Martin Johnston

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Retirement and low returns on cash investments.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

By accepting that I was risk averse and securing a stable income for retirement and improved returns on my savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I have peace of mind, a regular income and an investment strategy for the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Martin is very professional. He responds promptly to any queries I may have, his paperwork is beautifully and accurately presented, leaving little for me to complete. He has been very reassuring in turbulant financial times.

Martin's reply

Hello Margot, Thank you for your kind words, they're greatly appreciated! Best regards Martin

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Tax free lump sum from my pension

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Help with what options were available along with pros and cons of each , allowed us to make a decision without any pressure one way or the other

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing as far as we are concerned

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

we were recommended to sort out our finances

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

from the first meeting martin understood that we were complete novices and has guided us successfully

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

even with corona virus we are still looking for the future

What could they have done better?

we have been kept up to date all through corona dont think it could be improved

Martin's reply

Thank you for your kind words, I hope you are both well!

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

The need to plan financially.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Dealing with work pension initially then on to my complete financial plan for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Under the current circumstances it is difficult to say.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I needed a adviser who I could trust to help me with my pension ,understand my worries and help me feel confident im making the correct decisions for myself.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

He is explaining the ins and outs of my pension and paperwork , when it comes to me needing to make the right choice especially with myself who I must say knows very little about pensions and find a lot of what I read very confusing .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Overall Martin has been a great help to me for some time now and im sure the outcome as things progress will turn out to be the best i could have hoped at that time.

What could they have done better?

At the moment I can say quite honestly I cannot think of a single thing.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

About to retire (at short notice ). A colleague recommended Martin and HDA. I’m glad I took their advice. Right from day 1 I knew Martin was the person to work with. It was obvious he was very good at his job and very understanding of my circumstances and needs.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

He reviewed my situation and advised me of a number of options taking all my needs into consideration. Martin has always been very approachable and replied promptly to any questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, without any need for alteration. Also Martin assisted when one of the pension providers suddenly stopped paying me he was able to quickly resolve the problem.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

My previous IFA was retiring and reccomended HDA

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Martin listened to my hopes for my fund and made it happen

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

I had a series of pensions that I want combined into one.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Martin explained the process in detail and advised me of the best way to proceed. He also advised me regarding cash release.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I’m very happy.

What could they have done better?

Martin couldn’t have done any more. He came to my place of work, there was absolutely no inconvenience to myself.

Martin's reply

Hello David, Thank you for your review, it is greatly appreciated. With best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Over the past few years I have needed advice with mortgages, pensions and general financial guidance.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Martin has been an exceptional help with all my financial affairs. He listens, he explains and goes over anything I need to know to enable me to make well informed decisions that are right and feel comfortable for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have.

What could they have done better?

In no aspect of my financial care can I fault the professional guidance I have received from Martin, and therefore I see no reason to suggest any change.

Martin's reply

Hello Julia, Thank you for your review and kind words. They are greatly appreciated. With best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

My contact came via my workplace, Malvern College, and I specifically wanted personal advice for my pension and also for the investment of a recently received inheritance.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Having never used a financial advisor before, I was a little nervous, and also worried about seeming naive about my pension, savings and future plans for both. From day one, Martin was completely approachable, put me at ease immediately, and did not blind me with jargon. He was sensitive to my apprehension and did not pressure me into making any decisions, but gave me options, explained everything in layman’s terms and made me feel much more reassured.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far I have been very pleased, but as my investments are for the long term, I am not too worried about outcome yet, despite the current horrors!

What could they have done better?

I really can’t think of anything!

Martin's reply

Hello Helen, Thank you for your very kind words, they’re greatly appreciated. With very best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Financial investment and planning

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Martin gave clear, honest and genuine financial advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

First invested with HDA in the mid1980's and i'm still listening to their advice. So far so good

What could they have done better?

Martin was extremely clear and honest with advice and suggestions about all current and future investment possibilities.

Martin's reply

Hello Darren, Thank you for you kind feedback. It’s greatly appreciated! Best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

I wanted to invest my pension pot

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Martin came to my home and gave me all my options, Martin did not pressure me into any thing I did not want. Martin listened to what i wanted and gave me the investment package i wanted.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes i have

What could they have done better?

There was nothing that Martin could do any better, he was very helpful and understanding.

Martin's reply

Hello Mick, Thank you for the kind words, it’s greatly appreciated! Best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

I had been employed in a few places, so I had a lot of frozen pensions. So I needed advice, on what to do for my future.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

He sorted out my pensions, by investing and also places my pensions into one.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, it was ticking over quite nicely, until this corona virus started. Who will know what happens next.

What could they have done better?

Martin has done a terrific job. He has looked after my finances and explained everything that has happened along the way.

Martin's reply

Hello Chris, Thank you for you kind words, they’re greatly appreciated! With best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

My employer employed the services of Martin’s company when introducing AE. I then signed up as a personal client.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Gave sound advice in layman’s words.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my pension has performed very well.

What could they have done better?

Keep doing the good job that you’ve done so far. Keep regular contact especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

Martin's reply

Hello Joan, Thank you for your review, it’s greatly appreciated. I’ll continue to be in touch! With best regards and keep safe Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Retirement planning and consolidation of personal pensions.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Discussed the options available and advised on the best plan based on my long term requirements. He facilitated the consolidation of my funds and offers ongoing support. The service given was prompt, efficient and professional.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Everything has been put in place as per my requirements with annual reviews to ensure that everything stays on track.

What could they have done better?

I am perfectly happy with the service and advice given.

Martin's reply

Hello Judith, Thank you for you kind feedback, it’s greatly appreciated. With best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

My previous pension provider was getting out of the pension provision business so I was looking for somewhere to put the money.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

He's consistently worked to understand my risk appetite and my plans for the future, helping me turn that into a financial plan and a means to achieve it.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Broadly, the investments have done well (ignoring the recent financial panic about COVID 19).

Martin's reply

Hello Steve, Thank you for your kind words, it’s greatly appreciated! Best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Company pension and pensions advice

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

He reviewed my current financial situation and advised me on my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes it’s put me in a better place financially now and set me a goal for retirement

What could they have done better?

Nothing his advice was really useful and helpful

Martin's reply

Hello Nigel, Many thanks for the kind words! With very best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

I approached HDA for advice regarding an inheritance. I also wanted some advice regarding an old small pension and advice on planning for my retirement.

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Martin is always very professional in a friendly and approachable way, which I appreciate .I am not very confident with pensions so it was very reassuring that Martin made sure he understood my financial situation and explored my options with me.. He always offers clear and considered advice and keeps me up to date.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

With Martins advice and help I have consolidated my pension provision and I feel we have made the most of what I have as I only hvae a few years to ago until I retire.

What could they have done better?

I honestly don't think Martin could have done any more for me in my situation.

Martin's reply

Hello Julie, Thank you for your kind words, it is greatly appreciated. With best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

Pension planning

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

He arranged everything I wanted

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing.not unless he can read the future

Martin's reply

Hello Bill, Thank you for you comments, they're much appreciated! Best regards Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

I was recommended HDA a few years ago regarding my stakeholder pension

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Good knowledge, understanding personal needs, giving options which I hadn’t considered and general care for a relatively low value pension in the whole scheme of things

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more options

What could they have done better?

I won’t know this until I run out of cash

Martin's reply

Hello Alex, Thank you for your prompt and positive reply. With many thanks Martin

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

From my employer

How has Martin Johnston helped you?

Very helpful on any issues I had

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Martin's reply

Good morning Steve, Thank you for your prompt and positive review, it's greatly appreciated. Best regards Martin