David's reviews
Reviewed for
Insurance and Protection ( 21 )
Mortgages ( 32 )
Pensions ( 21 )
Equity Release ( 2 )
Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 7 )
Auto Enrolment ( 1 )
Investments and Savings ( 23 )
Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 4 )
Inheritance Planning ( 5 )
Long Term Care ( 1 )
Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 1 )
Financial Planning ( 1 )
Reviewers' assets
£200k - £500k ( 1 )
£100k - £200k ( 2 )
£50k - 100k ( 5 )
Up to £50k ( 16 )
First impression
by a VouchedFor user
2 years ago
Overall
Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David
Professional but friendly, and gave lots of information at our initial meeting which enabled me to make decisions about investing for my future pension.
First impression
by a VouchedFor user
2 years ago
Overall
Please provide a brief comment about your experience with David
I've had an initial face to face meeting. I found it difficult to understand the jargon Dave used. I am a novice but Dave assumed I knew what he was talking about. Also the whole process will be protracted taking several weeks unlike other IFAs I have been in contact with.
David:
Disappointed with the 3 stars, always try not to use jargon especially as I'm an Equity Release specialist generally dealing with elderly people. I believe I used Bed and ISA an mentioned Gilts which Beverley ask me what these were before I could go on and explain the process of Bed and ISA and also what a Gilt is. I certainly didn't assume anything. I make no apologise for the timescale, its a regulatory requirement that we know our clients before any recommendation made. We initially meet to complete a comprehensive fact find so I know my client's current financial position and their financial goals. I then go away and research this and then come back to present to my clients. If clients are happy with recommendation, then a full report is produced that backs up everything that was said and recommended and how this meets clients goals. Once clients are happy with Report and have asked any questions they may have, we can then move to application stage and take investment funds. Whole process takes around a month. In my experience clients are more than happy to take things slowly when such an important decision is being made, you don't want to be talked into anything or rushed into making any hasty decision. When clients refuse to disclose all requested information I inform them that I can't progress without knowing full circumstances as my advice might had been different if I had know the whole picture. I choose not to offer my services to clients under partial disclosure route.Review
by a verified client in Kent
3 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
When looking to buy my first house with my other half around 16 years ago, I needed some help finding the right mortgage. Dave had helped my sister, and so she recommended him to us. We have never regretted it.
How has David Simmonds helped you?
Since helping us find out very first mortgage, Dave has since helped us with various re-mortgages, with finding suitable life cover and critical illness insurance cover (especially important when our first child came along). Dave has also helped with setting up private pensions, and has carried out annual financial reviews with us - making various recommendations around ISAs and other investment and saving options.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes - it is a minefield out there when it comes to all of the various financial routes you can take, and having someone as knowledgeable and trustworthy as Dave has been very re-assuring to us. We have since recommended him to various other friends and family, who have all had positive experiences with him.
What could they have done better?
Nothing at all. It has been great to have Dave there for help when needed.
David:
Thanks for your review Tony, your comments are much appreciated.Review
by a verified client in Kent
4 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Many years ago I needed mortgage advice and David was recommended to me
How has David Simmonds helped you?
He helped me with that mortgage and I have used his services since then and have recommended him to friends and family.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, the advice he has given me over the years has given me good returns and mortgages
What could they have done better?
Nothing I can think of
Review
by a verified client in Kent
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I received some money from a Pension and wanted to invest it, knowing that I would need it later on, 5-10 years. The interest from banks etc. wasn't great. David was recommended by a colleague at work.
How has David Simmonds helped you?
David listened to my plans and suggested ways to invest my money, which suited my situation and also took into account my wanting the minimum risks taken.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Very much so.
What could they have done better?
For me, I don't think David could have done any better. He explained everything clearly. Kept me informed at all times of any changes, regular updates on how my investments were doing. Spot on.
David:
Thanks Cynthia that’s a fantastic review. See you soon.