Robert Brealey

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

When i started my own business a few years ago, i wanted to be sure I provisioned pensions for the future. Robert was recommended to me by my accounting firm as the "man to speak to".

How has Robert Brealey helped you?

Robert provided an excellent review of my financial position, ascertained my goals and aspirations and then expertly guided and facilitated the set up of all the pension provision to meet these aims. He has maintained this service for a little over 6 years providing regular updates and reminders of what to do and when. He has taken away most of the stress of dealing with all the "pension stuff" for me, for which I am extremely grateful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, in fact I have been able to retire 2.5 years earlier than expected with sufficient income to maintain a good lifestyle. Robert continues to monitor and advise as necessary as part of my portfolio management.

What could they have done better?

Nothing of note comes to mind - Roberts service has always been excellent in every respect.

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

I had two pension funds that I had not accessed since I retired in 2022 and originally, I did not intend to access. In the light of the forthcoming changes in the treatment of uncrystallised pension funds for IHT, I re-visited this assumption and asked Robert for his advice.

How has Robert Brealey helped you?

I asked Robert for advice on a) bringing the two funds together into one fund/account, b) his recommendation on the provider/platform taking into account all the fees payable and c) arranging the transfers.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

I needed advise on transferring funds to purchase a house and invest money from a pension scheme.

How has Robert Brealey helped you?

By giving very clear explanations of my choices in a friendly but very professional way, which has given me confidence in the decisions I’ve made. This is ongoing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am happy with the outcomes so far and confident for future outcomes.

What could they have done better?

No.

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

I’d been feeling concerned about my pension planning for a while — the costs seemed high and the advice didn’t feel personal. After trying a few advisors who were more interested in selling products than understanding me, I came across Robert (thanks to an AI suggestion, of all things). From the start, he felt different. He came to our home for a free consultation, took time to get to know us, and didn’t rush into numbers or jargon. Instead, he focused on who we are, what matters to us, and how we think about the future. That human approach was exactly what we’d been missing.

How has Robert Brealey helped you?

Robert then reviewed our pensions, explained our options clearly, and gave us a transparent breakdown of fees so we could choose what to prioritise. The report he produced was genuinely tailored — not generic — and even reflected our personalities and decision making styles. His advice matched some of my gut feelings but also pushed me to think more carefully about my long term retirement strategy. Most importantly, Robert feels like someone who wants to help, not someone trying to sell something.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - We’ve already acted on several of his suggestions, and he’s followed up with calls to check how we’re getting on.

What could they have done better?

I don't think he could have done much better - He’s been accessible, thoughtful, and professional throughout. The secure portal for documents is a great touch, and his fixed fee model gave us confidence from the start.

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

I was wanting to know when I could retire and Rob came and chatted with me about my finances.

How has Robert Brealey helped you?

Rob has helped hugely in taking the worry out of how I will manage financially in the future, by giving clear explanations, allowing me to decide the best course of action.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I retired early knowing I would be financially secure.

What could they have done better?

Nothing! Rob was always professional and listened. I am not financially savvy, so he has been very patient with me and always ensures I understand exactly what he is proposing.