Will Clow

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

Planning for partial retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will was extremely professional and knowledgeable. I have come away for the meeting with solid information, increased knowledge and the confidence to make the right decision for me moving forward

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The meeting more than met my expectations

What could they have done better?

N/A - Very professional and welcoming environment

Will's reply

Thank you so much for your kind words Jen! It was a pleasure assisting you with your partial retirement planning. I'm thrilled to hear that you found our meeting valuable and that you're feeling confident about the decisions ahead. Providing professional and knowledgeable guidance is always my priority, and I'm glad to hear that it exceeded your expectations. I look forward to continuing to support you on your financial journey. I'm here to help in any way I can.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Early retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Advised on how to withdraw and use my lumpsum

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing

Will's reply

Thank you for leaving a five star review and for entrusting me with your early retirement planning. I'm overjoyed to learn that my advice has helped you achieve the outcomes you were hoping for, particularly in navigating the complexities of withdrawing and utilizing your lump sum effectively. Should you ever require further assistance or guidance in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thanks again

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

I required advice on my pension situation.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will looked at my pension plans, calculated figures and explained all the options to me. He did it this clearly and comprehensively.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. As a result of advice received, I have made a decision about when to retire.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Will's reply

Thank you for a great 5* review, Marina. I am delighted to hear how satisfied you are with your experience at Platinum. It is rewarding to know that the advice provided have not only contributed to your understanding of retirement options but has also assisted you in making a successful decision. Thanks again for your positive feedback.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Will

I was provided with clear, comprehensive advice by Will in relation to my pensions options which has allowed me to reach the best decision for me re my upcoming partial retirement.

Will's reply

Thank you Noelene for taking the time to leave a 5-star review! I am thrilled to hear that by working together, you are now feeling more confident about your options and next steps towards retirement. It has been a pleasure to support you. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Seeking advice to choose the right option for my ill retirement pension

How has Will Clow helped you?

He explained what each pension option means and clarified all the figures shown on my pension scheme

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, he was very clear, knowledgeable, pleasant and professional.

Will's reply

Thank you for a wonderful 5* review Maria. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been a pleasure to meet with you and discuss your options and I’m glad I was able to help. I am also delighted to hear that you would be a passionate advocate for us and would feel confident recommending our services in the future. That means a lot to us. Thanks again.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Will

Met with Will Clow, Financial Advisor yesterday. Pleasant & Professional throughout the meeting, with no jargon or sales pitch. Comprehensive & impartial advice provided. A really

Will's reply

Thank you so much for your 5* review, Des. I appreciate you taking the time to share such positive feedback. I am pleased to hear that you have found my communications clear and easy to understand, and that by working together, you are now feeling more confident on how to achieve your financial goals. It has been a pleasure to support you. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I recently started a new role and wanted to enquire whether I should try to combine a couple of pensions into my new pension scheme and get some advice on making annual voluntary contributions.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will outlined the potential options and next steps to consider in moving forward and discussed some potential ball-park figures for pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's probably too early to tell but I was very happy with the advice given.

What could they have done better?

N/a - they could not have done better.

Will's reply

Thank you Rolanda for taking the time to complete a 5-star review. I very much appreciate it! I am pleased to hear that by working together, you are now feeling more confident about your options and next steps towards retirement. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this relationship. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

I was retiring from work.

How has Will Clow helped you?

He set up a savings account to maximize interest & income

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say but I was happy with his advice.

Will's reply

Thank you for this 5* review Frank, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your positive feedback. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this relationship in the future. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

We had saved some money and wanted to invest it as part of our retirement plan

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will offered advise on what best suited our risk profile and had monitored our investments offering advice on changes as required

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Unfortunately we have been through a number of financial crises in recent years but the investment has shown growth and is certainly doing better than lying in a bank

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I could see

Will's reply

Thank you, Bernard, for this wonderful 5* review! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been great getting to know you and I’m glad that the investment plan we put in place is working well for you despite the current climate. It has been a pleasure to support you both, and I look forward to continuing this relationship in the future. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Financial planning for retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has been extremely helpful. He provides clear, helpful advice and reassurance when required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although the financial climate is not helpful at the moment.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Will's reply

What a lovely review, Angela! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I'm really glad that I have been able to help you plan for your retirement and that you have confidence in me to do what is best for you. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this relationship. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I worked in the Health Service for 35 years and I have been a member of NIPSA throughout that time. NIPSA advises it's members to seek financial advice from Platinum. I have also attended seminars hosted by Platinum where financial advice is given to attendees who within a few years of retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

By explaining what investments my wife and myself have and how the changing financial climate affects our investments. Will has verified our own thinking of the value of long term investment and retaining other savings to act as a cushion against withdrawing from our investment pool.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Two factors have affected the outcomes so far. These have been COVID and the political situation with regards to the Ukraine/Russian conflict. I will be better placed to comment on the outcomes after 5 years and 10 years.

