Richard Stone

Little Pebbles Financial Solutions Ltd

Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 4 )

Mortgages ( 7 )

Pensions ( 7 )

Equity Release ( 5 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 8 )

Investments and Savings ( 24 )

Inheritance Planning ( 6 )

Long Term Care ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 2 )

£200k - £500k ( 1 )

£100k - £200k ( 5 )

£50k - 100k ( 1 )

Up to £50k ( 5 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

Sale of a property

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Investing for us was a daunting task, we didn't know where to begin. We met Richard Stone and found him to have an excellent approach and complete understanding of our requirements. He put our interests first every time and gave good solid advice. The service and support has been outstanding from day one. We found Richard to be very trustworthy and would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone.”

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have had a 6 month review with Richard, we’re very satisfied with how thing are going

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Service

Advice

Value

Based in Hampshire

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

To secure my future

How has Richard Stone helped you?

I have always considered Richard Stone to give me sound advice. He is very supportive and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

I found myself in a position of being a single parent after having retired recently and requiring a new home for myself and children.

How has Richard Stone helped you?

It is difficult to put into words what a difference Richard and Anne have made to my life as a single parent. Professionally, Richard's help and advice in all areas has been exceptional, enabling me to provide a home and future security for my family. On a more personal level both Richard and Anne have treated me with dignity and kindness and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend their services.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was actually only intent on arranging a suitable mortgage but ended up recieving so much more advice and peace of mind from Richard.

What could they have done better?

To be fair, for me personally, Richard could not have done anymore. Equally he is always swift to reply to any queries I have on a day to day basis.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Hertfordshire

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

Severe illness of husband and subsequent death and dealing with substantial inheritance

How has Richard Stone helped you?

I have known Richard Stone for over 25 years. His advice has seen me through several crisis in my life and at each one, he has been my rock, taking away any financial worries and letting me concentrate on all other aspects in a much easier way. His advice enables me to look to the future with utter confidence. I have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and better results than I had hoped for.

What could they have done better?

I am entirely happy with the service I have received. Approachability is outstanding and the advice I have been given has proved to be the best I could have had.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

With changing circumstances, including a new business and looking to retirement planning, Richard was recommended to us by one of our friends.

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Richard has been our financial adviser for about 15 years. He has always given clear advice in a highly professional way. He has always been available for consultation without pushing himself forward unnecessarily. We can recommend him without reservation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

I had received an investment as a gift and needed advice about long-term investment options.

How has Richard Stone helped you?

I was very pleased to find Richard a few years ago, when faced with financial decisions and retirement planning and not knowing where to find a trustworthy and friendly adviser. Not only enthusiastic about his work and able to supply any information requested, Richard accommodates to my partial grasp of the matters and discusses both the principles and the detail in a way I can understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Certainly.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

Firstly I saw Richard prior to my retirement, he was able to give me advise regarding my pension options plus investments. Then I sort his advise regarding my cousin, I had taken on the role as Power of Attorney for my cousin who was now in a care home and needed to secure a portion of his investments. Once again Richard was able to give me clear advise.

How has Richard Stone helped you?

The advise that I received from Richard at Little Pebbles was so well explained in a way that I fully understood. I was given time to look at the options regarding my investments. Totally professional and I am happy to recommend Little Pebbles to family & friends.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I feel for me that there was nothing different that could have been done .

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

My Mother & Father in law had used Richard for many years when they moved to Devon, it seemed a natural and obvious decision for my wife and I to use Richard based on how he had helped our parents, though our investments were small we wanted to ensure our pensions and insurances met our requirements and would benefit our children longer term, our confidence in Richard has been 100% as he is always professional, courteous, impartial and excellent at his job which has been reassuring to my wife and I in areas in which we needed good advice and help.

