Sonny Joannou

Sonny Joannou

Arcus Wealth

Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 1 )

Pensions ( 41 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 20 )

Investments and Savings ( 21 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 7 )

Inheritance Planning ( 5 )

Long Term Care ( 2 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 6 )

Financial Planning ( 16 )

Financial Mentoring ( 4 )

Financial Coaching ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 10 )

£200k - £500k ( 8 )

£100k - £200k ( 7 )

£50k - 100k ( 3 )

This adviser has some reviews that were left while they were employed at a different firm to the one they are at now.

Repeat review

by a verified client in London

23 days ago

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

How has Sonny Joannou helped you since your last review?

Advice is at hand whenever I have any doubts or questions.

Repeat review

by a verified client in Kent

25 days ago

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

How has Sonny Joannou helped you since your last review?

Clear understanding of my pension plans

Repeat review

by a verified client in Hampshire

a month ago

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

How has Sonny Joannou helped you since your last review?

Sonny has helped me to keep a cool head when things get critical elsewhere. I have averted making possible rash decisions because of this.

Repeat review

by a verified client in Hertfordshire

2 months ago

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

How has Sonny Joannou helped you since your last review?

I now have a much better understadning of my pension, and my pension planning. I really didnt understand the details behind pensions, or the need for planning. Sonnoy has been thoughrough in his apoach, and I now feel much more comfortable with my plan, and have a firmer grip on when I plan to retire. Above all, hes is a realy nice guy, who builds confidence, and trust.

Review

by a verified client in Essex

8 months ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Because I needed expert help.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review

by a verified client in West Sussex

9 months ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Amalgamated pensions requiring ongoing advice post retirement

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Annual advice and discussion with respect to investment and future actions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Happy with advice, all required areas covered, nothing more to be done

Review

by a verified client in Surrey

9 months ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I was asked if I wanted to talk to a advisor by my then pension company

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Explaining how it works

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I believe so far.Trying to get my head around it

What could they have done better?

I do prefer talking to people in person

Review

by a verified client in Buckinghamshire

9 months ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Pension is with Prudential

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Yes, discussed options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Not aware of any possible improvement

Review

by a verified client in London

10 months ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Pensions consolidation

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Managed pension consolidation and advised on retirement planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

First impression

by a VouchedFor user

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Sonny

Sonny has interviewed me as to my investment requirements on my pension which I am happy with. He has followed this up with my Client Profile Report which indicates the level of risks that I'm prepared to make. This Profile has included typical investments that are appropriate for my Profile. Comparisons with other risk profiles are made.

Review

by a verified client in Essex

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I consolidated a number of my personal pensions onto one platform.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Sonny is a very personable professional and has provided me with good advice regarding my pension and financial planing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Pension has performed well recently. Need to review risk weightings with Sony in the coming months.

What could they have done better?

I’m pleased with the overall advise received. Also the pension platform is very good.

Review

by a verified client in London

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Long time ago needed long term savings plan and then went onto other items

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Savings plans Pensions advice and advice to do with monies from sale of business

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes retired now and glad thought ahead

What could they have done better?

Happy so far

Review

by a verified client in Middlesex

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

ISa's and private pension - advise on how to invest.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes but that is all subject to the stock market.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Value

Advice

Service

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

Wanting somewhere to put my pension assets leading up to retirement

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Sonny is personable and approachable. I feel more confident with his 'steering' than my own.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not entirely but that is hardly Sonny's fault. The ruinous behaviour of Governments and corporations have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and a sense of dishonesty coming from those who should be looking after people's best interests. I am left feeling helpless and at the mercy of financial and political tides and whatever ills they may bring.

What could they have done better?

I would like some facility for investing in gold and silver rather than having to go elsewhere. I do not really trust anyone completely. I have encountered rogues in the past and 'false dawn' people. Right now, I am expecting a huge financial crash and I do not feel ready for it.

Review

by a verified client in London

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

where to invest savings for pension

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review

by a verified client in London

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Pension advice

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Advice on how best to manage my expectations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review

by a verified client in Kent

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

.

What could they have done better?

.

Review

by a verified client in London

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Needing someone to give financial advice

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

In many ways

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review

by a verified client in West Sussex

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I needed help to amalgamate pensions and investments

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

My investments are now easy to view and keep an eye on.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Things are moving along slowly at the moment, but heading in the right direction.

What could they have done better?

I am not sure much more could have been done.

Review

by a verified client in Gloucestershire

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I had received an inheritance and I looked to invest the money for future financial goals.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

He has reassured me of how well my investments are doing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No, but I understand that is due to economic hardship rather than poor financial advice.

What could they have done better?

More effective and frequent communication. As it stands, I have waited two months for a reply.

Review

by a verified client in London

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

General Pension investment advice

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Has been helping understanding the present financial scenario and suggesting various options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far and within the present financial climate, yes

What could they have done better?

Like everything else there is always room for improvement.

Review

by a verified client in Hertfordshire

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Annual pension reveiw

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Advice on pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet, taking long term view

Review

by a verified client in East Sussex

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Retirement and lump sum investment need.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

As per requirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not applicable.

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Transferring a pension

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Regular reviews

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review

by a verified client in Bristol

a year ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

To amalgamate my pensions

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

He listens attentively and explains things very clearly, breaking information down so I can understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review

by a verified client in Essex

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I needed an advisor to offer advice on to best way to invest

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

As I have said the advice was good and sonny was very helpful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes the advice was very good

What could they have done better?

