Michael Jackson

Review from verified client

July, 2019

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

I had multiple previous occupational pensions & concerns over previous advice.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

he explained options & risk assessments in plain English and with a really visual, aesthetic tool that helps illustrate various scenarios

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

very much so - am pleased with the advice & growth rate seen thus far.

What could they have done better?

nothing!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael is well-balanced, thorough and flexible.

Michael's reply

Hi Charles, Thanks for taking time to leave a review, it is much appreciated. Michael

Review from verified client

January, 2018

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

Pension advice.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael took the time to explained all the options that were available to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy with the pension advice that I recieved.

What could they have done better?

After listening to other people in the same situation I found that the advice I was given was first class

Review from verified client

January, 2018

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

Required advice on financial planning for savings and retirement planning.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Gave friendly, unbiased advice which suited our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes (thus far) in terms of making plans to support financial options consistent with long term plans.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I consulted Michael having had to retire early due to having Parkinson’s disease. One of the first issues facing me was how much regular pension to take versus amount of lump-sum. Given my deteriorating health, other decisions such as how much to have available to spend now enjoying life versus the need for saving/investment to provide security and take care of future needs, made for a complex set of dilemmas. Michael relaxed and warm interpersonal approach makes for easy conversation. His empathic conversational style and desire to understand underlying motivations, aspirations and concerns helped frame my financial decisions and options as serving to support my life choices and goals. He has and ability to present facts, figures and the financial choices in the way that is clear concise and easy to understand. I found Michael to be generous with his time and I never felt under pressure to make a decision quickly. He explained the various options fully, highlighting the pros and cons of each. Fees were clearly explained and agreed in advance of work undertaken. I have felt comfortable working with Michael and unreservedly commend him and his services and to others.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

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

I was looking to start the process of making plans for my retirement.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

I found Michael very helpful and put me at ease from our very first meeting. Michael took time to explain everything to me in words that I could understand he walked me through the whole process without putting any pressure on me. I was allowed to go at a pace that I was happy with. Michael would let you take the information away and look at it in your own time I cannot thank him enough he really made what is a very hard decision to make quite relaxing and stress less I would not hesitate to recommend Michael to anyone who is contemplating retirement. You wil receive a first class professional service from start to finish.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have received the outcome that I was looking for.

What could they have done better?

I honestly do not believe that anything could have been done better as I have been walked through this process step by step and I feel that I was treated with the utmost respect.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

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

I was looking to take advantage of the new pension rules to get access to my company pension at 55 years of age.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael fully explained the process, the advantages (and disadvantages) of the new rules, and helped understand my acceptance of risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely!.

What could they have done better?

I could say I was eager for the process to be completed quicker, but that is unfair on Michael as the delays were very much due to the pension company who took an eternity at each stage.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

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

To advise me on transferring my company pension.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael took me through the transfer process to allow me to make an informed decision as to whether it was the right path for me to take.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - I am extremely happy with the advice I have received

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I have planned a meeting with Michael and it would be unfair to comment on any issue prior to that. Martin Lacey

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

An insightful meeting to plan towards retirement. I'd recommend anyone in the same boat consider similar. Sensible dIscussions regarding the future with a further meeting planned. I've no plans to change FPA I'm happy with my choice and Michael's advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Easy to talk to. It definitely felt like he wanted the best plan for me

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

He was plain spoken without being harsh.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

Saving for children's university funds.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

We love working with Michael as he's at the same life stage as us and we feel he really understands what we're trying to achieve as a young family - the future events we're planning for, where we want to get to as we near retirement age, etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very early days; this is an 18 year investment programme. But Michael has also helped us in the areas of Salary Sacrifice and pension planning.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

n/a.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

My adviser communicates well he simplifies the details of a service so that I can understand the details of my investments. My adviser is comfortable to be with and I have never felt belittled or unimportant ,he is a very good listener and I have never felt pushed into a decision which may concern me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

n/a.

What could they have done better?

My adviser gives me the necessary time needed for my level of understanding . I would hate to be taken for granted or treated as just a number in his business Hence I expect to be treated as an important client on on all my visits to the firm.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

Retirement with retirement pension.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Discussions with Michael are a pleasant experience.He answers questions with patience and clarity and offers reassurance.He knows his subject well,has made very good decisions on my behalf and has given good advice . He succeeds in being both friendly and highly professional at one and the same time. You couldn't ask for more.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Current situation much as before. Financial position is comfortable.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

retirement plan.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

very pleasant patient gentleman who took a great deal of time explaining the best plan for my investments.he has proved to be more than his monies worth to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%.

What could they have done better?

Not a lot really ,i was so happy with him as an individual I have introduced him to several members of my family

Review from verified client

September, 2015

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

Retirement.

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

My wife and I are very happy with Michael's advice and knowledge in handling our financial investments. We are looking for Utopia with low risk for high return.(Impossible in this financial climate for savers). Over the past three and a half years Michael has kept us relatively happy with some good sound advice. Long may it continue. We look forwards to our yearly meetings with Michael for our annual review where we value his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have seen the outcome we were hoping for.

