Michelle Boakes

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Imminent retirement

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

We're still in the early stages

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet

What could they have done better?

Unknown

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Need to top up pension

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Advise on pension and life cover

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Helpful, clear, personable, objective, listening, and not pushy in any way. A model adviser.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Really thorough for a first initial chat. Clearly knowledgeable, and left me feeling ing a good place and comfortable that she will look after us!

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

My wife and I was running out of money

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Gave us good advice and lead us to a satisfactory outcome

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

This is the first time my partner and I have had any real involvement and input form a financial advisor but Michelle put us both at ease and clearly understood and was interested in what are future goals are. I myself find the whole subject of financial planning very overwhelming while my partner has a much deeper understanding of it but Michelle pitched our initial meeting perfectly. We’re both excited to learn how we can move forward and with Michelle’s help how we can achieve our goals.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

We needed a pension portfolio

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

I cannot say enough good things about Verve Financial and their outstanding representative, Michelle. Her incredible knowledge and expertise have truly made a difference in our financial journey. From the moment we started working with Michelle, it was clear that we were in capable hands. She provided us with sound advice that was tailored to our unique financial situation and goals. It's not often that you find someone who takes the time to truly understand your needs and create a personalised plan that aligns perfectly with your objectives. One of the standout accomplishments that Michelle has achieved for us is the creation of a pension and investment portfolio that is perfect. It's clear that she put a great deal of thought and effort into crafting a strategy that would not only meet our immediate needs but also set us up for long-term financial success. What sets Michelle apart is the trust we have in her. She has consistently demonstrated her commitment to our financial well-being and has gone above and beyond to ensure that we are comfortable and informed every step of the way. This level of trust is invaluable when it comes to managing our finances. Without hesitation, we wholeheartedly recommend Verve Financial to anyone seeking expert financial guidance and personalised solutions. We are confident that our relationship with Verve Financial, and specifically with Michelle, will endure for many years to come. Her dedication and professionalism have made all the difference, and we are grateful to have her on our side.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

Needed to get financial stability

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle has some great suggestions, looking forward to working with her

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Only an initial meeting, felt my needs was listened to and look forward to outcomes

What could they have done better?

N/a

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Michelle was helpful and professional throughout. I appreciated her flexibility and readiness to promptly offer an appointment reschedule when, at short notice, I was not able to make our initial meeting. I liked Michelle's helpful and flexible approach to the conversation and valued her readiness to explain things I didn't understand. She was transparent regarding her fees and affiliations, and I appreciated her thoughtfulness regarding recommendations pertaining to the kind of service most likely to be useful to us.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

Become self employed and wanted to sort a pension

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Given me recommendations and advise to help me on the right direction

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/a

Michelle's reply

Thank you Chris - it was great to catch up and see how you're finding the change from employed to self-employed. Looking forward to continuing to work together for the future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere with the emphasis of just obtaining my reasons for seeking Michelle's advise and guidance. After talking for about 45 minutes I left feeling reassured and very optimistic.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Really helpful, thoughtful and thorough advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Excellent first meeting to scope out what we could be thinking about and clear explanations of what she could or could not do for us, as well as what fees would be payable. Gave us plenty of time to discuss every area, in fact our meeting went an hour over the booked time slot (sorry) without even a mention. She came across as very knowledgeable and customer focussed. Helped us decide what we need to be thinking about.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Warm and friendly reception. Listened sympathetically to my situation. I felt totally reassured that she has all the qualifications and experience to meet my needs. Most encouraged and look forward to hearing her recommendations.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Michelle came up with some excellent ideas I hadn't thought of. She was also able to advise on some things I hadn't considered. I'm looking forward to working with Michelle in the future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Michelle offered advice in a professional and courteous manner. She gave a reassuring impression that she would be able to provide a financial service that we are looking for.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Michelle was so lovely and welcoming and I instantly felt like she was wanting to do only the best for me. Went away from the initial meeting feeling so refreshed and excited to be in touch with Michelle again.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Very personable and professional. Gave me huge confidence that she is able to support and advise to us to make the right financial decisions for our future.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

To seek advice on pensions

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Very informative and helpful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, all good

What could they have done better?

