our queries.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is early days, but we have been very happy with the quality of service and advice received.

What could they have done better?

I struggle to think how Simon could have been more open or helpful.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were looking for planning and advice regarding our various ISAs and Pensions so that we could understand our financial status and projections for the future.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon provided a comprehensive service as he looked at all our finances, gathered a lot of information from us and then gave us estimated projections so that we make calculated decisions on retirements and investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Certainly the planning was comprehensive and was exactly what we required. I have recommended Simon to my colleagues.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Dissatisfied with previous financial advisers.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Amalgamated numerous pensions previously held with other companies and advisers, to easier understand pension portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Stirlingshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Originally it was pension planning and income protection; more recently investments and retirement planning

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon made a particular effort to understand our values and objectives, and to meet those requirements rather than coming with any preconceptions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Honestly, I have nothing to suggest. I'm very happy with the service and the standard of advice.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

Overall

Service

Value

Advice

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I recently sold my business and retired. I had very limited pension provision and was relying on the sale of the business to provide for my retirement. It was extremely important for me that I not only engaged a financial adviser but a financial planner with a proven record and someone whom I could trust.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon advised on an investment strategy taking into consideration my personal goals and objectives, building a cash flow model of my financial future which enabled me to visualise the future impact of the advice given and comparing various scenarios. He advised me on the appropriate investment risk/return profile making use of all available tax allowances, exemptions and products to meet my needs. He also advised on inheritance planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

After a number of meeting were held which gave opportunity to find out if Simon was the right financial planner, agree the investment plan, then implement the plan, I am now pleased to say that the first phase of investments are now complete and were carried out in a professional and timely manner.

What could they have done better?

Simon was pleasant and professional at all times, and I do not have any suggestions to give.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Approaching retirement and seeking pension advice. Our children have all finished full time education so we were seeking the best approach to investing savings for the long term whilst providing retirement income.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon took the time to understand our circumstances, life goals and current financial position. He then built a set of recommendations to fit with these.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The benefits associated with implementing the savings recommendations are already showing up. It is too early to say on the retirement option but, on the basis of the savings outcome, we are confident this will be good too.

What could they have done better?

Happy with everything so far.

Review from verified client

July, 2018

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Had some investments we wanted to optimise.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

He took time to get to know us and our priorities as well as our attitudes towards risk and investment. Since then he has taylored his advice to us accordingly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I m happy with how he has been dealing with us. Very much centred around what we need and what we would like to discuss at a review We also appreciate the regular reviews with the same person

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Simon was able to see me at short notice, he gave me a very generous time slot to understand my financial situation and explain his company's philosophy and how A2B could help me together with details of charges.

Simon's reply

Hi Sara, Thanks so much for leaving a First Impression, and I'm glad you found our first meeting beneficial. I look forward to hearing from you again if you decide that our service is right for you once you've had the chance to read the information I gave you. Kind regards, Simon

Review from verified client

October, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed to become financially more organised.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

He really listens and has helped my wife and I to begin to understand the achievable possibilities our future may hold.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Without a doubt. Our recent meeting has allowed us to bring our dream ideas that much closer to reality.

What could they have done better?

This is difficult as Simon is able to pitch complex ideas at a level that is eminently understandable. This reassures us as we are able to make informed decisions about our future

Review from verified client

July, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were looking for financial planning services to help us plan invetsments and income for retirement.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

He was able to help us with financial planning, investment advice and pension advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we had numerous pensions, Simon was able to help us decide on an investment strategy and to consolidate our pensions into a manageable whole.

What could they have done better?