What could they have done better?

I am not knowledgeable enough to give advice but I am impressed on how the service has improved with instant access via the internet.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

currently awaiting his proposals

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Quickly understood my needs and has been extremely generous with his time to date. Now have an ongoing client/customer relationship.

Review from verified client

January, 2014

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Mr Jackson was able to get a mortgage for us when 2 other financial advisors could not. He could not have been more helpful.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael is very thorough. He speaks clearly for the layman. No question is considered irrelevant. Michael is very keen that you walk away from a meeting feeling that you understand the content and outcome. Michael also has a common sense approach, is very approachable and has a good sense of humour. We get the very distinct sense that Michael will not inflate the need to meet up to discuss forward financial planning...hence we will not be racking up hours/bills. This is much appreciate. Michael has given us the confidence that we have a trajectory to our early semi-retirements and that we can continue to enjoy life in the interim period knowing that we will be financially comfortable.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael has been handling my investments for a few years now. He has streamlined my portfolio having assessed my attitude to risk. Our annual meetings are informative and he makes sure that what is in place for me is still relevant to my current circumstances.

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with the service I receive.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael is a very good communicator. He listened to what we wanted and then made some recommendations based on the info he had received. He explained all the charges, his and the investment, before we made any decisions. We really appreciated Michael coming to our home rather than having to go to an office. At our first review Michael suggested some changes to our investment strategy and we were more than happy to follow his advice. Although we have not been in the country this year Michael has kept us up to date with all relevant info. Although this was our first time at investing Michael put us at ease and helped make the whole process a lot easier and simpler than we had imagined.

What could they have done better?

As we were moving abroad to a country with different tax laws we would have appreciated either some specialist advice or a pointer to someone who could have given us that advice. Apart from that we can't think of anything that he could have done better but as this was our first time at investing that may play a part in this answer.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Excellent advice that I would and have recommended to friends and family.

Review from verified client

October, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael was very approachable and helpful.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2013

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

my husband and I both feel that the information and advice that we have received from Michael Jackson has been first rate and we have no hesitation in recommending him to others who may be seeking financial advice.

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael is very responsive, communicates clearly and takes time to listen and understand what we are looking to achieve. He provides clear strategies of the way in which we can move toward our goals. His advice is always given in an understandable way and very promptly. A pleasure to deal with.

What could they have done better?

I like that Michael knows who I am, my circumstances, and is willing to provide proactive advice relevant to my circumstances.

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael's interpersonal skills are excellent. He is a first class communicator who is prepared to take time to explain financial intricacies when not understood by his client. After a very short introductory period when he took over my portfolio, I quickly realised that he understood my attitude to risk, my long and short term financial goals and, acting on these, offered well researched, sound financial advice the outcome of which has been a steady growth in the value of my investments. Michael's diligent, honest and, above all, professional approach to clients is not only reassuring but also inspires confidence.

What could they have done better?

On reflection,the subject of whether or not a client fully understands the significance of professional charges might be improved with more detailed questioning by the adviser to ascertain the exact level of the client's understanding.

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Discussions with Michael are a pleasant experience.He answers questions with patience and clarity and offers reassurance.He knows his subject well,has made very good decisions on my behalf and has given good advice . He succeeds in being both friendly and highly professional at one and the same time. You couldn't ask for more.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael has always given me sound financial advice based on getting to know me as an individual before devising a plan suited to my needs and level of risk which I am prepared to take as regards my investment. He is keen to ensure that I am making considered decisions based on comprehensive information and all decisions are open to revision, as and when I require them to be. He is a conscientious young man who genuinely appears to have professional integrity and, in my experience, he promotes the need for money to be spent and enjoyed as well as invested! He is evident that he places a great deal of importance on continued learning; personally as well as professionally.

What could they have done better?

I think I have a good professional working relationship with Michael and have nothing to add at this time, although a biscuit with the coffee would be appreciated!!

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Adviser takes time to understand my attitude to risk and gives sound advice on areas of investment. He provides regular monitoring and adjusts my portfolio to get the best results, results which I have been pleased with. He is contactable and reactive. Above all, he has proved to have integrity in his dealings with me and I trust his judgements.

What could they have done better?

All areas are already covered. Sufficient information is provided regularly, investment adjustments are made as and when required and if any critical issues arise he responds promptly......so I can't really ask for any more!!

