Michael Harms

Medical & General IFA Ltd

Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 1 )

Mortgages ( 3 )

Pensions ( 9 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 1 )

Investments and Savings ( 7 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 2 )

Inheritance Planning ( 2 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 1 )

£200k - £500k ( 3 )

£100k - £200k ( 1 )

Up to £50k ( 1 )

£50k - 100k ( 2 )

Client reviews

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Apart from being late for appointment-OK so far

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2018

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Didn't actually talk to Michael Hams but to 1 of his colleagues Henry Bemridge who went through various options quite well

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I was contacted by Henry, who took a great deal of care and patience in explaining the various options I have. The process is a little daunting but I'm confident now that it will be worth it thanks to Henry's skillful handling of the initial phone consult.

Review from verified client

September, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Outside UK

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

Review of Pension plans and checking that I had the right company and pension plan for my future and my wife's needs. Also checking out the best use of savings. Also checking out our life insurance needs.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

He was objective in all areas of our needs. He helped us to focus upon what was the best thing for us to do in our present situation to gain maximum financial benefit.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

To be honest, Michael could not have done anything better, and we could whole heartedly recommend him to anybody.

Review from verified client

September, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

I was looking for advice on a property purchase. Mr Harms was extremely helpful but I didn't receive any service or pay a fee, it was just excellent advice at the moment, I am sure I will be back to liaise with him further in the future.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

as above.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

ongoing.

What could they have done better?

As I just wanted advice Mr Harms did all that was necessary.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

didn't see profile so had to put no question of charges didn't arise so had to put no It soon became clear to us both that, as I controlled a lot of my own investments, M Harms hadn't really anything to suggest

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Pleased with initial consultation and happy to continue with his advice regarding investments

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2017

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Very approachable, not at all pushy and advice was easy to understand with no jargon or was not patronising in any way.

Review from verified client

January, 2017

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Somerset

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

Approaching state retirement age and considering best options to fund an offshore property for use as a holiday home.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

Michael was able to consider my situation and provide guidance on the options available and how each of these might affect me. It was very useful to have independent guidance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The guidance given was useful in enabling me to decide my best course of action.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Micheal was very informative with regards to my situation.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

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

Retirement planning and sorting of a life time of investments.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

Has helped us get our investments in order and simplified them greatly. Has combined these with retirement advice so that we can plan financially for the future. Has been proactive in suggesting investments that are appropriate to our current situation and lead us less prone to tax penalties.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is a long term plan. Currently we appear to be moving in the right direction.

What could they have done better?

We currently enjoy our relationship with Mike and find that he fits in with us very well. He is always very approachable and makes himself very available to us. Until we start to need to realise our capital and pensions we are unable to comment on whether he could have done better.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

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

I work in the NHS and looked to take early retirement, and needed expert advice about my pension.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

He had thorough knowledge of the complexities of the Pension scheme, and has been able to allow me to maximise my opportunities financially and professionally.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

It remains early days in my Semi-retirement but have no regrets about my decision, financial changes recently are beyond even Mike to predict !!

Review from verified client

September, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

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

Some years ago I was considering retirement from the NHS, and met Mike at an evening meeting regarding pension options, whilst planning to continue working in the NHS for a few more years. Further to that meeting I did take my pension, and was guided through the process by Mike.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

Having taken my NHS pension, whilst continuing to work in the NHS, Mike has advised and supported me though the process of investing my capital sum in a variety of finanancial vehicles. We meet regularly, and communicate frequently regarding my financial portfolio, which is being managed appropriately with rebalancing when deemed necessary. Mike has also been helpful in giving advice with regard to Capital Gains, and personal short term financial management.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My portfolio plan was based on the longer term, and certainly currently that plan is bearing fruit, following a period of strong financial growth in the markets.

What could they have done better?

Such is the service I receive from Mike, I am unable to give any further constructive advice, as I feel the service I receive is excellent.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

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

Approaching retirement and needed advice on the management of my various pensions and other investments.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

Mike analysed our risk appetite and our requirements for the short and longer term. He explained the options available and made sound recommendations which we were then able to consider. Mike broke down a lot of the complexities of the financial markets and explained clearly and concisely our best options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Although the markets did not result in a good start for our investments we have now seen a recovery and our funds are growing again . One of Mike`s great benefits is that he is very easy to contact and always happy to come out and see us when necessary. Also the web based tracking tool is useful if I want to see the daily movements on our pension and other investments.

What could they have done better?

Can`t think of anything that Mike could do better at the moment.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

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

Our previous financial adviser had retired. Mike was recommended by good friends.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

Mike Harms brought our portfolio up to date and realigned our investment strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, in part but its early days.

What could they have done better?

Nothing so far.

Review from verified client

July, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

We wanted to have an independent review of our financial situation.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

Michael was very patient in taking us through the process of evaluating our needs and objectives for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We were very grateful for the advice and recommendations received from Michael. We will be able to judge the outcomes better with time.

Review from verified client

July, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

Had an offer accepted on a house and the mortgage that I had found myself fell through. I had spoken to a different, large medical financial advisory service and found them to be inefficient, expensive and impersonal. I met Mike at a conference where he had a stall.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

Mike comes to my home when it suits me, which is usually late on in the evenings. He has explained to me and my partner in simple terms all of the various insurances and protection that we could benefit from, how they work and the various costs. As a result I finally understand how income protection, critical illness cover, life cover and mortgage repayments work! Together we have come up with an individualised plan and I feel so much more comfortable about my financial future. Added to that he has managed to find me a mortgage with an excellent rate (half the rate of the mortgage that my previous advisor had sourced).

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I now have appropriate income protection, life cover and an approved mortgage at an excellent rate. I also feel like I understand the details of all of the above. All of the services that Mike has found for us are well suited to our specific needs, and at no point did I feel pushed or rushed to make decisions. The mortgage and policies are all at better rates than I could find on my own.

What could they have done better?

I really do not think Mike could have done any better.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

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

I had a pension lump sum to invest or spend on a house and needed to look at my options as I move towards retirement.

How has Michael Harms helped you?

Michael was very helpful, taking me through the various issues I needed to consider, but letting me contribute what I already knew to the discussion. He was clear and patient and despite needing several meetings and tolerating many delays in my circumstances he was thorough and was available whenever I need to discuss things.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have found the solutions I needed and will be continuing to seek Michael's advice on how to move forward as my circumstances unfold.

What could they have done better?

I cannot fault his help. It has been helpful and effective.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Very helpful and informative. Will be using his expertise in the near future

Review from verified client

February, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Devon

How has Michael Harms helped you?

He communicates well and helps greatly for me and my wife to understand the oft misunderstood aspects of financial affairs. We have been impressed by the work he has done to revolutionise our previously lacklustre investments. He is easy to contact and is always available. He is very personable, not in any way flamboyant and totally fulfils all we want from our financial adviser.

What could they have done better?

I cannot fault him and would therefore find it difficult to make any constructive suggestions. PS I am not certain how long we gave been clients but it is over 5 years - first when he worked for The Weslyan.