It can take a long time to transfer money from one pension to another - months in one case. Not a criticsm per se of Simon's services - we did not need the money qucikly but if soemone does then they need to take this into account

Simon's reply

Hi Martin, and thanks so much for the review. I think your point about the time to transfer pensions is very valid, and something I will be a bit more diligent about raising with clients in the future. Time constraints can definitely alter the optimal advice, and clients who have time on their hands can get the best outcomes without being under pressure to make snap decisions. Regards, Simon

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

AAB will only engage clients on a full service basis and this did not suit my requirements.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Very efficient and informative.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Initial meeting went very well, his explanations and depth of knowledge in our fields of interest was outstanding. Very good first impression.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Final Salary Pension Transfer.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Listened carefully to what I was looking for with my early retirement and explained everything so clearly and simply.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I couldn't fault Simon on anything.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

we wished to retire and ensure we had sufficient accessible funds to do so.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

He explained the various options available in a very clear way - no terms we didnt understand - and confirmed we could indeed retire in financial comfort.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is still early days but we have made pension transfers to more accessible vehicles and will be able to draw down cash as and when required. Simon has also assisted with the cash flow/tax efficiencies of drawdown. We would definitely not have been able to work through the minefield of legislation and different investment options without Simon.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Heading towards retirement and wished to look at pension options in the new "drawdown" era.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon fully understood my objectives for the future and provided jargon free / fully explained advice on options and look ahead to the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are moving in the right direction with the setting up of the SIPP facility and wrapping pension and savings together.

What could they have done better?

I doubt that the overall service could have been bettered - it was informative and helpful from the outset and I have decided to go ahead and use the advice from Simon and the services offered through AAB.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Simon contacted me by email the next morning following my request followed by phone conversation. A meeting was arranged to meet one of Simon colleagues as he was not available for few days.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

I contracted the firm. The person I needed to speak to wasn't available. In the meantime I was contracted by another firm. I had a meeting with them and agreed to use their services.

Simon's reply

Hi Mr Sutherland, Thanks for your feedback. I did reply to your initial enquiry within 24 hours of receiving it from VouchedFor and included a full breakdown of both our financial planning charges and also the total cost of the investment strategy that we employ. If you didn't receive this information then I will of course chase this up with VouchedFor. However, I am glad that you have found the services of a financial planning firm that you want to work with, and I wish you the very best for your financial future. Kind regards, Simon Glazier

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Initial contact has been excellent.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

was looking for a reputable trustworthy FA to advise on options available to me with an occupational pension transfer quotation offer.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Arranged an initial "free" consultation to explain my present circumstances and my pension offer and what options would be available to me going forwards. I took my sceptical wife along as my guide and Simon explained the multiple options now available to us, in language we both could understand, and demonstrated his broad experience & knowledge in the area of financial planning. In doing so, he gained the trust of my wife, which was the main idea behind the initial meeting.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very happy with suggested investment strategy based on outcome of my own financial risk aversion assessment. The wealth of options now available to me, based on detailed modeling and financial forecasts should allow me to considering retiring several years earlier than had I stayed with current occupational pension scheme and enjoy a significantly better quality of life.

What could they have done better?

Given the recent push by the government to make management fees as low as possible on pension funds, In the area of "management fees" it would have been interesting to see a chart on how AAB's fees compare with the market, are they above or below and if above what is the "extra factor " for.

Simon's reply

Thanks for the review Colin, and I'm absolutely with you on the desire to see our fees compared to other advisers and planners in the market. One of the frustrations we have is trying to benchmark our services against our competitors when there is little independent information available. We know that our 'Total Cost of Ownership' (TCO, which takes into account advice, product and fund charges) is comparable with many of the other providers in the Aberdeen market, and a lot less expensive than some, but that our financial planning proposition is rarely matched by other firms. All clients have the choice at any time to stop paying us and stop receiving our advice, which gives us confidence that those who are paying us are doing so because they value it. Here's hoping that you find ongoing value in service we provide into the future. Simon

Review from verified client

May, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Lifestyle financial planning for retirement, taking account of new pension legislation options. Investigate transferring preserved benefits in two company Defined Benefits (DB) schemes into a Personal Pension Plan that would give flexibility in retirement, be tax efficient and with the option to pass on some of this wealth to children/grandchildren. As I'm nearing retirement age for the DB schemes a colleague at work recommended contacting Simon for advice.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Firstly Simon wanted to understand my aims and goals for retirement and was very customer focussed on my needs. From there he fully investigated the options and how best my goals could be achieved. Simon pitched his explanations at a level that was easy for me to understand. He also explained to my wife in very clear and simplistic terms the options that were open to us to fit with our retirement plans. For me the most important part was the lifestyle planning model that gave visibility, flexibility and control of my pension pot and savings. Periodic revues can then be conducted to modify the plan as circumstances change. Simon was also very clear and upfront on the charges that would be applied.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I've been completely comfortable with Simon's recommendations and all documentation has been received promptly in good order and written in plain English. The recommendations take into account the level of risk I'm prepared to take therefore is well suited to my needs.

