Reviewed for

Insurance and Protection ( 1 )

Pensions ( 10 )

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 9 )

Investments and Savings ( 4 )

Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 4 )

Inheritance Planning ( 2 )

Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 6 )

Financial Planning ( 1 )

Reviewers' assets

£100k - £200k ( 1 )

Up to £50k ( 3 )

£50k - 100k ( 2 )

Client reviews

Review from verified client

February, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Northumberland

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

I was facing finishing work through ill health and didn't really understand my pension arrangements and how I would finance myself through 5 years until I could draw my works and state pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely.

How has John Munton helped you?

John's advice was life changing. He consolidated my several pensions and obtained a much better offer from Aviva which allowed me to retire early and immediately on a comfortable income. As I neared my state pension age, John restructured my arrangements to protect me and my wife until the end of our life. First class service and I have recommended John to many of my friends.

What could they have done better?

Everything from John was fine for me. Aviva's monthly communications are another matter.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

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

heading towards retirement, pension advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

When we first went for advice the financial market immediately spiralled into a downturn (covid, Ukranian war, Liz Truss budget) hence people in our risk category were experiencing greater than expected losses in fund values. We switched strategies and, following John's advice, are currently very satisfied with our financial situation as we have certainty for the next 3 years without worrying about potential further losses.

How has John Munton helped you?

knowledgeable guidance, clear explanations, very responsive to questions and needs. Reassured with our current strategy.

What could they have done better?

We are very satisfied with John's approach.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

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

Private pension maturing and coming up to retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has John Munton helped you?

Advice on all aspects of pensions and insurances

What could they have done better?

Nothing

John's reply

Thank you Deamonn, it has been a pleasure working with you and Carol to help you both in retirement.

Review from verified client

September, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

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

Several different pensions which I found confusing.

How has John Munton helped you?

John explained what I could do, gave me various options. Based on my criteria, he then sourced a suitable product for my needs and then ensured all the transfers went through to the new company. John advised me on regularily on the progress , he was very professional and was a pleasure to work with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

John did everything he said he would, so no improvements necessary.

John's reply

Thanks Helen, It was a pleasure helping you with your pensions and retirement plans! John

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2021

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

. I had recently resigned from my job due to ill health and John understood my circumstances and said he would look at my pensions to see what my options were. I couldn’t have wished for a nicer, patient person that understood why I needed to look into releasing some of my pension. He was very professional and worked very hard on my behalf.

John's reply

Thank you Jackie, it was a pleasure helping you and look forward to working with you again in the future.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Lincolnshire

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

Pension advice

How has John Munton helped you?

John is very informative and answered all my questions and queries. He gave me really good advise and took care of all the discussions with my pension provider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

January, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

To trace pensions from my first years of employment and to put them all in one pot with my pension that I have now.

How has John Munton helped you?

John traced my old pensions for me with just a phone call. He contacted all my pension providers and was able to tell me what amount I had in each. He then arranged for me to have a tax free lump sum once it was all arranged. John also advised me on life insurance and to make a will.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes indeed.

What could they have done better?

No, very pleased with the service.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Cheshire

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

Investment in retirement

How has John Munton helped you?

Changed investment strategy Advised on pension increased investment income

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

John is conscientious knowledgeable and thorough. That will do for me!!!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2020

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

John was extremely helpful when I sought his advice. He advised me that investment is only appropriate in certain circumstances and that for me, in my current situation, it was best to not invest. I really appreciated his honest assessment, even though it ultimately meant for him I did not use his services for now. Thanks John!

John's reply

Thanks for the feedback Phil, I hope to be of service to you in the future!

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2020

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

Gave some really good advise, even though my requirements at present aren’t suited to John I will keep him in mind for future.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in South Yorkshire

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

Cash available looking for investments for our retirement fund

How has John Munton helped you?

Hi John Please find below review as requested ;- My husband and I contacted Flying Colours via a web search as we both decided that some professional advice was needed regarding our retirement plans. Before contacting them we carried out some research as one cannot be too careful these days! Our initial contact was polite and informative and arrangements were made for an Independant Financial Advisor to visit us in our home. John Munton duly arrived on time and we had a lengthy chat about the best way forward financially and what options there were to help ensure our retirement plans could be fulfilled effectively. Our chat was both informative and positive, any questions we had were answered honestly and concisely. The processes involved were explained fully and the timeframes were delivered as promised. The all important question was asked regarding costs and fees. This was explained fully to us with options. We decided based on the information and service received and as the fees would be ongoing they were fair as well as competitive by comparison- good value for money. We would highly recommend John Munton and Flying Colours to our friends. and family Thank you Penny

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We think so however it's early days yet.........and counting

What could they have done better?

Nothing to suggest really. John spoke in layman's terms, there was no financial jargon and everything was explained clearly and concisely.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

Approaching retirement and needed advice on the best way to consolidate my pensions to give me the best mix of savings and income.

How has John Munton helped you?

I first contacted Flying Colours, as their nearest office to me is in Lincoln but their advisers are regionally based and it was no problem for them to arrange for me to meet John Munton in Nottingham. That first meeting was in October 2018 and I had planned to retire in the Spring of 2019. After two further meetings and several phone calls, to advise me and establish my requirements, John put together a very comprehensive report, which he presented to me in January 2019. Because the report was in so much detail, it was then relatively easy for John to set up all the necessary pensions (a mix of Investments, ISA and Annuity) including managing the transfer of all existing pensions and savings in to the new plan. At all times I found John to be knowledgeable and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. The information he presented to me was both relevant and easy to understand. Of course nothing is free, but Flying Colours fees were certainly reasonable for the huge amount of work involved. I shall always recommend Flying Colours in future to friends and colleagues, and if they are allocated John as their adviser, the process will be easy and enjoyable. David Goss

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The eventual outcome was what I required. There were a few bumps along the way (on the part of the pension companies, not John) but John was able to manage my expectations admirably.

What could they have done better?

As we maintained regular contact with each other, I can honestly say that the advice and service I received was first class.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

Early retirement.

How has John Munton helped you?

I have been very impressed with the high service that Flying colours provide, and in particular John's own personal efficient and friendly service provided for my finances and pension. He explained everything very clearly and easy to understand, giving me the confidence to invest without too many concerns, and happy that everything is being dealt with very professionally and efficiently. I would have no hesitation in recommending his financial services to anyone, and indeed have already recommended him to family and friends. I look forward to his ongoing care and support of my finances, and I am content that they are in very good hands, giving peace of mind. Nicola Mccree.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, good returns/investment so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing else comes to mind.

Review from verified client

June, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Nottinghamshire

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

Early retirement due to ill health

How has John Munton helped you?

with retirement planning , LPA, and Tax.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Time will tell with regards investment, but everything else I am pleased with.

What could they have done better?

Nothing in the mean time.

Review from verified client

March, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Derbyshire

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

Needing advice on pensions

How has John Munton helped you?

Same great pointers and an very informative, helpful style

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

n/a

Review from verified client

March, 2019

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Berkshire

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

wanted independent advice (free) on yespension options available; answers to questions not found in pensionwise booklet. required a response within 7 days ~(had to wait 4 weeks for a pensionwise phone call)

How has John Munton helped you?

answered all my questions within his guide lines and helped me decide type of pension to take

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

discuss/explain the different types of options available for investing funds for a dropdown pension. i.e. bonds/stock exchange risks