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Richard Stone has been a valued adviser to my wife and I and my family for well over 20 years. In all that time we have welcomed his trusted advice and appreciated his integrity, professionalism, and friendly approach regarding our financial affairs. His high standards of ethic have always been reflected in his excellent service and support. My wife and I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Richard has always provided excellent advice and as a result of this my wife and I are very happy with our financial position, however Richard is never complacent and ensures we review our current cover from time to time to ensure we are up to date.

What could they have done better?

I am no expert in such matters so my answer is simply I am not aware of anything Richard could to date have done better, he and his team provide excellent communication of information, are always available to help and make everything very clear whilst always being impartial, they have shown great patience often with my wife and I in making sure we understand actions and consequences . My observation would be to continue to do what you do very well, they set a very high level of service and support and in my experience of service industries always meet this expectation with great professionalism.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

I inherited some money

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Richard Stone, from the first, gave us as much time as we wanted while listening carefully to our situation before giving us clear advice and information about the options available to us. There was never any pressure put upon us and so we were able to make the decision as to which path to take in the full knowledge that his advice and support is always available.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days but encouraging so far.

What could they have done better?

We cannot think of anything he could have done better.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Service

Advice

Value

Based in Devon

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

I was unhappy with my previous advisor.

How has Richard Stone helped you?

The service attributes of Little Pebbles that scores highly, for me, is Richard's prompt and effective responses to my queries and instructions. So far, a consistency superior personal service to that of my previous adviser.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Income from investments is 'OK' - given current market conditions, Brexit et al. However, I'm expecting Little Pebbles to be proactive with advice and recommendations for action if and when opportunities arise that would serve me better from an investment perspective.

What could they have done better?

I receive monthly 'E-briefing' investment market updates together with tax tip reviews, budget reviews, quarterly personal investment summaries, etc. E-mailed content appears rather more 'general' than particularly pertinent to me. However they do provide a reminder prompt for me. Being picky.., maybe a personal note to such messages adding a statement to say "NO action recommended for you at this time" would be a helpful 'value add'? That said, I'd very much expect to receive a phone call if any urgent action was thought necessary.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

For a new mortgage and pension investment

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Richard has handled my financial requirements over a number of years and three properties. He has always been professional and nothing is too much trouble. His advice has been invaluable and I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No i don't believe he could.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

When retirement arrived we knew we needed our money to work for us , to also give us peace of mind and financial security .

How has Richard Stone helped you?

I have always found the service given by Little Pebbles Financial Solutions, and particularly by Richard Stone, to be readily given, efficient and easy to understand whether it was by telephone, written or in meetings. Meetings have always been useful with adequate options and explanations. Richard has always put our interests first, by giving sound and trustworthy advice. I would not hesitate in recommending Richard Stone and Little Pebbles Financial Solutions to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much so .

What could they have done better?

We are very pleased with the information we received .

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

very helpful and easy to talk to

Review from verified client

March, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cornwall

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Richard gave me thoroughly professional advice and help in a friendly, esy to understand, and non-patronising manner, even though I understood very little about pension matters under the new (and soon to be even newer) rules. His patience and understanding helped me to gain a clear view of all my options, making it very simple to make decisions. Richard then helped me every single step of the way to arrange my pension fund in the most advantagous way, including invaluable help in understanding and completing a myriad of complicated forms. And, on top of all this, Richard is a very likeable, charming and friendly person to work with - I can't recommend him highly enough!

What could they have done better?

I don't believe he could have done any more for me (apart from waive his fee entirely!).

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Mr Stone was very helpful. I was glad to know I could get my personal pension after April 5th. I do feel relieved now I asked adviser Richard Stone.

Review from verified client

March, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Excellent communication and service, will be recommending to friends.