What could they have done better?

A small point, but a summary e-mail sent following a customer meeting with the salient points covered and any actions required from both parties for the next meeting, would be advantageous.

Simon's reply

Ian, thanks so much for this review. I'm glad you found the process helpful and I look forward to working with you in the future. Also, thanks for the comment about a follow up action email. We do this on some occasions, but clearly should make it a more structured part of the process as it does help clients know where we're at and what to do next. Thanks for the feedback. Simon

Review from verified client

May, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Getting older and less able.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

By taking over all my investment activities.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Confidence in accepting his advice in all my investment actions.

What could they have done better?

Maybe offer more alternative investments.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Previous adviser no longer qualified to advise me at the point that I decided to retire.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Took the time to explain in great detail the options available to me for my pension. He also spotted that one of my pensions was "different" and I was able to get much more than 25% tax free. This paid his fees several times over!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Better than I had expected! I can now log on to a site whenever I want, and see how my fund is performing. It is also fully flexible, should I ever need to extract extra funds. Simon also made me more aware of my tax position, maximising the use of my tax free allowance each year.

What could they have done better?

I do not think that he could have done better. He more than exceeded my expectations, based on my experience with previous advisers.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed independent advice on the options for both pensions and investments.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon has provided great advice and has carefully detailed out the various options that are presented to me. We continue to engage on a regular basis and I value his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I feel confident that the solutions that have been put in place by Simon and his team will give me the flexibility and control that I need to manage my retirement.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

We approached Simon and AAB for financial planning advice and financial/wealth management services. The thing that struck us about our first consultations with Simon was how he took the time and effort to really understand the broader context of our family situation and financial goals/objectives before making any recommendations on financial/wealth management. Simon is extremely personable and did an excellent job of ensuring that both my and my wife's views/goals were heard. The advice given and the investment plan that we agreed together with Simon was an objective and appropriately risk managed approach. The issue of risk tolerance and the level of risk "necessary" to be built into the financial plan was particularly well conducted through our consultations. Simon turned both my wife and I around from being initially sceptical of the need to engage an IFA in managing our retirement investments and ensured that we were fully engaged in developing the plan and committed to the approach being taken. We both look forward to future consultations with Simon on board leading the process.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Defined benefit pension transfer advice and subsequent wealth management plan.

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

My wife and I approached Simon Glazier at AAB for advice in relation to DB Pension scheme benefits transfer to a SIPP drawdown arrangement. I had previously been aware of the very highly respected reputation AAB enjoy locally as a professional accountancy firm. Throughout our meetings with Simon at AAB Wealth , I can categorically state that our experience, with the benefit of Simon’s expert knowledge and very professional advice, has in our view, re-enforced AAB’s excellent reputation. A true professional displaying a very thorough and friendly approach with whom we look forward to a longstanding relationship acting as our Financial Advisor. I cannot really recommend Simon highly enough to any prospective clients. Kind regards Bill.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Exactly outcome anticipated. In fact standard of service and Simons professionalism exceeded my high expectations.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing. Service standard is faultless

Review from verified client

March, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

We approached Simon Glazier having read highly positive testimonials from clients that had used his company and in particular Simon for advice. Simon stresses heavily that their company want to establish a long term relationship with their clients which came across strongly at all the meetings undertaken to date. My particular situation was quite complex in that having recently been diagnosed with potential life threatening cancer we wanted to organise our financial planning including pensions to cater for a number of potential scenarios. This involved much engagement with third parties such as pension companies etc. at a time when there was government changes being implemented also. The level of detail and time taken to clearly explain to my wife and I the various options whilst understanding our approach to risk etc. was excellent and trustworthy. We now have a very clear plan that has been developed with Simon and his team that provides us confidence for the future.