Hard to say, let me come back to you on that one!

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Did not know what to do with a pension that was about to mature.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Explained options available and acted upon them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Michelle's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Lynda - I'm really pleased that Dave's retirement is going well! Speak soon, Michelle

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

Review pension and remortgage

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

In understanding our situation

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Repeat review from verified client

June, 2022

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you since your last review?

Michelle is an amazing, admirable female role model who is genuinely caring and exceptional in the financial field. Michelle goes above and beyond and I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Michelle's reply

Thank you Sarah - working with you is an absolute pleasure! I can't wait for our next catch up to see what you have been up to. Speak soon

Review from verified client

May, 2022

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

I had recently received a lump sum after taking early retirement and felt it would be beneficial to speak to an advisor before deciding on whether to invest the money.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle helped us by talking through the options available to us and our attitude to risk to ensure we were happy with the investments we were making.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is early days and the investments are intended for the medium term so although there has been an initial fall in value, we hope that over a longer period, the value of the investments will increase.

What could they have done better?

We occasionally felt that there could have been more communication from Michelle but overall we were able to contact her whenever we needed to.

Michelle's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Richard, it was a pleasure to help you with your investment requirements. I'll be in touch so that we can consider together how our communication can be improved. Speak soon Michelle

Review from verified client

May, 2022

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

Too many pension pots and wanting to sort them closer to retirement. Then dealing with an inheritance.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Advice has allowed us to take early retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing we can think of

Michelle's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Kathy, It was a pleasure to help you with retiring early. Speak soon Michelle

Review from verified client

May, 2022

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

Private pensions had accrued and had reached the point where payments into them had ceased and I needed advice because I didnot want to purchase an annuity.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Explains everything clearly in terms that I can understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In the short term exactly as Michelle stated. Looking forward to the long term outcome.

What could they have done better?

My first experience of using a financial adviser. Wish I had done this years ago. As far as I am concerned all was first class.

Review from verified client

May, 2022

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

I needed advice on consolidating and investing 3 different pensions

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

she has shown me the best investments for my pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes i have

What could they have done better?

nothing

Repeat review from verified client

April, 2022

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you since your last review?

We recently relocated from Hampshire to Nottinghamshire. Michelle was great at advising us how how much we were able to borrow and how the process of porting a mortgage worked at the start of the process. Michelle kept us updated throughout the application process and we got a really good mortgage. On our move day to say Michelle helped is an understatement. Our solicitor had made an error which nearly meant us possibly not being able to complete leaving our deposit in jeopardy. Michelle called me and took it upon herself to liaise with the solicitor and TSB afternoon to come to an arrangement which meant we were able to move. Without this we wouldn't have been able to move so thank you to you and TSB again! When it comes to remortgaging or moving again I wouldn't go anywhere else.

Michelle's reply

Thank you Craig - It was a pleasure to help you with the mortgage for the move, I hope you are all settled in Nottinghamshire and I look forward to catching up with you all soon.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

Looking for best and suitable mortgage

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle sourced the most suitable mortgage for us, she explained the options and went through the information with us and what we would need to do. During our journey of purchasing the property we found out the situation was not as straight forward as we had hoped but Michelle supported us throughout the process and provided us with reassurance and options. She always returned our calls and responded to our emails, making the situation less stressful. Her team were also as friendly and helpful as her. We highly recommend Michelle and her team and have already provided her contact details to people.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

nothing

Michelle's reply

Thank you Parvinder it was an absolute pleasure to help you and India - I know it was a pretty stressful road but we got there in the end and I hope she is very happy there. Speak soon

Repeat review from verified client

January, 2022

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you since your last review?

She has continued to support me and is always available to talk things over if I need to. My investment is growing and I am very happy with her service

Michelle's reply

Thanks Alison! We're so happy to have been able to help you - I hope retirement is treating you well, won't be long before you can get back into the garden!

Repeat review from verified client

January, 2022

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you since your last review?

