Carl Roberts

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

We felt that our previous financial adviser wasn't taking an active interest in our financial planning and decided to make a change. We engaged Carl after some online research as he was local to us and offered the services we were looking for.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl has taken a holistic view of our finances and produced some excellent data on pensions, investments and retirement planning. He has also switched my two previous pension plans into one larger pension with a new provider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We've only recently made changes to our pensions so it's too early to say whether we'll achieve the expected outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Carl

Prompt callback from Carl and a good, friendly initial conversation to establish our needs and arrange a first meeting. In preparation for that meeting Carl provided links to some data gathering tools to build a detailed picture of our financial situation - just working through these was very helpful in itself. In the end we didn't meet with Carl because we met with another FA (from this site) with whom are very comfortable to continue working.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Carl

I contacted Carl as part of my search for an Independent Financial Adviser who was the nearest to me in Milton Keynes hence I made contact with Carl, Managing Director of RTS Financial Planning. I was looking for an IFA who offered the Advice for clients with a Defined Benefit Pension. We fairly quickly established that he did not offer the specific type of service and he explained why, in layman’s terms, this was the case. I expected that would be the end of our conversation but Carl demonstrated the the kindness and understanding that impressed me. Carl then advised me of the very specific process that I would be faced with going through the Defined Benefit Pension scheme and what it would entail and costs. He then gave me the details of a company that specialises in my type of pension. The call could have been over in five minutes but Carl was kind enough to devote at least fifteen to twenty minutes helping me out. Carl impressed me with his professionalism, understanding and willingness to help others. I will be happy to recommend both Carl and RTS.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

We had money to invest and needed advice

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl has been professional but also very mindful of our understanding of financial matters. He is very personable and easy to talk to.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Carl has worked with us and we are very clear about our investment.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

My current advisor was retiring.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

I have received financial advice and moved two small pensions to another provider recommend by him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Have only just recently done this.

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything as excellent service all round!

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Our previous advisors went out of business and we felt we would benefit from some further financial advice

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl has always been clear and precise in helping us understand our pensions and savings. He has been reassuring and enabled us to understand better how our money works for us. We are not particularly financially astute and Carl has never made us feel that he does not have our best interests at heart.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still early days as although we have both taken early retirement we are still working part time so have not had need to access our savings. In the short-term in the current economic situation we are satisfied with where our investments currently are.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind at this stage

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

I wanted to take a cash lump sum from my private pension

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl sorted the whole process out for me, he explained everything and advised on my best options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I received my lump sum and the rest of my pension is now invested.

What could they have done better?

I don’t think Carl could of done anything better, very professional and kept me informed me every step of the way.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

When I returned from working overseas, my pensions and investments needed to be safe and to comply with U.K. law. Carl helped me to collate and choose the safest and most cost effective option.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl has enabled me to understand how I can use my pensions and investments when I decide to finally retire. The clarity is welcome.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I now have a clear plan for the retirement I wish to have when I am ready.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Carl

Carl took the disjointed information we gave him, disentangled it and came up with possible solutions to our IHT planning in a clear and logical manner.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Looking to transfer two pensions and set up a portfolio

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

First class customer service, knowledge and commitment from day one in achieving our goals

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yess indeed, the process to transfer both pension schemes handled professionally and extremely effectively and always within the time scales given

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing, please do not change anything

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

The need to manage an inheritance.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

We have had Zoom sessions, telephone conversations and emails with Carl and he has given clear, easy to understand advice about how to manage our finances and make them work for our circumstances. No question was too big or too small for him to explain.He understood the outcomes we were trying to achieve and helped us adapt our plans as our discussions evolved. He provided comprehensive reports to explain different scenarios. He has always had plenty of time to answer our queries promptly and has been easily accessible by phone or email.Fantastic service all round.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Every outcome has been achieved.

What could they have done better?

We are completely satisfied with Carl’s advice and help in sorting out our finances.

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

NHS doctor. Trying to plan for the future. Had been using number self invested ISAs over the last few years - wanted a financial review to see whether this was the correct approach for our family in terms of risk and achieving our life goals. Attracted to RTS on basis of transparent pricing structure and the qualifications Carl has. I'd had conversations with a number of different larger providers and felt that they were much pushier on sales and gave the impression that they could 'beat the market.'