What could they have done better?

There are no suggestions I would make as I would make as the service overall was excellent, however it is important to emphasise that going forward Simon remains our focal point.

Review from verified client

March, 2015

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

‘Working in the Oil Industry and running my own Limited Company I wanted advice on the best way to extract profit in a tax efficient manner, for both investment and pension purposes. Simon was able to give me some very good advice and help me get a Pension Contribution made quickly to benefit from the annual allowances before the end of the tax year. Since then we have met annually towards the end of the tax year to plan my ongoing pension and investment strategy, and I have confidence that Simon is giving advice that is not only technically correct, but is also saving me tax, both now and in the future, and keeping my wider goals and objectives in mind. In light of the recent changes to Pension Legislation he gave me some excellent advice about how to structure my pension to give me the most flexible and tax efficient income source in the future.’

Review from verified client

March, 2015

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

‘I found AAB Wealth as I wanted an adviser who would help my wife manage our financial affairs in the event of my death. With a portfolio consisting mainly of business/property interests, existing pension income and significant cashflow I wanted an adviser who could give me holistic advice and not just invest my money for me. Simon was able to introduce me to colleagues of his who were able to give me advice on how to structure my limited companies to maximise the tax advantages available. Simon also advised me on the use of pensions as a more tax efficient way of generating retirement income whilst also reducing my estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. The Wealth Plan which was developed for me showed me how much my future net worth might be and what my future cashflow looks like. This will enable me to make an informed decision about when to retire and how to structure my affairs to provide for myself and my wife in the future in a tax efficient manner, and also pass as much on to my children as possible.’

What could they have done better?

As people get older, advice from professional people is required to manage their portfolio. Building a relationship and developing trust with an FA is required. This is what I have received so far.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

I was introduced to AAB Wealth and Simon Glazier by my parents. They had found the experience of working with Simon very enjoyable and felt that my husband and I would also benefit from getting his advice on our pensions and investments. Simon works with us as a family, taking into account our wider circumstances including our children, and advising us on the impact of any advice he gives on all three generations. This allows us to make better decisions and have more productive discussions about our financial planning both now and for the future. I would recommend Simon and AAB Wealth to anyone who is looking for an adviser who will work with them, taking into account their overall situation, and give advice that covers more than just investing their money.

What could they have done better?

n/a

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

a polished well informed professional. Certainly not a pushy salesman. Inspired confidence and securety.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

Overall

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Service

Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

I was introduced to Simon at AAB Wealth via my tax advisor as I was looking for some financial planning advice in advance of selling shares in a company I worked for. Simon initially spent time with my wife and I making sure he understood what our goals and objectives were, what was important to us, who was important to us and what our approach to risk was. This helped us to understand that financial planning is about much more than just money. Simon also spent time explaining AAB WealthÂ’s investment approach. He advised how to use different types of investment product to help reduce our tax liability both in the short and long term He was also very clear about the charges applicable. Using some financial planning software he was able to demonstrate to us that we could live the lifestyle we wanted, afford to give some money away (and he also advised how to do this in a tax efficient manner), and not have to worry about running out of funds or leaving too much behind for the tax man. All in all we have been very satisfied with the service we have received from Simon and AAB Wealth, which we anticipate will continue long into the future. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

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Value

Based in Stirlingshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

We ‘discovered’ Simon Glazier and AAB Wealth after I retired from the Police and I had been recommended a financial adviser but wanted a second opinion. From the outset we were extremely impressed with Simon’s professionalism and also the clarity of both his advice and athe firm’s charging structure. We had a lump sum to invest along with a number of existing investments and Simon helped us understand what we had and the pros and cons of our existing investments. He then made some recommendations to change these in order to reduce the level of risk we were exposed to, reduce the costs we were paying and also reduce the tax we would pay in the future. All in all some very good results. Overall we were delighted with the excellent service we were given and would have no absolutely no hesitation in recommending Simon and AAB Wealth to others in need of financial advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Though I was unable to provide complete and final figures advice given will be taken on board for future.

