Joe Froud

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

I had a defined benefit pension to transfer and general advice required for my husband's investments.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Friendly, attentive, explains everything to my husband how is very financially unaware in a way he can understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely, our pension funds are performing very well.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

We wanted advice on planning our finances, so that we could invest our money and receive a monthly income from our investments prior to receiving our old age pensions.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe Froud has continued to provide excellent advice and guidance on our investments/pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have been very happy with every aspect of Joe's Financial Planning service.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

We are contemplating retirement and needed expert advice to know if that is possible.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe's advice has been really clear and incredibly informative. His detailed report provides a really clear view of our options, and our discussions have left us feeling confident to make well informed decisions about our future years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we now feel well informed to make our retirement decisions.

Joe's reply

Thank you so much for the kind review Ian, it's been a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

I wanted to see if our pension savings could fund our retirement comfortably

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe helped us decide what is important to us and how much our predicted lifestyle will cost. He reviewed our pension savings and built a report which is so useful for understanding how our money will stretch for the next 2-3 decades.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I feel happy knowing I have a plan for retirement.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Joe's reply

Thank you so much for the nice review Ali

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

We wanted to retire early but, needed some expert advice as to whether or not this was possible. We also wanted to consolidate our pensions and investments into a portfolio that was more in line with our risk strategy and values.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe has helped us by creating a robust easy to understand financial plan which has given us the confidence to help support our early retirement decision. He has also helped us consolidate our pensions/investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely, not only has Joe helped us with our finances, he is more than that, he supports and helps us with financial education and mentoring, he keeps in touch, he really cares, he doesn’t just sell a load of products and forget about us, he regularly checks in, he makes himself available for questions and in our opinion goes above and beyond what is expected of him. We really value this and appreciate the support he has given us.

What could they have done better?

There is really nothing that Joe could do better, he’s just been brilliant.

Joe's reply

Thank you so much Kevin, what a lovely review. It’s a pleasure working with you.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Joe

We have found Joe to be extremely professional, helpful and knowledgeable and look forward to receiving his financial recommendations. Based on our initial meetings and draft report received I would definitely recommend his services.

Joe's reply

Thank you Lee, it has been a pleasure working with you two.

Review from verified client

June, 2022

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

Needed a review of everything I had as it was all over the place

How has Joe Froud helped you?

100% the best financial planner I have ever used. Honest and 100% reliable and by far the best on the market

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ongoing but always there for advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing honest upfront and reliable

Joe's reply

Thank you so much Abi. A pleasure to work with you.

Review from verified client

June, 2022

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

Had some money from a risky but profitable investment, I wanted to invest 'properly' Additionally I realise now that there was a lot I could have done with more knowledge when younger, still being young I wanted to use this time now to set myself up for the future and not have regrets about sorting finances sooner.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Education, financial advice, investment advice and pension advice assistance How much to overpay my pension, which funds to switch to, which have the lowest fees.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, better than I had expected, I feel far more confident in my future, excited to invest and actually wanting to work harder to have more money to invest.

What could they have done better?

I would say possibly as few more charts, or models to predict not just the optimal route, but an option I could follow if money became tight, or if I worked hard to get a pay rise/more income... this is where I could be. I am sure if I asked Joe would have happily provided this. Just some way to show what doing extra, and investing that tiny bit more could do. e.g. some rough models showing: - At least do this if money is tight - I recommend you do this (main recommendation) - If you can work hard and get here, then do this It may be able to be done live on computerised models, but I find it shows the impacts of starting early, what a little extra could do.

Joe's reply

Thank you so much for the review Ivan. A pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

August, 2021

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

We wanted to ensure we were saving enough for our future and providing for our children after our deaths.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe provided evidence based advice taking into account our attitude to risk and lifestyle choices. The information presented is easy to understand and assists with making decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we feel much more confident and reassured that we will become financially independent at a reasonable age.

What could they have done better?

We have no complaints, Joe is friendly, approachable and always there if we need him and the annual review provides a chance to reflect on our aspirations for the future.

Joe's reply

Thanks Cheryl. It’s an absolute pleasure working with you two ?

Review from verified client

August, 2021

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

Equity release

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe has been fantastically knowledgeable throughout the process and always on hand to advise.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - equity release all sorted!

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing! Joe and his team's customer service has been fantastic.

Joe's reply

Thank you very much Helen, it was a pleasure to help you.

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

We were looking to invest at better interest rates than we were getting with our savings at that time

How has Joe Froud helped you?

By opening our eyes to what was possible

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

no idea

Joe's reply

Thank you for the very kind review Roger and Fiona.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Joe

Joe was prompt in replying, very helpful and professional. I am no longer looking for advice at this time.

