Michael Shepherd

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael was very pleasant, clear and concise in his initial contact.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

A most informative meeting, with our options clearly outlined. I fully expect to move forward with Michael's suggestions.

Michael's reply

Lovely to meet you both, I look forward to working with you moving forward.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Very helpful and trustworthy

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Having recently retired, the company pension scheme does not operate a drawdown facility, so I contacted Michael to discuss my options. First impressions over the phone were favorable, as was supplementary paperwork. We arranged a meeting at his office, his people skills were first class, as was his presentation, knowledge, and common sense approach to my requirements. I was totally impressed and have instructed him to proceed with managing my finances

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Early days but very promising.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

I was approaching retirement age and wanted advice on the best options available and how to maximise the private pension I already held and whether it was in the best fund, the best way to deal with the funds from the auto enrolment when I retire and the different options for drawing down the funds on retirement. General advice on the whole pension arena and specific advice on the best option for me.

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Initial discussion by zoom, as coronavirus lockdown had just taken place, on my finances, my attitude to risk, and when I was planning to retire. Documentation was sent by email and in the post following the discussion setting out options and plans. A further zoom meeting to discuss the documents in detail, where there was no time limit on the meeting, no questions were considered too insignificant to answer, and everything was explained in layman's terms. His courteous and professional approach and advice led me to instructing Michael Shepherd to act on my behalf.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

On retiring we needed guidance on the options available with regards to my company pension pot

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael did a very thorough review of our finances and needs. He took the time to go through everything with us in detail and presented a plan for my pension and for some other savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Although the pandemic has had an effect on investments, we saw some positive growth prior to this and we feel confident that this will return

What could they have done better?

We are satisfied so far

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

To make the most of my money I had saved and to be as comfortable as possible for when I retire.

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

He explained in depth what is role was and how he could help and what the charges were, so no hidden surprises. I spoke to quite a few Financial advisors and Planners and Michael was the one who gave me the most confidence in knowing my money was going to be in safe hands with a very professional and knowledgeable Financial Planner. His age was also a positive, as I know he will be with me all the way through to my retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been with Michael for 18 months and even with the Pandemic and the struggling economy he installs confidence in me to know I have made the right decision and that my investments will make more money overtime then just having cash savings. I trust him!

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

To future proof ourselves financially by strategically making decisions on investments

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

He scenario planned by focusing on our goals now and in the long term and then offered solutions based on this

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very happy as to what we have achieved to date

What could they have done better?

Check in more to revisit goals on a 6 month or 12 month basis so we have things in the diary

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

To consolidate my savings and pension funds under one umbrella

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

It's always a daunting task to transfer funds from one provider to another but Michael made the initial paperwork as pain free as possible. He was able to illustrate how I might best ensure my pot of money lasted into a long retirement which was easily understandable and very reassuring.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I've only been in the fund for a few years through a very volatile time in the markets which is still continuing. Whilst there hasn't been as much growth as I might of hoped for neither has there been any event to the investments that would cause me alarm. During this year in particular I have received regular emails with monthly newsletters and several direct contacts from Michael to offer his time for questions and advice over any concerns.

What could they have done better?

At this point I do not consider anything has been lacking

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Savings and Pensions planning

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

He gave impartial advice and was able to help with setting up ISAs and pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes getting the ball rolling with saving and investments was key, and this has happened

What could they have done better?

Michael has been great and exactly what we needed at this moment in time.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Not exactly what I required but was very helpful regarding my query.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

I was looking for a financial advisor for investments and setting up a private pension.

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael was very knowledgeable and gave me lots of options and advice on what was best for my financial situation. Michael’s communication was excellent and answered all my queries in a timely manner and explained all the steps effectively.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes all positive so far.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

I was about to retire and needed advice on what to do with my company pension pot.

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

At the first meeting Michael went through all my finances and asked my wife and I how we envisaged spending our retirement. We then had to complete a risk assessment so that he could give us the correct advice based on our circumstances and attitudes. At the next meeting he made a very comprehensive presentation showing several different scenarios over the next 20 years. After that he gave us his professional advice on the route he believed would be best for long term financial future. We accepted his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I retired in late 2017 and for the first few months the outcome was good. Unfortunately since then the Country has experienced Brexit, Covid, and now both together. Consequently the outcome could have been better. However, looking at the outcomes that other people have experienced, and are still experiencing, we feel that we were extremely well advised.