Review from verified client

June, 2014

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Value

Based in Angus

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

I have worked with Simon for a number of years now, and what i value most is the ability to meet him face to face and discuss any area of my financial affairs with him. AAB wealth provide continuity of service,so i dont have to meet a different person every time as was my previous experience. Simon always explains clearly what he is recommending and why it is appropriate to meet my needs. I feel that my pensions and investments are in safe hands and would not hesitate in recommending Simon as a financial planner.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

I got through to an imbecile who knew nothing about the present location of Simon

Review from verified client

January, 2014

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

When our bank stopped offering financial advice we lost the relationship we had with our existing adviser. We therefore felt it an appropriate time to look for a new firm to help us with our financial planning, and we are so glad that we found AAB Wealth for this. When we first met Simon he immediately put our minds at ease as he seemed very knowledgeable and trustworthy. He offered to analyse our existing pensions and investments before making any recommendations, giving us the chance to ‘test him out’ before we committed to becoming clients. When Simon presented the results of his work to us we could see that an awful lot of work had gone in to making our very messy, and sometimes complex, collection of plans understandable. He suggested an exercise of consolidation, cost saving and making sure that all our plans were invested in ways that were the right level of risk for us. We were so happy with all that he had suggested that we decided to make some additional investments as well. All in all we have been very happy with the service we have received from Simon and AAB Wealth.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

We were introduced to AAB Wealth just as we were working out how to transition into retirement, as I was winding down my business. We needed advice on investing surplus cash and also about drawing income from our pensions. Simon, and his colleague Paul Lothian, have consistently sought to understand what was most important for us when making recommendations, and their advice has not only ensured that our current needs were met (income requirement and level of investment risk), but that our ongoing and future needs were catered for (as tax efficiently as possible and preserving an inheritance for our family). We are not sophisticated investors, and our understanding of the financial industry is very limited, so Simon has always made sure that we understood exactly what he was recommending and why it was appropriate for us. We know that we can ask him anything at any time, he is always very pleasant to work with, and thoroughly professional in his dealings with clients. We would recommend Simon and AAB Wealth to anyone looking for good retirement and investment advice.

What could they have done better?

As far as dealing with my business, I am 100% satisfied with everything that Simon and AAB Wealth does. Our knowledge of pensions and financial planning is average at best, but he explains the details of what he thinks best for our finances in a way that we can understand.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Over the past year or so Simon has been helping us understand and simplify our various different types of investments held with several different companies. He has explained what each of the investments were, how they were invested and what they were costing us. He then recommended some changes which would help us to reduce the costs on our investments, thus leaving more in the pot for us, reduce the tax we would pay on any growth we experienced, and also simplify the management of our portfolio by using a 'Wrap'. We are very happy with the service that Simon has provided us and we have more peace of mind about our investments, and that there is someone we can turn to for information and advice about our investments and financial planning.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

I was first introduced to Simon when I wanted to set up a Trust for my children, investing money for their future, and using the Trust as a tax efficient way of passing the money to them in order to reduce future Inheritance Tax Liability. Since then Simon has also assisted in pension planning, not only simplifying and consolidating my pension plans, but also helping me benefit from additional tax advantages of using Salary Exchange to save National Insurance on pension contributions. At our latest meeting, while I was satisfied with the returns on the portfolio, Simon pointed out that these were long-term investments and there was a likelihood that the portfolio value could fall in future years. He reiterated that I needed to be happy with the service provided and the advice I was given, because I would still be paying for his services. I believe that IÂ’ve received value for money to-date on the services that have been provided by Simon.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

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Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

I approached Simon with a variety of pensions and the ‘simple’ question of ‘How much can I invest this year?’ Simon quickly pointed out that the question was far from simple due to a complex set of pension regulations that meant a detailed analysis of my pensions was required going back several years before the question could be answered. Not only that but Simon felt that some of the information he received from my pension providers was not only incorrect, but could have led to a significant tax liability had I taken it at face value. Simon persevered and eventually established the correct information, allowing me to top my pension up with the confidence that I wouldn’t be subject to a tax penalty. He also helped simplify my pension by consolidating them and also reducing the costs I was paying. I couldn’t have done this by myself, and Simon helped me understand what was going on each step of the way.

