David Brookes

Review from verified client

October, 2018

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

We were remortgaging and have always used the services of an IFA. We went back to David Brookes because he advised us on the previous mortgage and we were very happy with the service.

How has David Brookes helped you?

David investigated the options, presented them to us, answered our questions and executed the requested product quickly and efficiently.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we got the mortgage we wanted.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

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

Investment of a lump sum due to early retirement and redundancy.

How has David Brookes helped you?

We were transferred to David when our previous advisor closed, our account was taken over by Crescent Independent Financial Services.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have been very happy with the service.

What could they have done better?

No suggestions to give

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

Wanting advice on investing pension lump sums and proceeds of house sales.

How has David Brookes helped you?

Explained options very clearly and provided very helpful advice. Saw to all paperwork - all we needed to do was to sign.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - within the constraints of market performance.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

David set up an insurance and protection policy for my husband about 10 years ago. When my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2013 David helped with the claim. When my husband passed away David advised me about Investment and Savings products. He has recently transferred a occupational pension scheme for me as well.

How has David Brookes helped you?

David has invested the lump sums that I received following my husbands death so that I receive a regular monthly amount to substitute my late husbands earnings. David explained what we were doing in a way that I understood. Because David has taken the time to understand my needs and goals I have been able to leave my job and can concentrate on my passion which is writing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was happy with the recommendations that David gave me and the documents that I received. As a result of Davids advice I have been able to leave my job and concentrate on developing a writing career. I feel that the products are well suited to my needs providing me with a regular monthly income I don't think I'd achieve this outcome on my own I'm happy about transferring my occupational pension and I can now pay my own contributions into it benefitting from tax relief.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

I started out seeking help with my imminent retirement and this led to a realisation that both my wife and I could benefit from wider advice about investments, savings and inheritance planning. We also were looking for the first time for an indendent financial adviser since we had felt increasingly dissatisfied with the more institutionally-based advisors we had used in the past. These previous advisors had been pleasant and competent but there were several occasions when the rules and regulations and procedures of big organisations, and their rather automated approach to customer contact, that did not suit us and interfered with our confidence and satisfaction. This was a major reason for our intial approach to David as an independent finnancial advisor.

How has David Brookes helped you?

David impressed me straightaway with his clear approach to helping me realise the importance of planning and of being explicit about what my wife and I both wanted and needed out of financial planning. He took time to grasp our position and our hopes and wishes for the future, in particular taking careful account of our attitudes to saving and to risk-taking and making sure his advice matched these. He explained things very carefully and clearly. For the first time in our lives we understood how financial planning can genuinely reduce anxiety about money matters and felt we were being advised by someone who was taking the time to make sure we understood clearly the options open to us. David's friendly but professional approach gave us confidence from the start (7 years ago), and this has continued. His efficiency and clarity in dealing with practical actions following from our decisions has increased and confirmed our confidence in him and our satisfaction with the advice we were getting. We have never felt at any time that we were being pushed into anything we had not had time to understand and think through. At the same time we never feel forgotten or neglected - follow-up meetings come at a pace that does not hassle us but keeps us engaged and happy. David always responds helpfully to queries. and he is honest and secure in saying when there is something to which he does not have an immediate answer. Yet he always follows things up and gets us an answer or advice or options. In comparison with our earlier insititutional advice, it is a genuine pleasure and advantage to be receiving the more personal, efficient and confidence-generating service that David provides.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. Our retirement plans have been fully realised, and we have an excellent balance of income and capital investment which is providing the steady return that matches perfectly our attitude to risk, but which has also helped and encouraged us to think about the holidays we had always hoped for and the investment in our childrens' first venture into house ownership that we had wanted to make. The low-risk steady long-term growth bonds that David identified suit us particularly well and we feel we understand them and what they are designed to achieve. We feel particular confidence in understanding that we can plan to balance investment with changing income needs in the future. For the first time we have a handle on our previously erratic ISA investments, with a clear sense that we have enough cash year-on-year available for our holdays or for emergencies. David also impressed us with his sensible approach to some of our previous investments, which have left them where they are as an increasingly useful source of (for example) lump sums for childrens' house deposits. We have tidied up our inheritance plans which are now going to do what we want, and we have felt particularly happy with the way that David has matched the options and his advice with our wish to be balanced and reasonable in this aspect of our planning.

What could they have done better?

Really nothing to suggest.

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has David Brookes helped you?

Did a great job arranging a mortgage - wasn't straightforward but he and his team helped it go through without a hitch

What could they have done better?

Very good service - went very well

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has David Brookes helped you?

David has a full understanding of my financial needs and how they have changed during the time I have been his client (loss of husband, retirement etc). He has always responded quickly and efficiently to any changes and provided sound advice on investments. He acts with integrity and has always made my late husband and myself fully aware of the charges attached to investments and the amount of commission that he would receive and I have never felt let down, been disappointed or felt cheated by his advice and actions on my behalf. He is very easy to talk to and communicates information about investments in an easily understandable way.

What could they have done better?

I am satisfied with how David conducts his relationship with me so have no recommendations to make.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has David Brookes helped you?

David has helped me through many up's and down's in my life, both with my personal finances for over 20 years, and dealing with company pensions. I believe him to be a true professional who has so far always offered me the right advice at the right times. I would recommend his services to anyone.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has David Brookes helped you?

David is "the complete service!" Always professional, he explains options in a clear and friendly manner. I have used his services for many years and his excellent advice has ensured my financially very secure and happy retirement! Over the years I have recommended David to both family and friends and they have been delighted with his advice. David is always willing to go "the extra mile" and I have no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending him to anyone who is seeking any kind of financial advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing he is excellent!

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has David Brookes helped you?

Attention to detail. Good knowledge. Wide range of products. Keeps in touch.

What could they have done better?

Make me more money!!!