Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 1 )

Pensions ( 16 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 11 )

Investments and Savings ( 13 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 8 )

Inheritance Planning ( 3 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 3 )

Financial Planning ( 3 )

Reviewers' assets

£500k+ ( 1 )

£200k - £500k ( 5 )

£100k - £200k ( 2 )

£50k - 100k ( 1 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

October, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Staffordshire

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

I was approaching retirement age, had recently re-married and my employer was in financial difficulty, so I needed some professional advice.

How has James Wallis helped you?

he has explained clearly all of the options open to me, and has helped greatly in steering me down the correct path.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes - i no longer worry about my SIPP and have great confidence that my investments are in a safe pair of hands

What could they have done better?

Nothing - I've been very happy with every contact I've had with James

James's reply

Thank you so much for your kind words, they are much appreciated. It has been a pleasure working with you so far and I look forward to continue working with you moving forwards.

Review from verified client

August, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

I had a substantial pension.and will be retiring soon. I wanted to make sure I had sufficient funds to support my requirements before retiring and that my investments were performing well.

How has James Wallis helped you?

Full financisl review and plan leading to consolidation of pension funds with review of fees to select best provider and identification of appropriate funds to match risk appetite. This was delivered in a very open, clear and straightforward manner with no hard sell and great explanation of terminology, options and risks.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far investment returns are better than expected - but only 1 year in.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

James's reply

Thank you for your kind words, it is much appreciated. I have enjoyed working with you so far and look forward to continuing to do so.

Review from verified client

April, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

We are handling our Dads financial affairs and needed advice on how to make the best use of his assets to help with his care home fees.

How has James Wallis helped you?

James filled us with confidence from our initial phone call. He understood exactly what we were looking to achieve. We then had a face to face visit with him. James is excellent at the art of simple explanations. He made clear sense to us and advised us which path would be the best one for our circumstances. We would definitely recommend him and will be visiting him again in the future. Thanks James.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We now know how to get the outcome we want to achieve whilst protecting dads assets.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

James's reply

Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it is much appreciated! Glad that you were happy and helped to simplify things for you!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2023

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Cannot thank James enough for his guidance expertise and kindness.

James's reply

Thank you very much for your kind words, appreciated.

Review from verified client

July, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Staffordshire

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

Retirement plan and advice

How has James Wallis helped you?

James helped me understand the different ways we could benefit from my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and Iam very satisfied knowing my money is still working for me

What could they have done better?

Very satisfied

Review from verified client

July, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Leicestershire

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

As I approached sixty years old I started to look towards retirement , and soon realised I needed professional advice and certainly found it in James wallace

How has James Wallis helped you?

He has shown me that the rather daunting task of retirement preparation can be sorted out with peace of mind. With James at the tiller I can be confident in my financial decisions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far everything as gone swimmingly

What could they have done better?

I have no complaints at the service I am receiving from James

Review from verified client

March, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

I had reached my lifetime allowance for my pension and I wanted to take my pension and invest the lump sum

How has James Wallis helped you?

James has listened to what I had to say what I wanted and advised the best way of achieving that

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy with the outcome of where the investment has been distributed. It is too early to see how the spread is performing but by making an even spread that should bring the returns hoped for

What could they have done better?

I feel that there isn’t anything that could have been done better as to this point James was very thorough and covered any areas of concern we had with a confident assurance that made us feel very assured ourselves in that we were doing the right thing

James's reply

Thanks for your kind feedback - it has been lovely working with you both so far and I look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

Review from verified client

March, 2022

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

My wife and I have just retired and wanted to make best use of our retirement lump sums

How has James Wallis helped you?

James Wallis discussed what we wanted to do with our retirement and how this could be financed from investing our capital. James provided us with clear financial modelling of how this could be achieved within our accepted level of risk. James produced an investment plan to reach these goals and has given us clear instruction how to carry out the the investment and is monitoring and providing us with continued advice on our plan and how it can be modified for optimum performance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are at the the early stages of our investment plan so we cannot say whether the investment plan has been successful yet but given all of the information that James has supplied us with we are sure that the investment will have a positive outcome.

What could they have done better?

We think that our experience with James Wallis has been excellent and we don't have any advice to give regarding improvement of service.

James's reply

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It has been a pleasure working with you so far and I am looking forward to working with you moving forward!

Review from verified client

November, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Shropshire

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

Adjustment to my investments as I approached and received my pension and planning ahead for retirement

How has James Wallis helped you?

James has been monitoring my circumstances for a few years now and always with the retirement period in mind. He advised the best way to adjust my investments to maximise both my income potential and the best (although cautious) alternative arrangements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The adjustments have been made but it is early days yet so awaiting a good result.

What could they have done better?

I believe that James has carried out his task very well and I look forward to our continuing collaboration.

James's reply

Thank you for your lovely words, much appreciated! Speak again soon James

Review from verified client

November, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

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

Initially re-mortgaging and tidying up pensions, but more recently investing of funds following a large insurance claim pay out.

How has James Wallis helped you?

Secured a new mortgage and new life insurance/critical illness policies and new pensions. More recently advised on investing funds

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, everything has been sorted to our satisfaction, explained clearly and fulfilled all our requirements.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, we have no complaints at all.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

We were at a stage where we would in the not too distant futur we would  be looking to retire hence we wanted to make sure we had our finances in order .

How has James Wallis helped you?