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael listened to my views and needs and offered a practical and understandable financial plan which has performed well. He has been very helpful in explaining details of investment and has responded to my changing needs,

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael restructured our portfolio and obviously spent time selecting funds which meet our needs and we have benefitted from this.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Mr Jackson made it clear from the outset what he expected from me in terms of documentation, kept me fully appraised regarding the progress of my application and saw the process to a conclusion as quickly as could reasonably have been expected.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Sound advice given in layman's terms. Gives regular updates. Always available by appointment, phone and e-mail. No pressure sales. Recommended by friends and has not disappointed.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

After seeking advise with other IFA's I consulted Michael. I found Michael to be both professional and thorough in his approach to my financial needs. My investment is continually reviewed, giving me total confidence in Michael. I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2013

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Providing a prom[t response to any request for information or initiating change.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

We love working with Michael as he's at the same life stage as us and we feel he really understands what we're trying to achieve as a young family - the future events we're planning for, where we want to get to as we near retirement age, etc.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

My wife and I have been with Michael for almost 3 years and have found him to be very friendly and caring and always gives us sound advice to suit our needs. At our yearly review he makes you feel at ease and explains things in a clear and easy way to understand

What could they have done better?

Just keep doing the same

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael has been my financial adviser for three years and I have found him to be extremely professional, helpful and friendly always giving good and appropriate financial advice. He keeps me regularly inforrmed, in an easy to understand way, of how my investments are doing and I feel totally confident in the service he provides.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael is always very approachable. He is well briefed and researched when he arrives. He knows the legal and regulatory rules within which he is working and is keen to ensure his clients are aware of these.

What could they have done better?

Michael could usefully illustrate to clients the alternative "routes or funds" which he has considered before deciding on the recommended route. This need not take long but would show more of the reasons for his recommendations. A sample illustration on 1 sheet of A4 showing all fees would be better than talking through the percentages.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

My wife and I are very happy with Michael's advice and knowledge in handling our financial investments. We are looking for Utopia with low risk for high return.(Impossible in this financial climate for savers). Over the past three and a half years Michael has kept us relatively happy with some good sound advice. Long may it continue. We look forwards to our yearly meetings with Michael for our annual review where we value his advice.

What could they have done better?

I am not knowledgeable enough to give advice but I am impressed on how the service has improved with instant access via the internet.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael provided me with totally impartial and yet highly valuable financial advice when I required it to re-mortgage my house as a consequence of my divorce. As I am a self confessed ignoramus in all matters financial, Michael took the time to take me through his services in a clear, concise and succint manner. He provided details of several different financial products that were applicable to my situation and despite offering sound and objective advice made it clear that the final decision was mine alone and that he had no affiliation to any particular provider. As previously stated, the thought of financial dealings always fills me with a certain amount of trepidation which at times borders on sheer terror. To that end I can honestly say that perhaps Michaels greatest asset and service that he provides is the trust that he instills and that I instinctively felt on dealing with him. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Stephen Irvine, Balloch.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

“We used Michael at Kelvin Financial Planning and found him to be completely reliable and honest. In addition they were very expert and had great insight of the market especially how to minimise loss and avoid the many pitfalls in these uncertain economic times. I am a very risk averse individual so feel happy to continue with Kelvin Financial Planning.” Bruce W, Newton Mearns

What could they have done better?

nothing I can think of

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

My adviser communicates well he simplifies the details of a service so that I can understand the details of my investments. My adviser is comfortable to be with and I have never felt belittled or unimportant ,he is a very good listener and I have never felt pushed into a decision which may concern me.

What could they have done better?

My adviser gives me the necessary time needed for my level of understanding . I would hate to be taken for granted or treated as just a number in his business Hence I expect to be treated as an important client on on all my visits to the firm.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Excellent advice delivered in a clear and simple way that's easy to understand. Provided plenty of options that were suited to our needs

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

very pleasant patient gentleman who took a great deal of time explaining the best plan for my investments.he has proved to be more than his monies worth to me.

What could they have done better?

Not a lot really ,i was so happy with him as an individual I have introduced him to several members of my family

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

I found Michael very helpful and he kept me well informed. Had no complaints at all

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Very clear when explaining services.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

I am self employed, and having had a fairly tough one year blip in my accounts I expected a rough time securing a good mortgage deal for my forthcoming house purchase. From the outset Michael was clear as to the risks and potential pitfalls in my application, but also gave me confidence that he had the connections and abilities to overcome them. Throughout the application, which through Michael's diligence ultimately turned out in the main to be thankfully smooth, I was kept informed on a regular basis by Michael. He dealt with the matter with a down to earth, common sense attitude, dealing effectively with any potential difficulties in the application in a realistic, "let's get this sorted" approach. As I say, thanks to his efforts the application was successful, and I have every confidence in recommending his services to others, including my own clients. Michael also assisted me in general financial planning and we will soon be discussing my pension. I know that he works extremely hard every week for his clients and undergoes consistent training to ensure he is up to date with the financial market, but always returns calls and emails.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of.

Review from verified client

July, 2013

How has Michael Jackson helped you?

Michael has helped us to put our retirement plans in place. We are happy with the initial work that Michael carried out and also the way he explained things to us. Having never paid for financial in the past we were worried that it would be very expensive. However, the costs were explained at the first meeting and we were happy to proceed on that basis. We now have an annual review which helps keep us on track. We also contact Michael from time to time to ask questions and he is always prompt to reply.