Got us a mortgage at a lower rate than I could find online.

Michelle's reply

Thank you Ashley, it was a pleasure to help. Take care

Review from verified client

January, 2022

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

Private pension

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

What are the options on how to look after your pension pot.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Michelle's reply

Thank you Lynda and thank you for choosing us to help with yours and Dave's retirement plans. Speak soon Michelle

Repeat review from verified client

November, 2021

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you since your last review?

I know if I have any concerns she is always available to discuss them.

Review from verified client

August, 2021

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

Remortgaging

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

A previous customer of Michelle's, she always provides brilliant service. Always contactable and is very knowledgeable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Michelle's reply

Thanks Tim - I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. I hope all is well in the new house and I look forward to catching up with you both soon. Take care!

Review from verified client

June, 2021

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

I wanted to buy a house and Michelle helped me. I wasn't sure how much I could borrow

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

She helped me find the best mortgage for my situation and the best way to fund it

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I am completely happy with everything that Michelle has helped me with

Michelle's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Karen it's much appreciated! I'm so pleased that we were able to help you feel more confident with your finances. Look forward to catching up soon.

Review from verified client

June, 2021

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

I wished to release equity on my current property with a view to purchasing a holiday home

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Researched thoroughly best options for me and explained them with great patience and clarity.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ongoing

What could they have done better?

Can’t comment yet!

Michelle's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Anita, it’s greatly appreciated! I’m so happy we were able to help you release the equity you needed. Take care Michelle

Review from verified client

May, 2021

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

Initial mortgage and later remortgage.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Bespoke Boakes! I truly wouldn’t go anywhere else. Michelle Boakes is absolutely outstanding! A family firm who’s personal, tailored, with highly exceptional financial expertise and customer service is second to none. Michelle ensures that she looks after every aspect and more, in relation to the customers needs and you most certainly will receive not only your best options but impeccable, above and beyond service to boot, which is above and beyond in every way. Attention to detail makes the difference and if you want the very Boakes, Financial Verve is a must!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Outstanding financial advice and service.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing, they excelled.

Michelle's reply

Thanks Sarah! I'm so pleased we have been able to help you with the mortgages it's been a pleasure. Take care

Review from verified client

May, 2021

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

2 house moves and 3 different mortgages

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle found me the right products that worked for me at the specific time. For example, I have moved house during the pandemic and I had to take a salary cut of 20% so she looked for a mortgage which supported a lower monthly outgoing

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely! The peace of mind meant that I haven’t stressed about not being able to pay my mortgage

What could they have done better?

I’m more than happy with how Michelle has looked after me

Michelle's reply

Thanks Abby! Hope all is going well with the new house, I'll drop you a line so we can book in a date to talk about the pensions etc. Take care

Review from verified client

May, 2021

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

I wanted to understand whether I could afford to retire and, if so, how best to use our financial resources.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle helped us review our retirement goals, current circumstances, expenditure, pensions, savings and investments. She modelled our current financial position and possible future scenarios. From this she produced a financial plan with recommended actions and dates. Throughout the process Michelle has been very helpful, approachable and clear in her explanations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have every confidence in the financial plan Michelle has developed for us, and as a result am retiring immediately. As a result of speaking to Michelle we are using our financial resources differently to how I had originally envisaged, and I clearly understand the benefits of doing so. This is the outcome I was hoping for and we are very grateful to Michelle for her help.

Michelle's reply

Thank you Simon, it was an absolute pleasure working with you, I'm so happy we have been able to help you make the decision to retire now. Take care

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Extraordinary. A clear wisdom and immediate awareness of exactly what my needs were. An intuitive focus on the areas of financial advice required by my request. Simple, easy to understand advice; eagerness to listen and to ensure all my needs were addressed, in a friendly empathetic manner. A willingness to go above and beyond without any focus on whether there was a cost associated or not. None of the 'my time is money' attitude. A real joy.