What could they have done better?

Michael was very professional and yet very approachable and understanding. We do not feel that he could have done any more or any better.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

To arrange our finances from a mess into a coherent strategy and to get better value for our savings and pensions

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael listened to us well and provided calm, clear advice, with lots of thought and attention to what made sense to us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our money is working better for us and we have a greater understanding of the risks and upsides of the decisions we have made.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

We were looking for someone who could help us manage our investments and give us good advice with general financial life planning.

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Initially direct and personal advice, good reassurance during Covid issues. Always very easy to chat to and accessible.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's early days in our investment lifetime and I feel happy with how things are progressing.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. We very much appreciated how all of our while ideas were taken seriously.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Retirement

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

By investing my pension pot to give me the best returns so that i could retire and live as close to my working life. Also understanding what I wanted form this pension pot i.e. holidays etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, generally my pot has grown through investment which has allowed me to carry out projects.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Partner becoming self employed and wanting to combine all my pension pots so they work harder for me in the long term.

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Currently transferring all pensions to be managed together.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Retirement planning

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Good solid investment advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Capital to invest and planning for the future

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Pension contribution Tax planning ISA’s General investments EIS

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Better Real peace of mind Feel like I am in safe and reliable hands despite market uncertainty

What could they have done better?

Got to me sooner Have riskier options to invest SEIS / start up businesses

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

I was unsure how to combine my various pensions into one pot.

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael advised me on how best to this and when the best time would be to draw down if needed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy about the growth in my Pensions over the past 5 years or so.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything he could have done better. I have always received excellent advise.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

My requirements are beyond the normal UK IFA remit. Thanks. Services of IFS'sv not needed. I'm an expat.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

very professional

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

clear about his charges etc but I will meet him for a short interview and then decide whether to take up his offer or not

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Excellent!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Really knowledgeable and got exactly what we were after very quickly.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael was great on the phone, he never rushed me and listened well. He gave me confidence listening to him and because of this I will make an appointment to see him to talk more in depth.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

We had a preliminary discussion over the phone. Michael outlined everything that he had to offer clearly and succinctly. He also outlined some things for me to consider. In the end, because of my circumstances, I decided that I didn't need what he had to offer. Charges were not really discussed.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael was clear in presenting the options and also explaining what he could offer especially in terms of financial planning. It was a very productive meeting, helping me think of the next step.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Excellent service. Honest advice and no pressure to book further appointments. Michael took the time to understand my situation, assure me that I was doing the right things and make a few suggestions.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

I work for a small organisation, there was an overwhelming amount of information on Pensions. The Trustees felt we needed to get some professional advise to make sure we met the Pension requirements and used the correct procedures to achieve this.

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael was very patient and knowledgeable, he did not rush us and met with us on several occasions. He produced reports that clearly stated different options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes it has been very helpful having the confidence to get through this process with Michael's guidance.

What could they have done better?

I cannot really think of anything that he could have done different.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Arrived promptly and gave a through explanation of the obligations and requirement to be compliant with our deadline for Pensions Enrolment on the 1 July. He did not rush and was able to answer all my questions.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Very nice manner. Explanations clear

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I had the pleasure of talking with Michael re my financial requirements I found him to be open honest and informative as it was an introductory conversation charges were not discussed as were not applicable at the time. This initial consultation was just what I required to ensure I was on the right track. I will all things being well be using Michael's services in the future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael understood my pension queries and clarified some options for me to explore. Once I have more information from my provider I will engage Michael to get the best from a relatively small pot.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael responded promptly to my initial request, he arranged a meeting at a time and location which suited me. He was very professional and courteous. He stuck to time he had agreed the meeting would take. His responses to my questions were good and he was interested in the whole picture of my financial affairs. A good experience do far.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I was very impressed with Michaels preparedness for my appointment. He phoned me the day before requesting information for the following day and when I arrived at the office that information had been acted upon and various scenarios were presented to me, all of which I understood. I feel more informed as to my future financial position and confident that the decisions I will make will be the right ones. Thanks.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Excellent service!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Have not yet received financial advice from Michael Shepherd. He did give a quick response to my email request, though.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I was not contacted by Michael shepherd as I had requested