What could they have done better?

Everything possible has been done to make my wife and I confident in Will's skills. These keep us informed and up to date on our investments.

Will's reply

Thank you for this review, Eamon. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. I am really happy to have been able to help you both with your investment needs. With recent factors affecting the world markets, it has been difficult for us to see the outcomes we were hoping for. However, given your plans are based over the medium to long term we have confidence that we can help you achieve your goals. It has been a pleasure to support you both, and I look forward to continuing this relationship. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Will's reply

Thank you for the 5* review Alice, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this relationship in the future. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I wanted to invest my pension lump sum.

How has Will Clow helped you?

By choosing the most appropriate investment portfolio for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investment is not short term.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Will's reply

Thank you for your feedback Elizabeth, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I am glad that I was able to choose an appropriate investment portfolio that suits your individual needs. I look forward to continuing this positive relationship. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Retirement planning advise

How has Will Clow helped you?

Spent time online with us discussing our options. Explained the elements of investment proceedures. Worked through the aspect of risk regarding our finances and the expectations within our profiles. Will allowed us time to digest the information and let us answer questions in an unhurried manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Considering the global markets, cost of living and the Russian invasion etc we are content at this point in time.

What could they have done better?

I'm more than happy with what has been done.

Will's reply

What a wonderful 5* review Ronnie, thank you very much! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been a pleasure to meet, discuss, and structure a financial plan based upon both of your retirement needs. I look forward to continuing this positive relationship. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I felt that I was not getting the appropriate returns/interest on my savings. So , having checked out various financial advisors, I decided that platinum financial services were right for me.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Wills advice was extremely helpful & he put my mind at ease & made me feel confident that I was making the right decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, It is a long term investment which I have made with platinum financial services & I have nothing but complete confidence in Will that he shall continue to do what he considers is best for me.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Will's reply

John, thank you for the kind words in your review. I really appreciate it! I'm pleased to have helped you navigate your investment planning needs and given your investments are based over the long term, we should see the returns that you would like to receive. You could have selected any financial planner in Belfast, so I'm pleased it was us. It has been a pleasure to support you and thank you for putting your confidence in me. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Investment planning on retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will provides clear and understandable advice on financial planning. We are very happy with the advice we have received

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are happy with the performance of the investments which Will has made on our behalf.

What could they have done better?

We are content with the advice we have received and have never felt anything but confident with the quality of advice Will has provided.

Will's reply

What a fantastic review, John! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I am thrilled to hear how happy you are with the advice you have received. It is encouraging to here how confident you are with everything I have provided and that you would recommend my services in the future. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this relationship. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Due to retirement I sought advice in investing my pension securely.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has given me advice to enable me to safeguard my initial investment and to grow it

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen my initial investment grow but the marketplace has been difficult this last 18 months

What could they have done better?

I think that they have done the best they could in the current financial climate.

Will's reply

Thank you, Margaret, for this lovely 5* review! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. I’m glad that the investment plan that we put in place is working for you and that you feel quite confident you are on the right tracks to achieve your long term goals and objectives. It has been a pleasure supporting you. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I had retired and needed some advice.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will provides the expertise that I lack.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I feel that my finances are secure.

What could they have done better?

I’m content with the outcomes to date.

Will's reply

What a wonderful 5* review James, thank you very much! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. I am glad to hear that by working together, you have a greater understanding and confidence in your financial affairs. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this positive relationship in the future. Thanks again!

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Low interest in banks and having money available to set aside and invest.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Talked over options and our views and needs. Invested in ethical business to achieve a fair return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes happy with the service and advice and outcome is good considering the times we are in.

Will's reply

Bernadette, thank you for the kind words in your review. I really appreciate it. I'm pleased to have helped you navigate your investment planning needs. It has been a pleasure to support you and I look forward to continuing our positive relationship. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

When my wife and I retired we wanted a safe investment for our savings.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has provided sound advice during turbulent times in financial markets.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have been able to withdraw cash from our investment without affecting the original capital and carried out home improvements.

What could they have done better?

Very little, the advice we have received has been excellent

Will's reply

Thank you, John, for taking the time to leave such positive feedback. It’s very much appreciated! It’s been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to seeing how our positive relationship continues in the future. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Help with setting up investments

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has expertly guided us through an area we had very little knowledge of.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Due to current markets not yet

What could they have done better?

Nothing the fluctuations in the market were not Will's fault.

