Jonathan Smith

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

The need for advice on investing an inheritance sum and on planning for approaching retirement.

How has Jonathan Smith helped you?

Through knowledgeable wise advice on planning for the future, delivered without pressure and with sincere, friendly interest in the individual and sensitivity to the level of nervousness – or otherwise – of the investor; and admirable efficiency in researching and making any necessary arrangements once decisions have been made.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

In our view, nothing at all. Jonathan and every team member that we've ever encountered have been a pleasure to deal with.

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

We wanted to safely invest some inherited money and ring-fence it for our children. Jonathan gave great advice and his recommendation has done exactly what we wanted. We then used him to transfer an ISA under his wing, and then talked us through the minefield of retirement - our investments, options, tax implications, etc. All great advice and we have now fully put our pension pots under his wing too.

How has Jonathan Smith helped you?

He helped us set up a Discretionary Trust to ring-fence the money, and then advised on ISAs and pensions and retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Done it for free? ;-)

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

Returning from living and working in The Netherlands for 16 years, I was looking for advice on whether to continue paying into my Dutch pension. I approached my bank, Lloyds, and was introduced to Jon. That was in 1992.

How has Jonathan Smith helped you?

Jon went through my options and costs if I wished to continue paying into my Dutch pension and was a great help in explaining everything. I introduced him to my husband Dave when he returned from a posting in the Falklands, they quickly found a common interest in motorbikes and Jon has been our trusted Financial Advisor since then. He has 'carried' us as his clients after he left Lloyds, until he formed his own business with Helen. He has given us sound advice on mortgage, retirement and pension planning and always explains what can be complicated into very easy to understand plain English. We are apparently his 'longest serving clients' as he has been our friend and advisor for over 33 years. We see him at least once a year and he always responds very quickly to any requests. Within Smith & Wardle he now has a dedicated team who we are happy to work with as we know they are all focused on helping their clients.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Always. He gives us sound and easy to understand advice and options and we feel secure knowing that he always has our best interests at the heart of his advice.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of any ways that Jon or his company could do better. He has always been there, responsive to our questions or need to see him. He often works into the evening visiting his clients at home to make things easier for them.

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

Pre-retirement I was looking for help planning for my future financial needs , both for existing pensions and investments

How has Jonathan Smith helped you?

Jonathan has helped to consolidate all previous pension pots and advise on investment bonds that would suit my profile and financial needs going forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. All pension pots are consolidated for easy access and investments give me total flexibility to draw as required.

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

We approached Jonathan for advice on how best to invest a pension lump sum, and for confirmation that taking a lump sum was the best thing for us to do.

How has Jonathan Smith helped you?

Jonathan has supplied excellent advice in a relaxed and patient manner. He took care to listen to our thoughts before offering his expert opinion. He is never rushed, and always happy to answer any question we might raise. He is supported by an efficient and friendly group of colleagues.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely.

What could they have done better?

We can't fault anything.