Michael Smits

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Overall review of finance and pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much, Mike has been very helpful and clear in his review and advices

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Planning pensions, finding products adapted to our situation and being very available for any questions we have

What could they have done better?

Nothing come to mind

Michael's reply

Many thanks, David. It's very much appreciated. I look forward to speaking with you and P again very soon. Mike

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I am relatively knowledgeable financially but have always wanted someone professional to advise and work with to manage the complexities of a families finances. Mike was recommended to us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely yes.

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Mike has helped us plan and model our financial situation both for now and in the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Michael's reply

Thanks, Neil. Hugely appreciated. See you and Emma soon. Mike

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

The trigger for obtaining financial advice from Mike was redundancy. We needed to know what was best to do with the redundancy payment and our various pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have. It is still work in progress and will evolve as and when retirement age is reached.

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Mike has provided peace of mind for the future as to our financial affairs.

What could they have done better?

We have been very satisfied with what Mike has done for us and have nothing to suggest that could have been done better.

Michael's reply

Many thanks for the kind words. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and Tess over the last few years. I look forward to working together for many years to come. All the best Mike

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

We were concerned about our pensions outlook and the need for better financial planning for Retirement . I was particularly anxious about losing my income and if we could sustain a reaso lifestyle post retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Michael Smits helped you?

He has given us peace of mind and a sense of control such that I have been confident enough to set a retirement date and believe it is feasible without compromising our life style. I have greater understanding of the options open to me He has helped us make informed plans.

What could they have done better?

Not a lot

Michael's reply

Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to leave the review; it's really appreciated. I look forward to speaking to you both again very soon. Mike

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

Divorce and not knowing anything about financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Somewhat - however that is more to do with stock market etc performance rather than Mike

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Mike is really personable, he understands me as a person, is clear on my financial objectives and is great at giving options. Mike is calm and patient when explaining financial matters to me, he shares recommendations as well as detailing pros and cons. If i need to contact Mike, to discuss any concerns/issues, outside of our scheduled catch ups he will always make time.

Michael's reply

Thanks, Sam. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave the review. Speak soon Mike

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I had scattered, accumulated savings that were not benefitting me. Subsequently I had a more urgent need for a planned return from the funds available to me.

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Mike explained the options, risk levels and the need for a combination of investments. He assisted me to a rounded set of investments that made the best of my limited funds in both long and short terms. He ensured that I placed my money so that it worked for me and my changing situation. He keeps this under review and adjusts where and when necessary. Mike always makes himself available and is quick to explain and offer reassurance. He is very well informed and I have confidence in his significant ability.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen my funds become organised and to start working for me, creating a return. I have also found a person, in Mike, who understands my concerns and whose advice I feel I can trust. His advice is smart and sensible.

What could they have done better?

If they could have stopped the pandemic and then the Ukrainian war, that would have been better.

Michael's reply

Hi J-s, Thank you again for taking the time to leave the review (and for the very kind words!). Speak soon Mike

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Secure and easy to use. Good, simple advice for a novice saver.

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Tells me what I can spend and how my money is working for me. I can always phone him for advice on money matters.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Things have been up in the air with covid.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really.

Michael's reply

Hi Sue, Thanks very much for leaving your kind review. Hopefully see you early in the new year. All the best Mike

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Retirement

How has Michael Smits helped you?

By providing good advice, sowing us what options are available.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Michael's reply

Thanks very much for taking the time to leave the review Mark. Much appreciated. Speak soon Mike

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Following the death of my husband the family home was sold and I needed advice on the best way to invest my share of the profit from the sale, our rental properties and also Inheritance planning.

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Mike was very thorough in ascertaining what my priorities were for both the present and the future and helping me to achieve those goals through advice on my investments, pensions and rental properties. He also liaised with my husband's solicitor to clarify certain aspects of Inheritance Tax planning for me which was extremely helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, most definitely!

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of.

Michael's reply

Hi Wendy, Thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind and thoughtful review; it's really appreciated. I hope you are all well. All the best Mike

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

We wanted to make our money work better for us. We wanted to plan for our future and we wanted an overview of our financial status.

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Michael helped us to review our current spending, plan for the future and invest our money in ways that we were happy with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We felt very reassured that we are financially secure. We have been delighted with the performance of the products Michael selected for us.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Michael's reply

Hi Emma, Just a quick message to say thanks so much for taking the time to leave the review (and for the very kind words!). I look forward to catching up soon. If I don't speak to you and Tim this side of Christmas, wishing you all the best. Mike

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

I had been starting to think about my EY pension plan arrangements ahead of my retirement and Metis Wealth had been recommended to me by an EY Partner who is supported by MW

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Mike has been incredibly helpful - and extremely patient with me (especially around explaining some EY pension issues that I didn't understand). Mike has not only taken me to the point of getting my SIPP set up, but also given me some great investment guidance with regards other savings that I have.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - I am very happy to be working with Metis Wealth.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - Mike is providing a superb service. Always proactive in terms of contacting me when key milestones are approaching.

Michael's reply

Hi Adrian, Thank you for taking the time to write such kind words. It is a pleasure working with you and Lynne. I look forward to catching up soon. All the best Mike

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Sadly I lost my Father in 2019 and Michael helped me to transfer his pension into my name. Not only is he extremely professional, he explained things very well and put my mind at ease with any concerns.

How has Michael Smits helped you?

As mentioned above, he explained things very well and was really nice to deal with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not as yet but I'm confident that I will once I have my annual review.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of.

Michael's reply

Hi James, Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review. You know where I am if you need anything. Speak again soon Mike

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

investing my SIPP pension fund

How has Michael Smits helped you?

As above and with some tax advice; investing my SIPP pension fund, advising me on investments and further pension contributions, getting life insurance to cover possible tax due on a lifetime gift.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Michael has always been helpful, attentive and understanding.

Michael's reply

Hi James, Many thanks for taking the time to leave the review. I look forward to working with you and the family for many years to come! The team will start work on the other matter we have been discussing. I will be in touch again soon Best regards Mike

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

Pension consolidation and planning

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Arranged retirement income SIPP and provided regular planning updates.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Michael's reply

Hi Lou, Thanks for review. I will be in touch soon to chat about the bits we are currently working on. All the best Mike

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

Impending potential retirement

How has Michael Smits helped you?

Have practical, realistic advice about how to protect my hard earned cash and maximise quality of life as I decided to take a break from work He also advised me and enabled me to receive a tax rebate

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far but it is very early days ..

What could they have done better?

Nothing !

Michael's reply

Hi Jacqueline, Thanks for the kind words. Speak soon Mike

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

I run my own business and wanted to make sure that is making a goof profit and I wanted to ensure I could invest in a pension in the most tax efficient way.

How has Michael Smits helped you?

He looked at my circumstances in detail and provided good advice about consolidating my pensions and making regular investment in the future. Subsequently he has helped me to invest money from a property sale.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The return to date has been good and I have a clear picture of the pension provision for the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Michael's reply

Hi Ruth, I hope you are keeping well. Thanks for taking the time to do this and for the kind words. All the best Mike

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

Early retirement pension

How has Michael Smits helped you?

He went through all our household income & expenditures now & plans for future. He reviewed a number of pensions I had & transferred to a more suitable option. He is very thorough when completing the risk assessment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we meet annually to see that everything is on track and to discuss any change in circumstances and he is always available if I need advice.

What could they have done better?

Pensions is something I find difficult to understand and he was very patient even when he had to explain things over & over again. So I cannot think of anything he could have done better.

Michael's reply

Hi Carol, Many thanks for leaving the review. I look forward to catching up next week. Mike