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

only a phone conversation so far but seems to be offering good advice

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Very proffesional

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

This person never made contact with me

Michael's reply

Hi Cheryl, I'm sorry that you feel I didn't make contact with you, I always try to contact anyone who enquires via VouchedFor within 24-48 hours and left you a couple of voicemails prior to your first impression feedback. I will try to contact you again today. Kind regards Michael

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

He was very clear and open about his advice Also he came across as professional, friendly and helpful.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael was very professional and the information provided was most helpful.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Very polite and clear about services and charges, no jargon.

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Excellent approach to making saving and investment seem simple. Friendly, knowledgeable and professional, especially for someone such as myself just starting out and needing quite a bit of hand-holding.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael is very friendly guy who was clear and explained things very well. He has a good way of giving you a different perspective on things. Thanks to him I feel safe in the knowledge that our finances are on track to meet out goals. Would recommend hi

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Friendly and informative

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael offers intelligent, tailored advice that is timely and relevant. He is not afraid to take the time to explain complex financial areas and ensures that these are fully understood before advising.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

My wife and I have different background knowledge of financial matters. Mike was flexible and able to explain things in plain English. He also took time to understand our aims and objectives.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael has excellent product knowledge and explains things in a clear way, with excellent follow up to see a task to its conclusion, which is invaluable to me as a time-starved person who gets easily distracted when dealing with pensions and insurances.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

We thought it was high time to put our finances in order and our friend recommended that we have a chat with Michael. From the start we were put at ease as he took us through the various options step by step - he has a knack for making the complex simple! We're extremely pleased with how things went and i can see us using Michael for years to come!

What could they have done better?

More of the same please!

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

I was introduced to Michael by a fellow business owner, he was particularly helpful as he was able to offer planning and tax advice to me as an individual, but also to my company in a joined up strategy. The innovative solutions saved a lot of tax in the short run and allowed me to release some capital from my business. MichaelÂ’s biggest strength is the way he challenged my long term view both for myself and the company. I always prefer for people to disagree with me and challenge convention. I have made some wholesale changes as a result of his advice and feel more confident in my future plans because of this. I meet Michael twice a year now. He is a friendly chap, I appreciate his advice and I look forward to our meetings. Highly recommended to the community, thank you Michael.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael provides nothing less than exceptional service. His financial knowledge is excellent, and his advice is honest, practical and comprehensive. He is always on hand to provide guidance whenever needed, and is absolutely focussed on delivering the best results for clients. He has a down to earth approach, and builds string relationships with his clients. Highly recommended.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael listened to what we wanted and then offered us products based on our situation. He explained everything clearly and was happy to answer our questions, always responding quickly to emails and phone calls.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael is able to think laterally and come up with ideas which are not merely off-the-peg, but rather solutions which are specific to the client's needs. He's very approachable, and demystifies complex areas, giving a clear outline of the best route. He's not afraid to opine on some ideas, and will not hold back on telling you that idea X is not going to work for you. This is refreshing.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything of note.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

As a financier I have worked with a number of financial advisors over the years, however very few come close to rivalling MichaelÂ’s inclusive approach. It is refreshing to work with someone who really takes the time to fully understand your situation, requirements and future plans and then has the inclination to decipher the jargon and assimilate into an easy to understand solution. I have referred Michael to a plethora of individuals, all of which IÂ’m sure would not hesitate to echo the above. Thoroughly Recommended

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

I am partiicularly impressed with Michael's professional but friendly approach. He expalins everything in laymen's terms which I know is greatly appreciated by many and always responds promtly and efficiently to any questions or advice needed. I would have no hesitation in recommending his excellent services to others.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael gave good, clear, succinct advice in a tone and language that was easy to understand and digest. He gave me full confidence in the advice that I was given and I would not hesitate to recommend him to clients and friends.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael is an extremely approachable adviser who at no time has ever made me feel as if i am being pushed in any one particular direction. He has listened carefully to my requirements over the years and put together a portfolio to try and achieve them always taking in to consideration my changing needs and circumstances. Working closely with him he is enabling me to reach my targets and has helped tremendously with his advice to maximize my investments and has put forward propositions that I would not have considered. His assistance in building a property portfolio within my pension has been invaluable and he is already making further suggestions for the future. He also makes you very aware of of the individual risk element within his advice based on what you are asking him to achieve. His advice has always given me more than one option so I have never felt as if I am being steered down a particular route or package which leaves me in control. Overall I have found him very easy to work with, his advice very sound yet quite inventive and he is extremely thorough.