Will's reply

Thank you for this 5* review Richard! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been a pleasure to support you both, and I look forward to continuing this relationship in the future. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

i wanted to get a check on my finances

How has Will Clow helped you?

all my money is now saved in ISAs and during this time i was medically retired from work, i was a civil servant for 34 years and will helped me sort out my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes will looks after me and my money

What could they have done better?

i dont think will could have done any more for me and i know if i'm not sure about any thing will is always at the end of a phone call

Will's reply

Thank you, Norma, for this wonderful 5* review! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been great getting to know you over the past few years and I’m glad that the retirement and investment plan that we put in place is working well for you. I am also delighted to hear that you would be a passionate advocate for us and would feel confident recommending our services in the future. That means a lot to us. Thanks again, Norma, and speak soon.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

To assist with my pensions and plan for my retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Advice and regular reviews of my pension plans and other financial holdings pre and during my recent retirement. In particular advice during the current economic downturn.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To date yes. I have not taken full pension as yet. Will be looking for to review options the coming months.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind that has been an issue or need improvement.

Will's reply

Paul, thank you for the kind words in your review. I really appreciate it. I'm pleased to have helped you navigate your pension and retirement planning needs. You could have selected any financial planner in Belfast, so I'm pleased it was us. It has been a pleasure to support you and I look forward to continuing our positive relationship. Thanks again, Paul.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Having retired almost 4 years ago I needed someone to help with my pension pot

How has Will Clow helped you?

He has been very helpful and always available when needed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Obviously with COVID and the war in Ukraine things haven't been as good as I'd hoped but hopefully things will improve over the coming months

What could they have done better?

Happy with all they have done

Will's reply

What a wonderful 5* review Alan, thank you very much! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been a pleasure to meet, discuss, and structure a financial plan based upon your individual retirement needs. I am really happy that you feel my services have given you the foresight to be confident when making decisions surrounding your finances. Thanks again!

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Wishing to keep my money ( mainly my 'lump sum') secure, following my retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Investing the money securely, in line with my personal risk assessment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Generally yes, although recent repercussions from disastrous Government miscalculations (Truss/Kwarteng) have been disappointing.

What could they have done better?

All this was beyond Platinum's and Will's ability to predict, so assessment of achievement is impossible.

Will's reply

Thank you for this wonderful 5* review, John! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this positive relationship in the future. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

investment advice

How has Will Clow helped you?

spoke to me in plain language to help me understand

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes Will was realistic yet positive and i am content with progress

What could they have done better?

i was happy with the service

Will's reply

What a lovely 5* review Karen, thank you very much! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this relationship in the future. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Pension advice

How has Will Clow helped you?

Helped us decide on ethical investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are keeping the ship on an even keel in difficult circumstances

What could they have done better?

Nothing much

Will's reply

Thank you for this wonderful 5* review, Gerard! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been a pleasure to support you and I look forward to continuing this positive relationship in the future. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I was a career civil servant and retired in 2022 and needed to understand my options with regards to maximising both my pension and lump sum. Being a member of the Trade Union, NIPSA, I was able to avail of a seminar organised by them for NI civil servants approaching retirement . Will Clow gave a presentation at that seminar and I was so impressed that I immediately contacted Platinum to set up a meeting with him. He has been my financial advisor since then.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will Clow has been able to advise me on my investment options regarding my lump sum along with wider pension advice about my Sate pension. He has also advised me about how best to plan future inheritance arrangements all of which has made me much more content about my future financial position.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely as I have stated I am much more confident about my financial future especially at this time which everyone has to be sure of their monies - both income and investments.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - everything for me has been excellent.

Will's reply

What a fantastic review, Gillian! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I am delighted to hear how much more confident you are now about your financial future. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this relationship. Thanks again for a brilliant 5* rating.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I was going partially retired.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will gave me the options which were available, he advised me in the best course of action and made things clear to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Will's reply

Thank you, Vincent, for taking the time to leave such positive feedback. It’s very much appreciated! It’s been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to seeing how our positive relationship continues in the future. Thanks again, Vincent.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

As I was approaching retirement I wanted expert financial advice on investment.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will is superb. He has a high level of expertise combined with a friendly, approachable manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I find Will very helpful and reliable.

Will's reply

What a wonderful 5* review Linda, thank you very much! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. I am glad to hear that by working together, you have a greater understanding and confidence in your financial affairs. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this positive relationship in the future. Thanks again!

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Because I'm not the most astute financially

How has Will Clow helped you?

Explained things in a accessible way

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I think so ( not sure until I retire ! )

Will's reply

Thank you for this wonderful 5* review, Alan! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It has been a pleasure to support you, and I look forward to continuing this positive relationship in the future. Thanks again, Alan.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

To discover whether I could afford to retire early

How has Will Clow helped you?

By getting my investments working really well for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so.

Will's reply

Thank you, Brenda, for taking the time to leave such positive feedback. It’s very much appreciated! It’s been a pleasure to support you over the past few years, and I look forward to seeing how our positive relationship continues in the future. Thanks again, Brenda.