Michael Fowler

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

It was good meeting Michael recently. He is very knowledgeable about pensions and investments and listened to my ideas and thoughts and covered everything I wanted to know clearly. I have yet to decide how and when I will take my pensions but he made a fairly difficult subject easier to understand.

Michael's reply

Thank you for your comments Kim. It was really good to meet you and find out about your plans for the future. I hope that we can work together to achieve your goals.

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

Originally both my husband and I had a number of pension arrangements with different 'legacy employment' situations and we wanted to make decisions on the best plans to leave us in the best place for the future.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Michael has listened carefully to our priorities, including when those priorities have changed and consistently provided us with excellent advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so.

What could they have done better?

Nothing immediately springs to mind.

Michael's reply

Many thanks for your kind review, Jan. I hope that your position is now much simpler and clearer. I look forward to helping you maintain control and flexibility in your finances.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

very professional

Michael's reply

Thank you for your very kind review Andrew. I'm glad you felt comfortable with our conversation and that you found it helpful. I very much look forward to working with you.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael gave us a full review and update of our situation and the position with Succession. We were able to plan with expert guidance and look to future needs taking necessary action. Michael fully answered all our questions with great clarity. A very pleasant couple of hours!!!

Michael's reply

Many thanks for your review Christine and Peter - we've worked together for a few years, through the ups and downs of the pandemic and it's always been a pleasure. I'm glad you feel more empowered - our aim is always to put you in a more informed position so you can make those important decisions about how to structure your finances.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Future retirement and the advice of friends.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Michael has helped me to understand my financial position and to plan for retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

In some cases communication could be a bit more pro active.

Michael's reply

Many thanks for your review Steve. It's always a pleasure working with you, and clearly you get value from our meetings and from my advice. Whilst you have given me a good score overall, it seems I can work on my communication with you, which I will address. Thanks for the feedback.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Need for Expert Advice, and having a person of confidence and competence to manage my Affairs while I run my own business so trust to the business acumen, not having time for details. And I had neglected many aspects of my personal finances like many entrepreneurs.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Regular Financial Advice and planned Reviews, Team Calls to discuss directly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Surpassed my expectations

What could they have done better?

NO, JUST IMPROVE SOME BUREACRACY

Michael's reply

Many thanks for taking the time out to complete a review for me Andrew. Your sentiments are very kind, and its a pleasure to work with you and help plan your financial future.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

On retirement we both had lump sums to invest and therefore sought an adviser.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

We had a succession of advisers from the practice before Michael appeared. He has stayed with us, so that there is now continuity in the management of our affairs. Michael goes to great trouble to ensure that his advice is in accord with our wishes as far as risk and ethics are concerned and his advice has been consistently good despite, for example, Covid-based instability.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Outcomes have been reasonable and have on occasion exceeded expectations.

What could they have done better?

We are very happy with the advice we have been given.

Michael's reply

Many thanks for your review Martin. I'm glad I've brought a degree of continuity to your financial advice process. It's always a pleasure meeting with you both.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

Having taken early retirement, it was essential that my retirement income was futrure proofed.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Advised on pension fund consolidation and proposing best investments for my retirement income

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As my investments are for the longer term, my overall objectives are being met.

What could they have done better?

All good

Michael's reply

Many thanks for your review Chris. You came to me via a referral, which makes the whole process much more rewarding from my perspective, knowing that others want to recommend my services.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Part of a directors pension management setup

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Michael has been advising my on my pensions investment funds and personal circumstances for a number of years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The return on my investments have been in-line with the predicted values, despite turbulent markets, a job well done.

Michael's reply

Many thanks Jim for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

My late husband's Financial Adviser had retired and I needed someone else

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

He courteous and very patient describing my portfolio to me and giving me advice on it.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Michael's reply

Many thanks Trish for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Michael has been a very good successor to the advisors I have had during the years I have been with PKF before it became part of Succession Wealth. He has at all times been helpful and available should I need any help in between the Annual Review. I hope he remains with the company for a long time

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

By suggesting that money should be moved around if an option seems more beneficial to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Michael's reply

Many thanks Priscilla for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Spare cash to invest for my retirement.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Advised and managed the placement of the funds vey well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I am satisfied and have nothing to add.

Michael's reply

Many thanks for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Concern about the life time limit on my NHS pension

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

We resolved the actual amounts from the original estimates and also transferred two small pension pots

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes it was very helpful

What could they have done better?

Very satisfied with outcome and will return for further advice.

Michael's reply

Many thanks Michael for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Advised by my Accountants to seek Financial advise initially regarding Pension saving

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Monies acquired after the sale of my Practice were invested in various areas to hopefully grow and provide drawdown income as required, keeping any tax liabilities at a minimu Advice always comprehensive and knowledgeable

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All was well until Covid struck when the value of investments has fallen and not recovered. But this seems to be a world wide trend and has affected everyone so hopefully valuations are not as bad as they could have been

What could they have done better?

New approach at Succession Wealth with portfolio reviews monthly should give better results but too early to say if this is so.

