Jonothan McColgan

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

Potential transfer of a DB pension approaching retirement.

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Carefully and patiently explained all aspects of the potential transfer including risks, possible rewards etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I received the advice i was hoping for in a clear and easy way to understand it.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Jonothan's reply

Philip Thank you for your enquiry and kind words. All the best with your future. Kind regards Jonothan

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

About to retire I needed expert advice regarding my options concerning my pension fund.

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonothan listened to my needs and requirements during our first meeting. Subsequent meetings were always well prepared by Jonothan and always extremely informative. Once we had decided the best route for my needs, Jonothan ensured these were carried out swiftly and professionally.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have certainly gained the outcome I was looking and extremely satisfied with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

I can honestly not think of any improvement. Jonothan was always very professional.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

I worked in Financial Services for 28 years and thought I knew how to spot a good Financial Adviser, but prior to meeting Jonothan made the mistake of accepting a personal recommendation to a well known national firm, and repented at my leisure (as they say).

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

So with Jonothan I got to know him well first, did my due diligence and the track record of delighted clients and national recognition (e.g. Financial Adviser of the Year, Retirement & later Life Advice Specialist of the year to name but two) backed all this research up. Even so, having got my fingers burnt, I was still very cautious and asked lots of questions. Jonothan was extremely patient, knowledgeable and structured in his whole approach. His communications were prefect through the whole transfer process (which was complicated by Lloyds Pension Administrators being changed 'mid-transfer') and Jonothan dealt with the problems as they arose and together even got the new administrators to resolve a complaint when mistakes were made during the transfer process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am confident that we now have a solid investment strategy and he is now advising my wife too on her pension investments. So I'd not only add my endorsement I would thoroughly recommend Jonothan to anyone looking for pension or pension transfer advice, especially those 55+ Lloyds / TSB Ex-employees that are trying to work out the pros / cons of leaving their pension where it is.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure what Jonothan could have done better, but when I think of something I'll let him know and come back here and update my review!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Jonothan

v prompt response and clear, concise advice

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Jonothan

At our initial meeting Jonothan took time and effort to explain in detail the financial options and their pros and cons, together with the planning process and fees

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Jonothan

Thorough preparation on J's part, prior to our meeting. Extremely helpful in guiding us through the implications of our "life change" both on a personal & financial basis. At no point were we "sold" any ideas or services & in fact were advised that, at this time in our plans, his professional input was not needed. A very useful meeting.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonothan has been very effective at laying out a financial strategy with a plan that has been straightforward to understand, and that has stood the test of time. It has delivering good results for me and required the minimum of changes. I regard this as a very strong testament to both his professional integrity and good judgement.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Over the years we have picked up a number of different pensions and investments from different advisers at the bank. We never really had a clear understanding of what all these different policies would or could mean for our retirement. Jonothan has helped us to understand all these policies better and developed a retirement plan so that we know what is possible and what we have to do now to give us a chance of achieving the lifestyle we want. His investment recommendations have also done really well so far.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonothan has an excellent appreciation of my needs, and regularly assesses the amount of risk I am prepared to take. He is always ready to listen to queries and answer them promptly. He oversees the investments regularly and makes changes when necessary. He visits annually even though it entails a round trip of about 250 miles. Following my husband's death he has been liaising with the solicitor re setting up a trust, and is giving my sons advice on tax planning. He will go the extra mile to make things easier for me.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps push a little harder when we won't take his advice. My husband was a Lloyds Bank Manager and wouldn't sell his shares in the Bank when he was advised to do so!

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonothan has an encyclopaedic knowledge of regulations and rates of interest and possible courses of action to suit our financial resources and needs. He is very personable and professional and our business meetings are always enjoyable. He is completely trustworthy and we have complete faith in his advice.

What could they have done better?

I am not aware of any way in which he could improve his service to us.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Answers emails promptly and gives advice on email/phone or by visiting. Prepares for meetings and has reviewed my financial situation before any visit. Does not delay or procrastinate following a meeting so any movement of funds happens rapidly Gives a clear explanation of the options available and will advise on which plan to take if asked but makes it personal.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Very responsive and considers my situation in the round. As we have known each other some time, I feel he considers my full set of requirements and gives advice accordingly.

What could they have done better?

For historic reasons we are based at opposite ends of the country, which means meetings at short notice, or just a general face-to-face catch up can be difficult.

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonothan was great to work with. He provided a comprehensive review of my finances and a thoroughly thought through and executed action plan. He also displayed great patience - I'm sure he's glad all clients aren't as wayward as me! Well recommended.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Jonothan

Prompt response to financial queries with good knowledge.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonothan spends the time and effort necessary to gather all the information he need to make meaningful recommendations. He doesn't rush out snap judgements and as far as I can tell this means he doesn't make mistakes.

What could they have done better?

The depth of his reports can lose a laymen like me.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

He gives time to fully understand a clients needs and does a lot of of research to find the best deals.

What could they have done better?

More concise reports, but that may not be possible in an increasingly risk averse business.

Review from verified client

February, 2014

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonothan has provided excellent advise. His approach is very professional and he is extremely thorough.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Explaining the products available. I would like to say that my rating for value for money is such because I have not compared prices with competitors etc. I believe that his advice given is good value for money

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonothan gives clear advice especially to clients who are not wealthy and every little saving counts. He helped me gather up all my small pensions and put them into one reliable pension provider. He also advised me with my mortgage, supported me as I cancelled unnecessary endowment policies and encouraged me as I paid off my mortgage. He never talks down to me and I don't feel as inadequate as I have done with other IFAs. I like the way he is encouraging, even tells me which bits of paper I can throw away and which I need to keep. He has taken a lot of weight off my shoulders.

What could they have done better?

Jonothan is so passionate about his subject that he sometimes talks too quickly and his lovely accent makes him difficult to understand. But he wouldn't mind if I told him; he is very approachable.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Mr McColgan has a keen and accurate grasp of my financial affairs. He is highly responsive and often proactive in advice given. He steps outside the bounds of his original brief to help me is many aspects of my personal and business life including introduction to other people who can help me when things move outside his personal expertise. He is realistic and candid about difficult situations and doesn't pull punches when he sees things getting problematic - which I need.

What could they have done better?

In complete honesty I can't think of anything at this

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonathan is aware of the current market changes and advises accordingly. All the products he has offered have performed with excellent results. His personal touch has many qualities which complements his professional approach to the financial markets

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Jonothan explains things very clearly and he listens to what type of risk I want.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

My advisor is very good at outlining what cover I have and what may be useful for future cover. He clearly explains the pro's and cons of any products and researches the best product to suit my requirements.

What could they have done better?

My advisor probably has a legal duty to undertake reports that contain what seems like reams of information. A summarised "laymans" version would be very helpful with the details behind if required.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Jonothan McColgan helped you?

Careful consideration of my needs followed by appropriate action. Always availabl;e for phone consultations. Good knowledge of market. Ready to explain charges.

What could they have done better?

Sonetimes difficult to follow on phone due to rapid accented delivery. Possibly its my fault!