Joe's reply

Thank you Barbara, it was great to meet you. Wishing you all the best for your future. Warm regards, Joe

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

In the lead up to retirement, I wanted to use the new flexibilities to plan my retirement income.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe was extremely helpful in giving me the advice necessary to transfer my DB pension, and the peace of mind that I was making the right decision for my future income needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am retiring at the end of 2020 at the age of 55, and looking forward to an active lifestyle knowing my income needs are taken care of.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything that comes to mind.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

I wanted to review my retirement arrangements and was looking to find a partner that understood my requirements

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe was immediately reassuring. He helped me to understand where I was on my financial journey and encouraged me to look carefully at my goals and aspirations for the future before making any decisions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am reassured that I am on the right path and Joe provides regular updates.

What could they have done better?

Joe is a quiet and reserved person but that is probably best suited to this type of role. Some might mistake this as being a bit aloof but it is certainly not the case

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

I had a very small pension from an old employer that I wanted to add to to ensure financial security for the future.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe was amazing, explained about how I could make my pension work much better for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, totally.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, amazing service.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Several pensions "scattered", wanted them to all work together and to be in one place. Looking for a financial plan to retire, needed to understand what options were available to us.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Managed the scattered pensions by consolidation. Offering solutions for future by identifying the financial landscape.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Currently the plan(s) are on track, but it would be wrong for me to say they have come to fruition as we still have a number of years to go, but I'm confident if we say a change Joe will be in contact!

What could they have done better?

Very difficult to add suggestions in such a specialist field, keep up the non-jargon speak when you talking to us people who are looking for maximum return on their cash, but have no clue how it is done.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

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

Investing redundancy money and reviewing pension pot.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

We met and he reviewed my circumstances and advised some options regarding potential investments. We then went on to discuss my pension pot which he went away, reviewed and then had a meeting to discuss how best for it to work for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Investment is only in it's initial 6 month period and it is a long term investment,.

What could they have done better?

At this early stage of the investment I have no comments to add here.

Review from verified client

October, 2018

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

Pensions advice.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Sorted out long term investment strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet too soon.

What could they have done better?

Too soon to comment

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Joe

Joe was extremely knowledgeable​ and personable during our meeting. He definitely left me with confidence in him and his services. I'm looking forward to working with him for many years ahead.

Review from verified client

February, 2018

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

I sought financial advice concerning income drawdown on my pension assets , and a possible transfer out of my defined benefit pension scheme.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe was extremely helpful in providing me with all the information I needed to make my decisions, and outlining the pros and cons of those decisions. The report he provided on my possible transfer was extremely comprehensive, and he was very responsive in answering all of my questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Although markets have recently dipped, I was fully aware of this possibility, given my attitude to risk. I believe fully that Joe will guide me on a regular basis going forward as I approach retirement, and through my retirement years.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure there is much more I would have expected from Joe. One can always say that the advice could have been cheaper, but the charges are in line with other advisers, and so far I think my money has been well spent.

Review from verified client

February, 2018

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

I wanted to transfer from a Defined Benefits Pension Scheme to a more flexible product offering income as well as investment for future needs.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

By understanding our current needs as well as future plans. He took into account our attitude to risk as well and then offered a considered solution which we agreed that we wanted to progress. He then managed the transfer in a confident and professional way and is always available to clarify and interpret when required. He managed what was a significant decision for us in a sensitive way and we are pleased with the outcome.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We achieved the outcome we were seeking. The products suggested meet our current needs and appear to be correct for future ones as well. The transfer itself was quite complex and detailed and from the outset Joe advised and made the process straightforward and his calm,confident manner reassured us that we made the right decision.

What could they have done better?

I am not aware of any part of the process that could have been handled better. Joe is flexible and conscientious and provides sensible advice to meet our needs .

Review from verified client

February, 2018

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

Considering moving pension from established pension plan in order to release funds.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Advised on options available. Carried out full financial analysis and projections of possible return from the different options. Advised on pros and cons of options. Gathered information on state pension entitlement and projections of my other pension fund to give picture of future financial situation, depending on option chosen. Advised on levels of risk involved.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything.

Review from verified client

February, 2018

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

Approaching retirement age.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Assess best options to release pension funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

February, 2018

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

I needed to release some tax free funds from my pension pot.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Helped me release the funds and now manages my pension going forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Everything was as he said

Review from verified client

February, 2018

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

Looking for advice on moving DB pension out of scheme. Initially I approached the Lighthouse group, they did not have the necessary financial expertise to offer pension advice and recommended Joe from the Mellor Practice IFA's.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Offered detailed financial modelling and planning. Clear explanations of my options and the pro's and con's associated with them. Detailed analysis of my risk profile and long term requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes . I am happy with the level of risk my investments are exposed to and if they meet the growth model Joe provided all should be well.

