Stephen McDine

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

My retirement.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen has led me through my pension quandary, no question is to small to seek his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I feel through the difficult covid pandemic/lockdown phase, my finance has held its own and hope for a bright future.

What could they have done better?

I have discussed a future plan with Stephen and I’m awaiting the first steps of this taking place.

Stephen's reply

thanks for this Tom, always here if you need me.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Still waiting to be contacted by him after a few days.Vouchedfor then said that they would get someone else. I am awaiting a call after another few days. I have now been asked to rate the first one, even though I have not heard from him .

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very nice to chat to, explained the whole process to me clearly

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

We have been dealing with Evan who has been excellent.we are just waiting for some further info before getting back to him. He has been very helpful so far.

Stephen's reply

I'm very pleased that Evan is able to help out and and that hes providing great customer service. Thanks for the review.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

He did not contact me.

Stephen's reply

Sorry Peter , we have been very busy with existing clients and i prioritise my current clients before any new clients, however if you still need an adviser please call me on 07775698827 and we can discuss things. Stephen

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very helpful and efficient.

Stephen's reply

It was a pleasure dealing with you Zhwar, hopefully we can carry out future work for you.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Good

Stephen's reply

Chike, it was great helping you buy your new home which completed last month.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen was well informed, presented options clearly and did not waffle!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

I had my introductory appointment with him this evening. He is going to look into a few things for me and get back to me in a few weeks.

Review from verified client

February, 2019

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

Retirement

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen fully explained and answered any questions i had regarding my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More or less, markets are markets, adjustment's have to be made.

What could they have done better?

I think Stephen remains up to date on market fluctuations and as he continues to do so, i have every confidence my pension will do its job.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

Retirement and investments

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen gave me in my opinion a very balanced advice on the subjects we discussed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Truth is I can’t offer any advice as I was completely satisfied with his service.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

I was looking for a buy to let mortgage and had used Stephen in the past for financial advice,I had always received an excellent service from Stephen so had no hesitation in contacting him.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen gave me thorough and sound advice and spent time finding the right product for me. He wasn't pushy and made the whole process really easy, I was always kept updated and informed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, the outcome is exactly what I was looking for.

What could they have done better?

I can honestly say that Stephen could not have done anything any better, I am a happy customer which is quite rare these days.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

I was looking to get protection for my current mortgage.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

He was able to show me the different types of protection available and which would suit my needs best. He was very caring and welcoming, putting experience and customer satisfaction above personal gain.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have got the exact cover I wanted and that was best for me, at an extremely good price.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. All needs were met with great satisfaction! Would 100% recommend and use him again.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

Pension provision

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Pension advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing negative to say. Excellent help and advise.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

Time to do it

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

By offering advice/analysis

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review from verified client

January, 2019

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

Inheritance / redundancy packages

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

By listening and fully understanding my lifestyle and retirement plans , Stephen was able to review options and develop the best plan with agreed risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes..it is progressing as plan

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can add here ...good discussions and plans have in built flexibility

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Only had one meeting thus far but appears to be trustworthy and set to find financial options that are driven for the client and not for self profit.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

No problems so far

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

As described.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

My fixed rate mortgage is due to revert to standard variable rate. He checked for a better deal to my existing bank but could not find one significantly better so advised me to stay with existing bank. I was happy with the service he provided which was free.

Review from verified client

March, 2018

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

HMO Remortgage.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen was very approachable and proactive, with a straight honest approach, contactable at all times and always on the end of the phone when information or advice was required. Stephen carefully assessed our needs and the market and provided the product which best fitted our needs, its something we could not have done sourced directly as the HMO market is quite specialised and Stephen provided the specialised link which we needed. Stephen was happy to meet up at our home. Would Highly recommend!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very happy with recommendations and product provided, giving us the cash flow needed to move forward with our business in the development sector.

What could they have done better?

We were 100% happy, Stephen obviously has long term experience a very solid grounding in the financial/Banking sector.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

He made no contact with me

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen explained things clearly at our initial meeting and is going to get back to me once he has assessed the options.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

So far excellent

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very professional, some sound advice given for me to act upon

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

I found Stephen very helpful and very pleasant and would recommend his services to anyone . Also I would use him again if needed

Review from verified client

June, 2016

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

Looking for advice on how best to invest for a pension income.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Helped to show how with cash flow projections our investments would satisfy our retirement objectives.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its early days yet to fully see how the investments are performing but I've no doubt the outcome will be satisfactory.

What could they have done better?