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Initially started with a financial overview - which included helpful cashflow modelling based on a number of different scenarios. On this basis of this advice became apparent that could afford to take on more financial risk (a conclusion that I would not have reached left to my own devices). Overall has given us more confidence about planning for our family over a life course. Carl has been prompt and responsive in all our interactions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Have subsequently decided to transfer our ISA funds to RTS. Feel that we have in place a strategy that is appropriate for our needs. Also the act of seeking financial advice has made us discuss as a family what is important to us.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

August, 2021

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

Recently inheritance.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Explained everything very carefully, and took great care to assess my attitude to different levels of risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anyone.

Review from verified client

August, 2021

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

I realised I needed help to find out what financial position I was in and what my pensions would provide for me in retirement.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

We put a financial plan together with two different retirement outcomes. Then Carl reviewed the performance of all my pensions and we agreed to consolidate them and invest in a new fund which I helped to chose. Now we've begun the process of applying for income protection.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Very happy so far, although I see this as the start of the process of keeping my finances and pensions in order and saving for retirement.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Carl

Clear. Thorough. Detailed. Trustworthy. Recommended by a good friend of mine. And in turn I would happily recommend Carl. So pleased I found someone who can answer all my questions! Carl has pulled lots of pensions together for me, with clear information about old and suggested new pensions, so I can make good choices.

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

Wish to create a robust investment plan

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Provided clear direction on type of investment schemes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To early for feedback

What could they have done better?

No

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

I was due to be able to draw upon a private pension I had and I needed advise on what would be the best course for my circumstances. I had also recently come in an inheritance and wanted advice of what to do with the money in order to give me financial security once I reached retirement age.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

He went through the possible options I could take and the different financial implications with them. This helped me to come to the decisions I made with regards to my pension and savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The accounts have just been set up so I haven't seen the financial outcomes yet but feel happy that in the long term these were the right decisions at the time of making them.

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied with the help and service Carl gave me and can't think of anything he could have done better.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I was looking to transfer a defined benefit pension from a bank that I used to work for into a SIPP arrangement.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

I had initial discussions with Carl about my general suitability to transfer out of the defined benefit pension arrangement because it is relatively rare that it is a good idea to do this. I had done extensive research around this transfer & my suitability to switch this pension given my particular individual circumstances & Carl took the time to cast a critical eye over the viability of this proposed transfer to see if it was worth investigating further. He then introduced me to a Pension Transfer specialist company called Pensionhelp who Carl has a relationship with in respect of dealing with defined benefit pension transfers as this is a specialist area of financial advice. Pensionhelp then conducted an extremely thorough review of the viability of this transfer & concluded it was in my best interests to transfer the pension and then proceeded to execute the transfer on my behalf. Additionally I asked Carl to cast a critical eye over the proposed initial investments I had researched to buy into within the SIPP & he offered some very helpful comments around the pros & cons of the proposed investments. He did all of this for a reasonable fee to cover his time & was thoroughly courteous, respectful of my particular circumstances & needs & absolutely professional throughout the whole process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. the transfer is now complete and the is lodged with a SIPP provider who I am happy & comfortable dealing with.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Thoroughly excellent service received. Just keep doing what you are doing.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

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

I had little idea about where my pensions stood over the years, and what value they held. I did not know my pension value and or whether or not I could even afford to retire without being short of money

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

He advised on gathering the values of my pensions and transferring a number of these to a central pot. Some of these he advised were better for the time left where they were as they had a better outcome for when I needed to draw down on them. This is true financial planning and in the best interests of you the recipient and not in the interests of investment for the FP.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been extremely satisfied with the performance and the regular updates and notifications. Support in these times of uncertainty, are supported by regular posts by Carl and his team, reassuring that there are better times and not to panic. I am certainly happy that my investments are being well managed.

What could they have done better?

I really believe that Carl has a fantastic offer above other Financial Planners. The enthusiasm and commitment is bar none, accessibility and updates are well received, and I firmly believe that they provide the best financial support for many people like myself who do not understand investments, and also do not have the knowledge time or enthusiasm to adequately manage their own portfolio of investments, to better make them perform as they should.

Carl's reply

Many thanks for your kind words David they really mean a lot and I really enjoy working with you. Kind regards Carl.