What could they have done better?

Hard to see what more Joe could provide.

Review from verified client

February, 2018

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

Having more control to further expand the pension value.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Having an adviser such as Joe made it less stressful managing the transfer and growth of my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Having been briefed on the pros and cons. this is a long term growth plan and I am confident in the future there will be significant growth.

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied with the professional advice from Joe. My portfolio is very modest and I am pleased so far with the service.

Review from verified client

October, 2017

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

Had multiple pensions and required assistance in helping to amalgamate and ensure that they were all working the best they could for me.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Provided advice and facilitated the amalgamations and re-investment to a platform that would work best for.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

No

Review from verified client

September, 2017

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

I needed advice on my pension.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

He explained my options clearly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes growth within 9 months.

What could they have done better?

Nothing mostly done by email or by arranging telephone consultations

Review from verified client

September, 2017

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

A pension with a previous employer which required transferral.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Handled the transfer and advised on where best to invest for a better return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. I was lucky enough to be able to take more risk with my investment and have been rewarded already.

What could they have done better?

Joe is hard to critique, the transition was super smooth and I'm more than happy with the outcomes.

Review from verified client

September, 2017

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

Looking for advice for retirement planning.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Gave good balanced and well researched advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Long term planning but we are happy with how plans have been set up.

Review from verified client

September, 2017

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

Retirement planning.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

I had been personally recommended to Joe and found that he spent a great deal of time getting to know me and my specific circumstances. As a result he has made clear to me things that I had ignored for many years and helped me put my finances in good order for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Everything has been clear and straightforward and am delighted with the service I have received so far.

What could they have done better?

I honestly can't think of anything to say that he needs to do to improve - just keep on doing the same

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Joe

He was knowledgable and understood my personal situation readily. A very satisfactory meeting.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Pension transfer.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe found me the right pension fund.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

Needed to transfer my pension.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Great advice. Found a pension that suited. No nonsense advice. Highly recommended.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes pension has been transfered.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

needed to sort out my company pension fund in a way that suited my personal circumstances.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

took control of all information and liaised with others to refine a plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

absolutely, better than expected.

What could they have done better?

nothing.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

When I retired I required a financial adviser to look after my pension fund.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe understood my needs and provided investment options for my fund explained in simple understandable terms.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy with Joe's recommendations and supporting documentation.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

I required advice in relation to transferring my DB Pension Scheme benefits to a Flexible Pension arrangement to enable me to exercise the flexibilities now available from age 55.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe helped to analyse my options & asses the feasibilty of transferring my Pension, and to establish a future Investment Provider and Fund strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Joe had managed the transfer of my DB Pension to a Flexible Pension arrangement and I am very satisfied with the outcome. He also continues to provide an excellent service on-going and I am very confident in his ability to help me manage my Pension investments.

What could they have done better?

I am unable to think of anything Joe could have done better. He is extremely thorough & proactive, has an excellent understanding of his field and has a manner that makes him a pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend him to others, and in fact have already done so.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

Change of job, need to plan for retirement, dependants to consider.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Structure my investments and pension savings. Forecast for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

No I'm happy

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

Taking a workplace pension from another job over myself.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Helped me decide what type of investment I wanted and my preferred risk profile and the arranged all the transfers.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely.

What could they have done better?

The service was excellent I couldn't have asked for anything more

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

Drawing down a government pension which you have to have an IFA for.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Went through in great detail all of my options and looked at what best suited my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and was very pleased with the professional and clear documentation that accompanied it. Everything was dealt with very quickly.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

unhappy with previous advisor.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

gave great advice and talked me through best paths.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

very much so..increase in dividends from shares/pension plan in 12 months.

What could they have done better?

he has been excellent

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

I was looking for a financial adviser to advise me on life insurance and the best option for my pensions as I was expecting my first child and wanted to sure everything is in place.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe was extremely helpful, he came to my home at a time convenient to me . I found Joe to be professional and friendly. He explained everything in detail and made sure that I understood every aspect of the application process. He was able to answer all of my questions and concerns. With regards to my pension inquiry, Joe contacted the pension providers on my behalf and provided me with the necessary goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was extremely happy with the service that I received from Joe and as a result took out one of the products that we discussed. The price that Joe obtained for me was very competitive and better than I would have got on my own. I would recommend Joe Froud as a financial adviser and will continue to use his services in the future.

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

I was looking for a more local Financial Adviser and Joe Froud was recommended to me.

How has Joe Froud helped you?

Joe was extremely professional, however he was not condescending which I have found in other Advisers I have used, I do have some knowledge of investing and he acknowledged this .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Although I have not used Joe for very long, he has replied to my emails efficiently and quickly.I look forward to a long term professional relationship.

What could they have done better?

At this present time, this has not arisen.