Michael Bower

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I did not receive any contact from him as promised.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

I wanted to save money for my children.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael gives excellent advice and breaks everything down into simple terms. He has great enthusiasm for what he does and since speaking to him about these investments it has really started a thought process on others way I want to invest for our future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is early days for my investments but I fully believe they will perform well long term.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

I was considering retirement and needed some help with my financial planning

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael gave me clear, concise and honest advice. He acted on all of my requests promptly and efficiently to the point where i felt we were working as a team, and we still are.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, i retired 2 years ago.

What could they have done better?

I cant really think of anything, I still deal with Michael today working on my investments and drawdown

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

friendly. easy to talk to. good advice. appeared to have a genuin interest in my financila welbeing.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

I have a number of pensions and was a bit confused about what my options were.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael explained to me my options and what i could do with my existing policies

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, i also have a better understanding of what my retirement will look like once i retire

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Only initial phone conversation so far appointment 3 January

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

I needed help sorting out my pension.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

He was able to find me the perfect solution that fit in well with my plans. We also looked into investing my money for my future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Michael is such a wonderful, knowledgeable man who explains everything in a nice simple way and listens to what you exactly need.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

After having a baby this made me think of my children’s future and the what ifs.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael was extremely helpful, ensuring I understood every part of the process in simple terms. He is very efficient and was always available for any questions I had.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely, Michael exceeded my expectations of a financial adviser

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Looking to transfer my Final Pension Scheme into a more flexible solution, also discussed planning for retirement

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Provided great advice that was simple to follow and made complete sense which fitted with my own plans around retiring as early as possible

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely!

What could they have done better?

Not sure there is anything else and in fact I have referred Michael now to a few work colleagues who are also looking for similar advice

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

I had unexpectedly found myself in a difficult and sensitive situation, which Michael Bower, financial advisor, was able to help me resolve and bring peace of mind.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Listening carefully and offering practical solutions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is still on-going, but it is extremely reassuring to know that this financial advisor is there and can step in if and provide further assistance if need arises, hopefully this will not be the case.

What could they have done better?

Provided more information about financial ombudsman.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

We needed advise regarding our pensions an retirement plans

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael was amazing. The area of pension transfer is very complicated and he explained everything so we totally understood the options we had.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

definitely, due to Michael's advise, we have achieved our long term dream of retiring early

What could they have done better?

Nothing!! I have already recommended him to 5 of my friends due to his fantastic knowledge and the way he explained everything

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

I was looking for pension advise

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael help me to fine the best company to move my pension to. The pension has grow quite substantially before I started drawing on it this year.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I found Michael very empathetic. I don’t have a great understanding of pensions and investment and Michael took the time to explain everything in layman’s terms. I didn’t feel rushed into making any decisions I was not totally happy with.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

I needed life insurance to protect my children

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael was very helpful, ensuring I understood all aspects of the protection I needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Excellent professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

We have sought independent financial advice on and off in a number of key decision areas over the years - mortgage, investments, pension and inheritance planning.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael understands our needs very well. He is pragmatic, thorough, clear, patient and always responds quickly. He is also proactive in contacting us to discuss any changes he feels may be appropriate when circumstances change. His advice has helped us considerably over the years in all the areas noted above.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We have a mortgage that is very cost effective and well suited to our situation. Our pension drawdown arrangements are working well and we achieved good growth in our investments.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of. Michael's approach is just right for us. We feel confident with his advice and have benefited from it - which is why we have gone back to him a number of times over the years.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

Advice on ISAs, private pension and other investments.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael Bower was very diligent and thorough in understanding our requirements and objectives of our investments. As a result, he created and implemented improved investment plans which have been more profitable than the plans we had previously.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have seen a substantial increase in the rate of return on our ISAs and investments since Michael Bower has been our Financial Advisor and he has consistently met all our requirements.

What could they have done better?