What could they have done better?

No! He has been fantastic in all respects.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

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Based in Merseyside

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Firstly, for the sake of honesty, I should point out that I am SimonÂ’s mother. That said I still rate him very highly as a financial adviser and found him both knowledgeable and very helpful when I recently decided to retire. I had several pension plans at the time and was unsure how to get the best pension. Simon helped me understand all the options available to me, and importantly for me didnÂ’t use any jargon so that at all times I fully understood what advice I was being given. The end result was that he consolidated all my pensions and set up an annuity with a different provider, who offered me a higher income than I would otherwise received from any of the pension providers directly. He also helped me put my retirement and pension planning in the context of my wider financial circumstances, giving me confidence that I will have enough to live off for the rest of my life. You canÂ’t all have a son like mine, but you can have a financial adviser like mine.

What could they have done better?

Keep up the good work, to all that ask for your advice.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon has been advising us on various financial issues over the last 9 months. He is totally dedicated to providing the very best service and advice in all aspects of the financial industry, and thus far has proven to go well beyond the expected service of a typical IFA. We have and will continue to have absolutely no hesitation in recommending his services.

What could they have done better?

No comments to date.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon was recommended to me by a colleague as I had a particular financial planning issue that needed resolved very quickly. He was able to provide a solution that met my needs and left me much better off than I otherwise would have been. The service was very comprehensive and I feel as though I have received very good advice.

Review from verified client

September, 2013

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

I have not always had confidence in financial advisers in the past, some of whom seemed to be more like sales people than competent advisers. When I agreed to meet Simon I was very skeptical and rather doubted that I would place my business with him. Understanding my concerns, Simon spent time presenting AAB Wealth’s investment proposition, and making sure I understood it fully, before moving on to my financial planning needs. I found that he was technically competent and was able to answer any questions that I put to him, about a variety of tax and investment issues. There was no pressure. The process took several meetings. At any point I could have decided not to move forward with ABB Wealth and walked away at no cost to myself. This built up tremendous trust and confidence in Simon and his teams ability. After dealing with my personal position, Simon also helped my partner consolidate her pensions, which might otherwise have been a costly exercise as there were several small schemes she had accumulated over the past years. He then went on to make some suggestions regarding my mother’s affairs, over whom I have Power of Attorney. These suggestions were both appropriate, taking into account my responsibilities towards both her welfare and financial care, but also a little ‘out of the box’ and not the mainstream solutions which I had been considering. I anticipate that these will help me reduce her Inheritance Tax liability without losing control or access to her capital. Simon finally suggested that I should take some legal advice in the areas of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts, and he is providing me with a recommendation of a local solicitor to help me with these.

What could they have done better?

Whilst the meeting minutes are comprehensive there are so many topics discussed and agreed taht it may be worth considering a rolling action list to make sure none are missed.

Review from verified client

September, 2013

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Based in Renfrewshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

When I was first introduced to Simon Glazier of AAB Wealth I had a variety of policies including ISAs, an Investment Bond and pensions including a Drawdown Pension I had inherited from my husband several years ago. Although my affairs weren't overly complex i felt i didn't have a full understanding of where all my money was invested, how it was invested, whether I was getting the best value out of my investments and certainly I had no idea what all these plans were costing me. Simon first established what I was trying to achieve with all these plans. He asked what my future goals were and what level of income I was trying to achieve. He then explained the advantages and disadvantages of each of the plans I had in place. I agreed to let Simon review each of my existing policies and he was able to show me where my money was invested, how it had been performing over the past few years, and what I was paying in fees for it all. He then made some recommendations to change the structure of my portfolio to reduce how much I was paying, to save tax, to keep my investments at the right level of risk and, importantly to me to simplify things. Simon spent over a year slowly making changes to get the most tax efficiency for me and saved me a lot of tax by doing so. I feel for the first time I know what I am trying to achieve with my savings and investments, that I am using the right type investment, am not paying too much, and that there is someone I can turn to for help whenever I need it.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2013