We contacted James as he was recommended . James is a warm and friendly advisor with a very professional manner. He guided us through our options in a clear and straightforward way . Immediately we could see the benefit of speaking to a professional advisor . We received good sound advice, many options looked at ,James took time to explain anything we did,nt understand. We now feel much more confident with regards to our finances for our retirement. I would definitely recommend  James, and will continue to use his services as needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have , we are more confident regarding our finances since speaking to James and we were happy to take the advise offered and have remained happy with the results.

What could they have done better?

I can understand the need for constructive suggetions ,but honestly do not have any suggestions to offer due to the service received .

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

Retirement from full-time employment and the consequent receipt of a lump sum of money that I wished to invest to provide additional retirement income.

How has James Wallis helped you?

During face-to-face meetings both before and after my retirement, with both me and my wife, James discussed our investment needs thoroughly and carefully. He established our attitudes to long-term investment, with regard to tax liability, risk and ethics, and made appropriate recommendations to suit our needs. He has always explained the reasons for his recommendations patiently and clearly, and carried forward the agreed strategy promptly and efficiently. He has relieved me of the burden of attempting to manage my own investment portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - we have seen a highly acceptable return from our investments, with minimal effort required on our part. I would be glad to recommend James' services to anyone in a similar position to ourselves.

What could they have done better?

I find it difficult to imagine how James could have done better. He already does exactly what we need - he is as available and helpful as we require.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

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

I was looking to move my existing pension to a private one

How has James Wallis helped you?

James went through all the details with me so I understood what was required and how I should proceed with moving my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes although the last year has been very challenging in the financial world

What could they have done better?

I am very happy in every aspect of advice I have received

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

My personal circumstances changed which meant i needed advice and support with managing my finances.

How has James Wallis helped you?

James has been very supportive and helpful in explaining the financial options open to me. James has discussed managing risk and investment in terms that I am able to understand. I feel that the service I receive is personal and offers me reassurance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has been as projected according to level of risk.

What could they have done better?

James is very approachable, very able to offer advice and is able to offer explanations of services. He has a calm , friendly professional manner and is always very accommodating with appointments. He is always reliable and punctual, paperwork is always in order, and he completes actions as agreed.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

I was in need of advice in relation to a complete overview/overhaul of mine and my wife's financial situation.

How has James Wallis helped you?

James provided a thorough overview of our situation and our plans for our future. As a result of this overview he provided us with information and recommendations as to how to achieve what we wanted to.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes but, as he has said, this is a work in progress and because of this, we have regular updates and meetings with him.

What could they have done better?

Can't fault anything with James. He is very knowledgeable and sets things out in an easy to understand manner.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Norfolk

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

I was looking to get all my pensions together and know exactly how much I had and how to invest for the long term and my future

How has James Wallis helped you?

He was very helpful in the fact I know it can be a minefield and had not got any idea of anything. He was very helpful in the fact he listened to my concerns and worries and was able to guide me through the process and give me the facts he did not try and sugar coat as some financial Advisors do. He was very understanding and spoke to me like a real person. Very knowledgeable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and a lot more

What could they have done better?

Nothing. He couldn't of done anything more.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

Approaching retirement, I needed professional advice on how to maximise my savings with the minimal risk possible.

How has James Wallis helped you?

James presented all the options in a very clear, jargon-free manner and put me at ease with his professional and friendly manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Up to this point in time, everything is working out pretty much as predicted.

What could they have done better?

I don't think there's much that James could have done any better short of acquiring a crystal ball.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Bedfordshire

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

I required investment planning and the knowledge that my pensions / investments are being regularly reviewed.

How has James Wallis helped you?

Consolidated my pensions and provided long term investment advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to comment.

What could they have done better?

Again too early to comment - within first year.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

Long term investment through equities and cash balance.

How has James Wallis helped you?

Excellent and honest advice. Well presented information.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Good returns. Always interesting to discuss financial matters.

What could they have done better?

All good.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

About 6 years ago I sold my house and didn’t know what to do with the money I needed to invest or something

How has James Wallis helped you?

James sorted me out by telling me what I should invest and what I should allow myself easy access to

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely very satisfied with the advice James gave me and continues to give me He is very patient in explaining certain situations and giving me advice on how and when to move money around

What could they have done better?

I don’t think James could do any better I trust his advice implicitly and feel quite safe in the decisions we have made

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cornwall

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

James was recommended to me. I was looking to transfer my pension from a supplier that was very poor.

How has James Wallis helped you?

James gave me great advice and has been very good with advice on a regular basis since.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, after years on no-interest from my previous supplier I think the out-come and out-look is very good.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure as James has answered all my questions and has given promt servce.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

We had an amount of money which we wanted to invest on our retirement.

How has James Wallis helped you?

He was very efficient in carrying out our wishes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes,we are very satisfied with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

We don't think our finances could have been handled any better.

Review from verified client

May, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Leicestershire

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

Coming up to retirement

How has James Wallis helped you?

Clearly explained our options, talked us through the processes, never talked down to us, was very encouraging and positive.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have been able to retire earlier than we first thought.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything!

Review from verified client

May, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

Transfer of pension pot

How has James Wallis helped you?

James was very transparent in how he could support us, there was never any pressure to move forward, James discussed pros and cons; options available and why; also options not available and why. James answered all of our questions (we had a lot), he offered advice, went through all paperwork and explained everything in detail. James kept us fully up to date with the necessary communications (not too many). Very approachable and easy to work with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Before talking to James, we had estimated an outcome. After working with James we have a much better outcome than we had ever expected. Excellent service.

What could they have done better?

Excellent service, can not fault approach, service or person.