Michael's reply

Many thanks Peter for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Our previous pension advisor left his company & we didn’t rate the successor

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

By transferring our pension fund out of Scottish Widows to more flexible funds

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The first year we saw good growth but this year there have been losses due to global instability in some investment areas.

What could they have done better?

They are changing us to a managed portfolio to allow for faster & more flexible changes to investments

Michael's reply

Many thanks Sue for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Michael has been my financial advisor for several years. my portfolio is reviewed annually and annually as circumstances dictate. e.g. pension transfers, pension drawdown.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Provided advice and d/w recommendations promptly and efficiently.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Michael's reply

Many thanks for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Lack of financial knowledge and need to plan for future.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Michael has helped with inheritance plans and with investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Michael's reply

Many thanks for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Following my retirement over 10 years ago from my Company Pension scheme where Michael was our advisor I continued to use him in a private capacity.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Managing my portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It continues to provide me with my needs

What could they have done better?

I have always regularly been informed of trading conditions - so perfectly satisfied.

Michael's reply

Many thanks for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

seeking advice on financial investment and savings with longer term view, retirement and inheritance for family

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Yes, he has managed our investments. He has advised and guided us in financial matters with investment and savings over perhaps 10 years and now advises other members of the family, similarly, on our recommendation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, within the limits of the financial markets.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, considering the nature of the financial market.

Michael's reply

Many thanks for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Recommended as a pensions specialist

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Advise on pension investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ongoing

Michael's reply

Many thanks for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Seeking long term financial advice

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

He has been extremely helpful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and we recommended him to other family members

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Michael's reply

Many thanks for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Help in structuring a pension scheme having become self employed

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Michael has advised me for over 10 years and has provided clear and professional advice to me consistently over that period of time. Valuable advice delivered in a friendly and patient manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have taken joint decisions over the years and the overall master plan is coming to fruition. It’s a long term plan and a long term relationship with Michael

What could they have done better?

We have sheltered every storm and performed better than had been thought overall

Michael's reply

Many thanks for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Investments

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

With investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Michael's reply

Many thanks Geoff for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I lost my husband and needed financial advice and planning.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Michael has been helpful in advising me with my finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , I think I have. Everything is carefully explained.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Michael's reply

Many thanks Heather for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Had additional income separate from main occupation. I am talking about 40 tears ago.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Adjusted capital and pension savings to hopefully grow and minimise tax liability.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Growth has been disappointing but I think that is due to the general stock market trend since 2008.

What could they have done better?

Don’t know.

Michael's reply

Many thanks John for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

A need for sound financial advice on investments pensions etc.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

By providing that advice consistently over many years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

He has always been sound in his advice and helpful in his attitude.

Michael's reply

Many thanks Peter for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

We wanted to invest our pension lump sum as a long term plan. We were introduced to Michael 9 years ago and he has been our adviser since then

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

He is thorough and diligent. He takes great care to review our goals and ensure that his advice matches our needs. He includes our most tax efficient options for consideration.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

We are very happy with the level of support we receive and remain confident in his expertise.

Michael's reply

Many thanks Kathy for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Some years ago it became obvious that we were losing an understanding and therefore control of our various investments. We were not sure what the balance of cash versus investments should be and where they should be held.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Michel has helped us to consolidate our savings and has advised us upon changing investment strategies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

External circumstances have precluded achieving the outcome we hoped for. This has been nothing to do with Michael.

What could they have done better?

Michael is knowledgeable and personable. We look forward to our annual reviews and have confidence in his approach.

Michael's reply

Many thanks Peter for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Multiple work pensions and a need to prepare for the future.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Michael has been incredibly helpful, consolidating my numerous pensions, helping to organise investments and preparing my finances to support retirement. Throughout I have felt that he has been someone on my side and fighting my corner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, as far as possible in these difficult financial times.

What could they have done better?

Michael has helped with everything that I needed to date with this ongoing process.

Michael's reply

Many thanks Penny for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Retirement and the need for prudent management of my pensions pot.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Efficient proactive gainful investment management despite the volatility of the markets

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything

Michael's reply

Many thanks Tai for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Consolidation of various pensions

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Initially through negotiations with various lapsed pension funds, he managed to combine into one fund resulting in a significantly higher transfer value

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

N/A

Michael's reply

Many thanks Bob for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Having taken early retirement with a meager defined benefit company pension scheme, not due to pay out for a number of years, I was flogging a dead horse, literally. I needed someone to open up my options.

How has Michael Fowler helped you?

Michael helped negotiate a complicated transfer of benefits, merger and crystallisation scenario, resulting in a doubling of my tax free cash and flexible drawdown to suit my lifestyle.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Having Michael alongside has allowed me to focus on a retirement involving charity work for my local yacht club and getting my golf handicap down.

What could they have done better?

Having to negotiate the client/relative dichotomy may have been difficult for less professional advisors, but not for Michael.

Michael's reply

Many thanks Paul for the time you have taken to provide your review and feedback. It has helped me understand how I add value to your position and helps me improve wherever I can.