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Filled in by VF team

Review from verified client

August, 2013

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

When I was introduced to Simon at A2+B Wealth by my accountant, my wife and I had a diverse portfolio of over 30 different investments, with a dozen different providers and almost a hundred different funds. The amount of mail I was getting from all these providers about all these investments was horrendous. After taking the time to analyse all of our existing investments Simon recommended a Wrap Platform as the way forward. We could consolidate all of our holdings into one place, which would be easily accessible, and far easier to manage. He explained in very clear language the difference between all of the investment types, and also the advantages and disadvantages of each, giving us all the information we needed to decide how to proceed. Not only that, but Simon and his team spent a lot of time, working with my accountant, to make sure that I paid as little tax on the investments I already had as he began to move them onto the Wrap (some of which had gains going back almost 40 years). He was patient, thorough and systematic. Now we know exactly what we have invested, that the money is invested in the most tax efficient way, and at any time we can contact Simon, or go online, and find out how our investments are doing. (Oh, and the postman is far happier too).

Review from verified client

August, 2013

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Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon assisted Harran Limited with the transition of our Group Personal Pension Plan from and older, expensive and not very well performing scheme to a new, more cost effective scheme. Although we were still some time away from our Auto-Enrolment Staging Date, Simon suggested that we ensure that the new scheme would be compliant with Pension Reform so that when the time came we didnÂ’t have to re-address this issue. In so doing he recommended a new pension provider and this has significantly improved the administrative efficiency of our company pension provision. During our consultations Simon was very helpful in explaining the options open to us, and the possible consequences of each course of action. He recommended that we implement Salary Exchange as a way of further benefitting employees whilst also being able to offset some of the ongoing costs. Then, when it came to rolling out the new scheme Simon and his team engaged with our staff about the reasons and benefits for the change, and also provided some individual advice for those who required it. We had a very high take up of the scheme, which I now believe has added real value to Harran in terms of both employee recruitment and retention. All in all I have been very satisfied with the service that Simon and A2+B Wealth provided, and I would not hesitate to recommend their services to any other small business owners. Ralph, Managing Director, Aberdeen

Review from verified client

August, 2013

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Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

I had never needed investment advice before, but when my mother passed away I needed some help knowing what to do with the inheritance I received. My solicitor suggested that I contact A2+B Wealth, and I met with Simon Glazier who has been a great help to me throughout the process. He took the time to understand what was important to me, both in terms of my values and my goals, and he made sure that I understood everything as I went along. Simon has given me confidence to know that I have enough money to live off, and that I can splash out on a few things. I want to be a good steward of my wealth, and Simon helps me in this, both making sure that I have enough when I need it and that IÂ’m saving tax where and when I can. Simon has become my trusted adviser and, although my affairs are no doubt quite simple compared to many, I have the peace of mind in knowing that my money is being invested in a way that I understand, by someone I trust, and that I can call on Simon whenever I need advice, reassurance or, for that matter, to access my investments.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything that he could have done better. I'm confident leaving my financial planning to him.

Review from verified client

August, 2013

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Value

Based in Aberdeenshire

How has Simon Glazier helped you?

Simon takes time to listen, question and discuss your situation to ensure he understands your requirements. Throughout he is professional, respecting the sensitivity of situations, checking his understanding and ensuring yours as well. He particularly helps you to balance and measure the degree of risk and reward that is appropriate. He has been proactive in proposing change to investments when appropriate, and gives the confidence that he is truly looking out for your best interests, both short and long term. We find Simon to be wholeheartedly trustworthy and have no hesitation in recomending him to others.