He could not have done any better with my risk vaule

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Pension advice

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Taking me through pension options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

All good for me

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Finding a good home for my private pension

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

His advice has been sound and thorough and put my mind at ease

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say given the current turbulence in the financial markets

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I wanted to maximise the potential of my investments

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

He advised on the best way to increase contributions to my investments. He reassured me that my money is in the right funds, and that the markets will eventually pick up.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No, but I appreciate that the whole market is depressed at the moment, so I'm not going to blame Sonny for forces outside of his control. Hopefully things will improve over the next year.

Review

by a verified client in Buckinghamshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

appointed by pension company

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Has minimised the impact of the financial climate

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Outcome affected by financial climate

What could they have done better?

Not aware of anything that could have been done better

Review

by a verified client in West Sussex

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Pension combined

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Good professional Honest Advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

None

Review

by a verified client in London

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Having several stagnant pension policies I needed to have them amalgamated and earning.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

He has done quite an amount of work behind the scenes to optimise my options for an earlier retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

For the most part; all the mothballed pension pots have been unified into something useful, though I had hoped they might have been more valuable than was actually the case; but,then, who doesn't?

What could they have done better?

I believe, given the less-than-ideal current economic situation, Sonny has done a fine job.

Review

by a verified client in Surrey

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I was asked by my pension company if I wanted to talk to a advisor

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Investing savings

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

A pension is long term so I hope so

What could they have done better?

I do prefer a face to face meeting but I know that’s not always possible

Review

by a verified client in Hertfordshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

At work I contracted out of Serps, and my provider was Norwich Union followed by Aviva - the latter recommended Alliance Trust to manage my portfolio, and thence Tenet took over this management.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

He has helped to explain how Tenet's charges work, and to give me background advice on tax planning, in particular to my pension being outside the parameters of IHT.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As far as I'm concerned this is a 'work in progress' that I'm taking quite a long term view on, but so far so good.

What could they have done better?

not applicable

Review

by a verified client in London

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Pension consolidation and retirement planning

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Organising consolidation, advising on tax impacts from different strategies

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Not sure I can think of anything.

Review

by a verified client in Middlesex

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I have known Sonny for more than 15 years and I have recommended him to my network of friends without any hesitation

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Financial planning for my future retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes -subject to the markets

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review

by a verified client in Derbyshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

To advise me about my pension

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Kept me updated

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Upto now yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review

by a verified client in Surrey

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Service

Advice

Value

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

Yearly appointment

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Still on Going

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Hopefully

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

supplied by Tenet

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

happy how things are

What could they have done better?

will have more idea in the next year how things have paned out

Review

by a verified client in London

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Many years ago as tried to forward plan.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Has been available throughout for advice as and when needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review

by a verified client in London

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Consolidating all my pensions.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

With administration of specific requests and I am expecting a recommendation for overall strategy in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, but current market has hit fund value.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Lack of knowledge and self confidence in investing.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Sonny is very honest as well as experienced and knowledgeable. He has an agreeable personality. Many of the things going on beyond his control but, he is rational and I believe is doing his best. He has deterred me from making potentially rash decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No. There has been a steady decline in the value of my assets. It has made me pessimistic about the future.

What could they have done better?

I would like viable alternatives to the current market malaise. I feel that my pension is not my money but has been removed beyond my control. In my mind, I have to put up with whatever happens - good or bad. I have almost reached the conclusion that my investments are set to become worthless.

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Wanting to maximise the earning potential of my savings and pension, as well as being assured that my money is invested with a risk appropriate to my situation.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

He's been easily contactable when I had queries and questions. He's also reassured me when I had doubts about my involvements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No, but I know that's to do with the universal state of the investment market, rather than the advice given.

What could they have done better?

There was some confusion over contribution increases, which possibly could have been avoided or resolved quicker, but the ease of communication did help.

Review

by a verified client in Suffolk

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

pension transfer

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Really good advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review

by a verified client in Hertfordshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Update on pension performance

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Help in understanding pension investment process

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Waiting on report / proposals

What could they have done better?

Happy with help to date

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Retirement

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Sound advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of

Review

by a verified client in Essex

2 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

For someone that could invest my monies with a cautious return

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

He went over our situation of investment and said it was good

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

He has ok I don’t think he could better with cause look on investment

Review

by a verified client in London

3 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Recommended by Pensions Provider.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Consolidated all pension funds to one investment platform.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review

by a verified client in London

3 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

I had 4 pensions and wanted to know how best to manage them.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

Sonny gave me factual based information in order for me to make an informed decision as to how my pension can be managed. He listened to my concerns, aspirations and answered all of my questions. He met me with kindness and was able to put all technical terms in to layman's language offering reassurance but also clearcut factual information.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. It was advised to transfer the pensions in to one and for them to managed by a financial advisor who had knowledge in this area.

Review

by a verified client in Hampshire

3 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Transfer of pension

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

By giving sound financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No

Review

by a verified client in London

3 years ago

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

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

Having several disparate pension pots accumulated over the years I wanted to unite them in one efficient plan prior to retiring.

How has Sonny Joannou helped you?

He has coordinated successfully the move of most of my pension plans into what certainly seems like a much more attractive plan, explaining the various pros and cons along the way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Inevitably there is a desire for the funds to be greater but the situation now is doubtless as good as is feasible.