Jim Rixon

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

I was a client from way back in the time of Skerritt Financial Advisers and have continued since that time now renamed Shackletons. The original set up was via my employer Wilson Sandford Ltd with whom I was employed for 35 years and can currently see no reason to change the arrangement.

How has Jim Rixon helped you?

Jim has been my adviser for the last couple of years and as I approach the age of 75 I will be looking at taking my pension and investing my lump sum hopefully with his help.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No comment yet to make here.

What could they have done better?

N/a

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

Early retirement and advice regarding SIPP

How has Jim Rixon helped you?

He has made sure that our wishes have been fully reflected in our investment and pensions strategy

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Our investments & SIPP have grown at a pace we are both pleased with

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I retired in 2021 with four different pension pots as well as my DB pension and wanted financial advice about the best way to draw this, Skerrits were recommended to us by our accountant. We received expert advice, a comprehensive review of our finances and a detailed summary of their recommendations on how to proceed, with clear details of the costs involved.

How has Jim Rixon helped you?

Jim has managed my pension pot for the last two years with regular reviews and we are very happy with the advice he has given. We urgently needed to drawdown our 25% tax free in November 2024 to fund a property purchase in Spain. Jim went through all the pros and cons of doing this with a review of all our other finances until he was sure it was the best option for us. This was all done remotely by Jim via video conferencing. He sorted all the paperwork for us effortlessly while we were in Spain, and we were able to complete our purchase within our timescale.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, in the four years our pension has been invested in the VT Espirit Tactical fund we have weathered the storm of the Russian invasion of Ukraine which affected all pensions heavily (14% loss at it’s heaviest) and now we are nearly 10% up on the value in the last 12 months - definitely not what we would have had the knowledge to do ourselves, so for us, the cost of our financial advice is well worth it.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of - Jim is such a nice pleasant man to deal with offering straightforward advice in terms we understand and most importantly we trust him to look after our finances and our future - he’s always available should we need a quick question answered and his annual review is in depth and we receive written reports very quickly showing exactly what we discussed, and any recommendations that Jim has made.

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

I wanted clear, professional and informed advice in relations to my pension.

How has Jim Rixon helped you?

Jim is clear and helpful in meetings and has always followed up with any further information I need.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my pension has grown very encouragingly.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

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

I became a client of Skerritts before they became Shackleton about 15 years ago due to my work pension with CRI. When I left CRI I decided to continue contributing to my Pension, I then decided to invest in a Stocks and Shares ISA as well. I would not have had to confidence to do this, if it had not been for the advice and support I received. I am very happy with the service provided and as a result I have able to plan to retire next year. Instead of waiting until my state pension age (6 years away).

How has Jim Rixon helped you?

As above - I am now able to take early retirement and feel financially secure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

As an over 60 I struggle with the online portal stuff, and hope that Shackleton's don't move to a totally online service. Old fashioned and like hard copies of information. I am also registered deaf so don't hear as well as I should on the phone.