We can't think of any area that could be improved, we found the whole process to be understandable, straightforward and friendly

Review from verified client

May, 2016

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

Needed advice on what life insurance would suit.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Advised on several products.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing regarding the advice of insurance and mortgage application

Review from verified client

May, 2016

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

Moved house so a new mortgage was required.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Organised a good deal on my new mortgage and looked into my pension status as well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

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

Retirement.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Pension planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

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

Having recently moved back to the UK I needed help to arrange a mortgage.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Advised on possible mortgages and secured the deal I required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, we managed to arrange the mortgage and move within 8 weeks.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

A brief experience where Stephen advised of best method of advise was probably with another party, considering our quick change in circumstances. Thanks Mark Scott

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Great communication. Great contact, so far

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen is very knowledgeable and professional but the advice I require is not in his remit. I require someone to calculate the value of my pension pot from the yearly gross percentage returns issued by the provider. Not to accept the value given by the provider as that value is very low and not the value stated when the pension was sold or when calculated correctly. I hope VouchedFor can put me in contact with the correct person as this person could not only help me but thousands of other people with undervalued pensions.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

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

I had decided to take early retirement and needed to know how best to utilise my Company pension fund to ensure a financially stable future that provided adequate monthly income, an ability to access funds if it became necessary, and the ability to pass on any residual pension fund to others in the event of my death.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen assessed my attitude to risk and discussed the various options open to me for pension income. Based on the size of my fund and my personal requirements he advised that I consider a Flexi-access drawdown Pension based on a cautious risk growth.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Although it took considerably longer to set up than I had been led to believe, this was not the fault of Stephen, and since then, I am happy that the advice that I acted on has so far generated the expectations that were illustrated in our initial discussions.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Stephen's reply

Many Thanks David, enjoy your retirement.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

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

Savings needed reinvesting financial planning for retitement.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Great advice easy to deal with talked in terms easy to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes great return on all investments.

What could they have done better?

No reason to

Stephen's reply

Many Thanks Brian, and we will catch up in the New Year

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

excellent communicator and knew his stuff

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

I had received a considerable amount of compensation.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Steve took me through all of the many different options and advised me on which were the better ones for my circumstances at the time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am now financially secure and retired.

Stephen's reply

Hello Dave, thanks for the review and your support over the years and hope we can continue well into retirement.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

needed to review an old pension and help plan for retirement.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen was friendly and well informed, he provided me with a range of options and a very useful cash flow modelling report which I have never seen before with my previous advisor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes pension now in a better product and fund.

What could they have done better?

None

Stephen's reply

Thanks Sam, for the review.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

Savings, Mortgage and Retirement.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Invested money into a scheme that is so far proving to give a very good return. He also got me a good mortgage deal.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

He has done all he can for me.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

Pension exchange.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Sorted all the paperwork and details out from employer and pension company.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Stephen's reply

Thanks David for the testimonial. More than happy to help.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

I have only met Steven on one occasion and he seems to be quite easy to chat with and explains things in a manner which is easy to follow,hoping to move forward with Stevens knowledge and advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

We arranged an appointment for 10/08/2015 at 1100. Stephen did not turn up, he even did not ring us to let us know he won't be able to make it. I consider it very bad business practise and bad manners not to keep your customers up to date, when you cannot keep an appointment. On this experience I will not be using Stephen and we will recommended to all our friends and family, not to us him.

Stephen's reply

Hello, We are very sorry for any confusion as I had this booked into my diary for another date, maybe a miscommunication as I was in USA, on holiday when the appointment was made. Had you rang me on the 10/8 at 11am,and asked if i was en route, I would have been able to get to you within 30 mintues, which i know is not ideal. I have emailed you and could arrange another free 2 hours consulation any time in the next 2 weeks. If I can be of assistance please do get in touch. Regards Stephen McDine

Review from verified client

June, 2015

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

I wanted a review of my current pension arrangements.

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

He moved my funds to a better performing fund with much lower fees.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing everything was perfect

Stephen's reply

Many thanks, happy to help Steve

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Being someone who is totally lost in the world of financial investments, it was comforting to speak with Stephan who obviously very knowledgable, and was able to understand my needs easily. He instilled confidence in the fact that he would be able to help

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very personable, listened fully to my situation, and understood what I wanted to achieve in my financial planning, gave some very good advice/insight to some issues I brought up, and has furnished me with variius options to cinsider.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen was extremely prompt in getting back to me, has been truly excellent so far and has great in-depth knowledge of a range of financial services.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen is very personable. He presents and explains data in a clear way. His knowledge of different products is wide and deep. He discusses options objectively and I never feel he is pushing a particular line of action that he favours. He makes me feel in control of matters and more confident about what to do. He keeps in touch.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

I appreciate his good advice helping me to understand my financial situation with me not being someone conversant in this type of business.

What could they have done better?