What could they have done better?

I genuinely find it hard to be critical.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael explains everything in an uderstanding way as we are not the experts in this confusing market. He also enquires and understands what i need out my investments

What could they have done better?

Carry on advising the best route for my pension especially with personnel health issues

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

I have found Michael to be up front and honest. He has taken the time to understand my situaiton and make recommendations that will benefit my longer term. He has also helped me plan for varying scenario's allowing me to have bank up plans etc. He was easy to understand and explained things in a style which suited me, he checked my understanding along the way also. I found him to be great value for money and would have no issue in recommending him.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

As a relatively new business owner, financial planning is the area that I needed the most support and working with Michael enables me to better understand the past, present and future status of the business. Being a marketeer, it's safe to say that financial planning isn't always top of my agenda but Michael worked with me to get to the root of business operations but, more importantly, our future ambition. He explained things in a way that I could understand and found innovative ways to make the most of our revenue and profit. Working alongside Michael it feels like he's not only experienced and passionate but genuinely determined to find the best solution for my business. The cost of using his financial advice is nothing compared to the value he's adding to my business. Added to that, I love his passion for the city and dedication to the business and professional services sector; it means that his networks crossover with mine and the city that my business operates in, which is hugely important.

What could they have done better?

Finances can be difficult to understand and sometimes it's important to explain even the simplest of terms in detail, just to make sure I understand it.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Understands my position and gives realistic, relevant advice in simple terms.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Has a well informed overview of the big picture. Advice is structured ; appropriate, informative and delivered in a language that a layman can understand to make informed decisions for himself. I have confidence in his critical analysis and trust his judgements. He has helped me make money!

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael has a very transparent, diligent and methodical approach. His questions enabled me to describe my financial situation in a lot of detail. As a result he was able to fully understand my financial situation and offer recommendations in a straightforward and simple way. He was very clear about the costs involved in his service and I must say I was very satisfied with the results.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

The advice and care that I was offered from Michael was exceptionally professional and helpful. I found that his caring and sensitive approach to my particular case was gratefully received. I felt like he respected me as an individual and had me in mind when processing my case and helping me through it. He was very thorough with his advice and explained every process to me with ease and made sure that I understood what was happening the same way that he understands it.

What could they have done better?

There are none. I was fully satisfied with the service I received, and I am very thankful for it.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Time is a very previous commodity, that's both in the short term and the long term. Michael is able to confidently convey the importance of investing in the future, but also respects the scarcity of time today. He is very well informed about changes in legislation, compliance and also opportunities that are beneficial to me. His passion for his work is evident in his approach. The best thing is about Michael is that he understands financial planning in today and tomorrow's world, not what precedent says we should do. His ability to understand younger mindsets and the current/future context is what makes his stand apart from anyone in his field.

What could they have done better?

Scale his operations to be able to provide more support on a wider number of areas. With the practice being quite small it only allows them to explore opportunities that they come across, but with a wider resource pool they'd be able to cross and suggest further opportunities. Digital/electronic management of the relationship would be ideal, so that all documentation, correspondence, advice etc could be aggregated into one portal.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Michael was a pleasure to deal with. He articulated pretty complex arrangements in a way that I could understand. He clearly spent time getting to fully understand my financial situation and worked hard (and effectively) to provide proper, relevant advice. Real value for money.

What could they have done better?

No constructive suggestions required. Very happy with overall service.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Michael Shepherd helped you?

Gets to know me and my requirements. Listens and pays particular attention to my circumstances. Never is he patronising or pressurises me to make decisions before l am ready. Explains everything clearly, is always on time, polite, cheerful very respectful. I could write reams, simply we get on excellently. I am very pleased with the choice l have made in my financial advisor.

What could they have done better?

At present he could not do anything better. Very impressed.