Review from verified client

March, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

My adviser understood my situation and goals and gives excellent explanations of issues I have not previously understood. I find him approachable, prompt and efficient.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Regular contact to review present circumstances leading to changes in investments if appropriate. Very willing to undertake all necessary paperwork to ensure everything is done correctly and efficiently. Always extremely pleasant and helpful. Responds quickly to enquiries by phone, email or personal visit.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Explained everything in clear layman's terms, gave me confidence that I was making the correct decisions

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Richard is professional and friendly. He carefully explained all products to me, offered advice and I was very grateful for his wealth of knowledge when selecting my mortgage. Such refreshing service in an industry that often too focused on sales and less focused on what is best for the client. I have recommended him to anyone needing his expertise.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind, great service

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Thank you for your offer of help but I will be contracting nearer to home on this occasion. Regards Tim

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Clear Explanations, a report suiting my needs. Reasonable charges. Everything I needed

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Richard did make it clear that his charges would depend on what he needed to do, and that he would let me know what they are before proceeding. He is doing quite a bit of fact-finding free of charge.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Due to distance Richard would need to cover getting to me, we decided after a useful chat, that I would deal with someone more local to me.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Richard is extremely thorough in his pre planning and presentation of options, policies, and overview of financial matters on a one to one basis, he makes understanding the pros and cons of decisions to be taken clear and presents concise and neutral advice on all matters financial relating to our individual requirements. He looked after our parents financial matters and we have been extremely happy to continue with his services over many years. He offers confidence and reassurance and always with a sense of humour that makes understanding the financial minefield a little easier.

What could they have done better?

At this time I must say there is nothing that comes to mind, having used Richard services recently I could not fault his planning and preparation for our meeting or his presentation and execution relating to my financial requirements, I am not trying to duck the question but cannot find a negative or constructive criticism to make that would improve upon my recent experience.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Richard was efficient and patient and did everything I could have asked for. I shall definitely be following his advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Excellent, very detailed.

Review from verified client

June, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Avon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Very kind and caring in his advice.

What could they have done better?

n.a.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2014

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Excellent people skills, I should know I have been in the financial planning business for 30 years.(now retired)

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Listens and offers good financial advise. Home visits with a friendly outlook.

What could they have done better?

Make me more money !!

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Hertfordshire

How has Richard Stone helped you?

The main thing about Richard is that I have complete faith in how he has handled my finances. Despite the economy, my investments have continued to grow as well as giving me a good income which is exactly what I could hope for. I do not have to worry and if anything needs to be changed, I am contacted, the change is discussed and dealt with speedily.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Apart from the strictly straightforward financial advice Little Pebbles has always been available for general help and discussion from filling in tax returns to being intermediary between ourselves and others with whom we may not be qualified to speak. Reliable, punctual, friendly and well informed, I could not recommend more highly.

What could they have done better?

As far as I am aware the best advice has been given.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cardiff

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Building a trusting relationship. Understanding my life situation and giving the financial advice I need to meet my needs. Making constructive suggestions to make the most of my investments. Being easy to contact and flexible when distances are an issue.

What could they have done better?

Send a questionnaire out annually to check on personal circumstances changing so suggestions can be made regarding finances. Sometimes life happens and it takes a while before you think of seeking financial guidance. This could also include predicted events to help with planning. Enclose a referral form with statement which can be given to family or friends. Produce a leaflet that investors can give their next of kin to summarise how to contact advisor in the event of a death with a rough guide about what to do regarding investments.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Richard imparts information as regards investments in a clear and concise manner, he also explained the intricacies i.e. level of risk,returns etc in a professional uncomplicated way.

Review from verified client

March, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in East Sussex

How has Richard Stone helped you?

We have been in contact for many years, and always received good advice and help. The products offered have performed well and we are very satisfied with the results.

Review from verified client

March, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Richard Stone has good communication skills and is happy to repeat himself if at first I don't understand. He is a sympathetic listener and I have always found his advice to be well founded. He is guiding me through a very difficult time since my husband died in October 2013 and is very patient. I trust him totally. Margaret Hill

Review from verified client

March, 2014

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Hampshire

How has Richard Stone helped you?

Later