Michael continues to provide a first class service in keeping us up to date with our investments that we have made through him. He is very professional and gets back to us very quickly with any questions we need clarifications on.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

I networked and did not know any thing about Financial advisors till I met Michael and realised how they could help me.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Pension, Mortgage and savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much so. Especially on Savings.

What could they have done better?

I like to have more frequent updates on all my different accounts.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

I needed to put a savings and pension plan in place.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael explained all my options available in full.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes i am strating to see a good outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing he is very dilligent.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

Redundancy and retirement planning and the need to review and consolidate various small pension pots.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Moved all my small pensions into one pot, simplifying and enhancing their value.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - a pension fund which has grown well over the past 5 years.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

When I completed my last mortgage renewal I was keen to review my pension situation and accepted a referral to Michael.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael reviewed the 4 pension schemes I was in and showed me how consolidation could work to reduce fees whilst continuing with good growth. Michael worked efficiently to get the infirmation back from providers and produce the plan for going forward. He explained everything well and showed me various options, including a withdrawal when I started a business. He introduced me to some excellent suppliers from his wider business network.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely felt the consolidtaion exercise was worthwhile. I am now exiting the UK and Michael has helped identify the HMRC QROPS approved plans I can use toensure most effective transfers in New Zealand.

What could they have done better?

I could not have asked for better service

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

My pension fund was performing badly (previous financial adviser had failed to "advise" me for some time and moved away). Similarly, a personal investment plan was badly affected after 2008.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael reconfigured my pension arrangements (taking advantage of tax-free allowances), allowing the fund to regain its value (and increase). The investment plan was switched to a better-performing fund, changing the frequency of withdrawls.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. Both are worth more than when we entrusted the money to Michael.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

We needed to sort out investments and mortage.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

We gave him the details and he came back with ideas which we could understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we dint have have a high risk view on money and this was taken into account.

What could they have done better?

I cant think of anything

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

Looking for a new deal on life insurance along with possibility of remortgaging.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Went through all my finances, looked at what I could afford. He filled in all the necessary papers for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I was very happy with the service.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

I was looking for advice on pensions as I had various policies and employer schemes and didn't know what to do with them.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

We sat down and discussed my current policies and also my retirement plans. Michael clearly outlined what my existing policies would provide and also advised me on the best way to work towards the retirement age that I was aiming for.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely. I hadn't realised that the existing plans I had were not performing particularly well as my previous adviser hadn't reviewed these as often as perhaps they should have been. In taking Michael's advice and making changes to these, plus reviewing my on-going monthly contributions, I am now on target for my planned retirement age.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

Needed to set up a pension, but have since used him for other services as his advice was so good.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael clearly explained the pension options to me and got me set up. Since then we've also used him to set up life assurance, a trust fund for our daughter and our wills.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We're now getting our finances in order thanks to Michael, so we're super happy.

What could they have done better?

There's nothing Michael could have done better - we're very pleased with all our interactions with him.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

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

Taking company pensions and converting them into a personal one.

How has Michael Bower helped you?

He was very attentive, and talked through the options and listened well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - it's been a really good and fruitful experience.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Michael Bower gives the first interview free of charge and, during mine, he listened carefully to my needs. He gave me honest and straightforward advice which has proved financially beneficial. He has a logical approach and has been helpful in planning for my retirement and in ongoing portfolio management. He is a man both affable and serious who can relate to issues (and resources) both big and small.

What could they have done better?

Be in touch annually by email, with a summary of the state of play on my portfolio.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

How has Michael Bower helped you?

Micheal Bowers Financial Services are of great assistance & advice is always valued. He is honest & has a very straightforward approach, with his financial services. As well as having a very comfortable office for you to visit. he also will come to your home/ office to work with you, if that is more suitable, with your specific requirements.

What could they have done better?

To be perfectly honest , I cannot think of anything specific he can improve on. other than maybe being proactive in contacting you , possibly twice a year, just to make sure all is working according to plan... Having said that Micheal is always available at very short notice to fit in with your time requirements.