Michelle's reply

Thanks Rob I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

First time buyers looking for a mortgage and insurances expert who could advise and guide us through the process.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle has provided personalised, expert advice and talked us through every step of the house buying process. She has been available via email and phone and worked to ensure our needs are fully met in relation to our circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have had our mortgage application accepted and are awaiting exchange of contracts. We have also been provided with tailor-made insurance quotes.

Michelle's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Michael, it’s very much appreciated! So pleased we have been able to assist you with buying your first home

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Originally we were first time buyers buying a new build property and have used Michelle since to re-mortgage too.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle guided us through the process from start to finish on how the help to buy the process worked and helped us secure our first mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have a really good mortgage product and have also got another mortgage using Michelle.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to note, communication was really good and also during TSB's IT meltdown Michelle spent hours on the phone for us to get our mortgage through.

Michelle's reply

It's been a pleasure helping you to buy your first home and watching your family grow! Looking forward to the next adventure. Thank you for taking the time to leave me a review.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I have just retired and was looking for professional advice on my next steps

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

She spent time getting to understand my situation and my risk appetite and gave me a range of options and support to help me to decide which would be right for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is early days but I feel confident and optimistic with the advice I have been given

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Moving to a new home - new mortgage required

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle was our mortgage broker. She found a range of mortgages for us to pick from, giving clear pro's and con's for each l.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Michelle's reply

Thank you for taking the time to leave me a review - I really appreciate it! You are both more than welcome, I hope you will be very happy in your new home. Thanks Michelle P.s Ralph is adorable, he is brightening up my instagram feed!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Michelle has been an amazing help for us. Will definitely use her again, highly recommend.

Michelle's reply

Thanks Tanya really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review for me. I hope all is progressing well. Wishing you both a very merry Christmas! Michelle

Review from verified client

December, 2020

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

Property purchase

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

The lovely Michelle made the whole process of working out the best mortgage options to completing the property purchase very easy and was always at hand to answer any questions. 2 years later when my mortgage deal was due to expire Michelle made contact again to go through some more options and arrange another 2 year deal. Outstanding communication and support throughout.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I was really happy with the service from Michelle and have no suggestions on how she could have been better

Michelle's reply

Thanks so much Amy, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave the review and so happy that you've been pleased with the service. Look forward to speaking to you in a few years! Have a lovely Christmas

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

Losing my husband and being given a sum of money.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle helped me re-mortgage my house and get BTL mortgages for other properties teatime wanted to buy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and much more.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, she has it just right.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

Purchasing property

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

On multiple occasions Michelle has assisted me to be able to make purchases not only for residential property but as BTL investments through a Limited Company. We are in regular contact as she ensures the mortgages are updated as and when the fixed rate expires to ensure the best rates are achieved.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have achieved what we were aiming for on every occasion.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I am aware of.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

Split from my husband

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

She was so helpful in pointing out all the options open to me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I feel much more confident in my financial future

What could they have done better?

Nothing. She always pointed out the pros and cons to each option available to me, without ever pressuring me into any decision

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

My partner & i are first time buyers and completely clueless on all things mortgage related.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Michelle spent quality time getting to know Dan & I, finding out as much as she could about us on a personal level as well as a financial level. Everything was explained to us so clearly, with no scary jargon which really helped us to understand the process. Michelle was available to us throughout every step, no question was a silly question and we truly felt as though she was personally invested in our success.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Unfortunately, due to the early days of COVID-19 we we’re unable to secure the mortgage we originally wanted. Michelle supported us throughout the whole process in reassuring us. She quickly helped us devise another plan, and we’ve remained in contact ready to try again when we can.

What could they have done better?

I’m honestly struggling to think of any examples of improvement. Michelle was and continues to be helpful, available and knowledgeable. She is an expert in her field and we completely trust her with our finances.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michelle

Clear and upfront from the start. Approachable demeanour. Checked by existing knowledge and then worked from that basis. I never felt pushed into anything. Very impressed with the advice received verbally and in writing. Fees very reasonable. Prompt response to my initial enquiry. No jargon - everything was explained.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

End of mortgage deal.

How has Michelle Boakes helped you?

Found a much better mortgage rate saving us money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes extremely happy with the outcome