No comments to make

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen was very helpful, took the time to understand my needs and made a concerted effort to help as much as he could. Highly recommended.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Found Stephen to be very professional & helpful. Looking forward to working with him in the future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very courteous, very reasonable charges explained up front.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very friendly, reliable and punctual. Stephen sourced the right product for us and he kept us informed of progress at every stage of the process.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

I was needing advice regarding my current mortgage and company pension. Stephen was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, he explained everything in detail so I wasn't left confused or in the dark about anything. The fact he is willing to do home visits whenever convenient to me makes everything a lot easier and I am confident in trusting the advice he has given me so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very professional, clear and concise with information. Provided pro's and con's of actions in an easy to understand manner

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Absolutely brilliant. We were beginning to wonder if we would be able to find a product to suit us and Stephen found one. He was prompt for his appointment with us, explained very clearly our options, and moved things forward very quickly. He kept in to

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen explains my finances in a way that I can understand. I believe he genuinely looks for the best home for my money and does the best for his clients. I trust his judgement and am very happy with his service.

What could they have done better?

Respond to my emails and texts more quickly.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen gave sound advice and saved us money compare to our previous advisors. We were able to contact him at any time the home visits greatly fitted in with our busy lifestyle and nothing was any trouble.

What could they have done better?

We are totally satisfied with all aspects of his service.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

I have dealt with Steve for around 8 years and totally trust him as the investments have produced excellent returns. He recently dealt with a probate for our family and now sorts my pension too.

What could they have done better?

Cant suggest anything

Review from verified client

September, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Honest and reliable advice. Have used Stephen for over 10 years now and would not dream of changing advisor

What could they have done better?

Struggling to come up with anything. Very efficient

Review from verified client

September, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

I have invested money through Stephen since 1996. All, except one, investment packages have proved most successful and remunerative. One spectacular example has risen in value by 87.5% in 7 years. The one failure being that of Capita/ArchCru which was due to their 'allegedly' false, if not criminal, marketing and not the fault of my adviser. Their performance caught out many others! In any event, the loss occurred here was mostly repaid from the then (Stephen's previous) IFA company's funds. Stephen is experienced, knowledgeable (no bullshit or baffling jargon), undoubtedly does his homework conscientiously and enthusiastically and is genuinely interested in securing good deals for his clients. Above all, I trust him.

What could they have done better?

Good advice is always given when asked for, and occasionally updates are sent out. More regular, even if not essential, personal account and market updates would be appreciated. Due to his workload, and perhaps lack of 'staff', sometimes difficult to get hold of at short notice.

Review from verified client

September, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Finds my old pensions which I have forgotten about or lost

What could they have done better?

Not go on holiday when i need him!!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

A nice man, however I forgot to ask about charges and he forgot to tell me.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen may be OK if you have simple investment requirements, but most of my renumeration is in the form of stock, which didn't fit into the boxes of the form he was filling in.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Always prompt at getting back in contact when you make any further enquireries, or you need any more information on your investments. Very friendly and easy to get along with, and always takes time out to explain everything in detail, and makes sure you understand everything, before you commit yourself to any investments.

Review from verified client

April, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

He has looked after my finances for around 4 years, he advised on a frozen pension , then my savings and investments were reviewed and moved to more secure and guaranteed areas, he always does what he says.

What could they have done better?

His regular newsletters are sent to me by email and they are useful at times, but he covers a lot of different areas and I suppose they are not all relevant to me.

Review from verified client

March, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Always available for help and advice, replies to emails etc as soon as possible

Review from verified client

March, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Used Stephen McDine several times for both residential and buy-to-let mortgages. I received excellent advise and a hassle-free friendly service throughout. Got the best possible mortgage deal every time as well. Highly recommended!

Review from verified client

March, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen communicated well throughout the process of securing a mortgage and managed to identify the cheapest mortgage of all the brokers I had met with

Review from verified client

March, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Steve has always informed me whenever my investments need to be reviewed on regular intervals. Which means to me Steve looks after his clients . Very Satisfied Ian Frazer

Review from verified client

March, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Listens and understands the customer wants. Then delivers the best available products .

What could they have done better?

I intially mis understood the amount of annual charges and costs ...idea to separately discuss .But also to advise whether these charges are market competitive and reasonable .

Review from verified client

March, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Stephen provide clear sound advice to persons such as myself with very little knowledge of finacial investments. He is very approachable and always responds to whatever questions.i may have.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything specific. I am having problems with the client website but this may well be caused from my side.

Review from verified client

March, 2014

How has Stephen McDine helped you?

Steve is very approachable and always takes time to ensure I have a full understanding of any advice given. He explores several options which we then discuss together before making a final decision. I can contact him easily at any time. He has managed my portfolio for many years now and I am extremely pleased with the results and it's progression.