Review from verified client

March, 2020

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

Fed up of being duped and led astray by advisors solely focussed on how much they can earn out of your investments.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl put us in the driving seat, he always has done. Good advice, explained simply in an easy to understand way. He knows he is the expert, but takes time to explain complex strategies in a way is can be understood easily. He is patient, very sharp and doesn't miss a trick. I wish we'd have met him 30 years ago.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Largely, yes. Investments are always work in progress however but it's all moving in the right direction.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Carl does everything that other adivsors have systematically failed to do over the years.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

Will

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Setting up the will & advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

The service was just what I needed & met all my needs.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

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

The need for a financial plan approaching retirement

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Produced Financial Plan which is updated regularly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although direct regular online access would be better

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Pension planning

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

After ascertaining my risk levels he advised and implemented a pension portfolio. He went on th manage this for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing his advice and excellent communication skills have covered my needs.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

Early retirement

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Set me up with a drawdown pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

A pension splitting order that was made by the Courts

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl is an excellent communicator and made it easy for me to understand the Portfolio spreads and Market fluctuations . He has always responded quickly and effectively to any requests for help.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes . Carl has helped me understand the changing markets at out regular reviews.

What could they have done better?

At the moment I can’t think of anything Carl could do better.I have always found him to be professional, approachable and informative .

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

I was not too impressed with the Financial Advisor I was with and felt that the service had become very impersonal.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl listened to my concerns and checked all my requirements thoroughly. He has a very professional but friendly manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its early days, however I have no reasons for any concerns.

What could they have done better?

To date I can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

NEEDED HELP WITH SAVINGS

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

BY SHOWING US EXACTELY HOW OUR SAVINGS WOULD GROW, IN A LANUAGE WE UNDERSTOOD, NO GOOGLY GOOK.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES

What could they have done better?

NOTHING REALLY, AS ABOVE WE COULD UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HEPPENING, AND ANY QURRIES WE HAD HE EXPLAINED

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

Divorce in 2007, had 4 previous FA's, 2 retired and 2 were not anygood.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Helped sort out my priorities with no pressure

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my pension is now low risk due to my age and doing nicely

What could they have done better?

Nothing, he answers all my questions and goes at my pace. Always available, by phone or email.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

I needed to consolidate my previous work pensions and look at maximising my savings given I wished to purchase a property

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

He assessed my approach to 'risk' to ascertain best investment planning for my pension scheme, and also put together a very robust savings plan to help maximise short term savings

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have seen a good return on pension and have recently purchased my property

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of, Carl has always provided a high-end service and I feel he has a good understanding of financial options open to me.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

The need to manage my pensions and ensure effective investment of capital.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

He helped me understand my particular options, the relative risks of these options and recommend the most suitable solutions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything Carl could do to have better advised me.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

Planning for retirement and understand all options available to me.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Created a model that clearly showed me when I could retire. The model could be adjusted for various scenarios and this helped in making current investment decisions. I also have a much better understanding of my income/ expenses for the future years. My pensions from various employers are now consolidated and the recommended platform is easy to track all my pensions. All risks are explained to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes as have a much better understanding of retirement options. I have also made investment decisions which have been beneficial.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

I was unhappy with my original advisers and had met Carl previously - he came highly recommended from an experienced source that I valued.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

We had a couple of conversations about his business and charges before I decided to make the change. I was impressed with his level of knowledge and his understanding of my concerns regarding the movement of funds. Once the sequence of change had been initiated Carl was quick to provide me with the relevant information and alleviate my apprehension. I have received regular updates, assistance and face to face meetings since the transition.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have seen the outcome I expected and am very happy with my decision to move the pension fund to RTS

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

Pension transfer from DB to DC

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl from RTS has provided what I needed - which was clear and impartial advice. He is very knowledgeable, practical and follows up items quickly. I would thoroughly recommend his services and would definitely use him again.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

I take financial planning very seriously and understand how important it is. I needed long term advice initially for retirement planning involving a range of savings and investment strategies. This than expanded into other areas such as awareness of potential inheritance issues.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl is a highly qualified Advisor. He is extremely knowledgeable and provides excellent service. Always available to help when needed. Carl is also totally honest and trustworthy and I cannot recommend his services highly enough.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am now in a critical position leading up to retirement (just moved to semi-retirement). The financial position I am in has exceeded my expectations. Knowing that Carl is available for advice and guidance is vital. It will ensure everything is understood and managed correctly moving forward. The financial spreadsheet Carl supplied has been a huge help is enabling my Wife and I to understand our financial requirements.

What could they have done better?

Had a crystal ball to predict the future! Seriously though, I cannot think of anything. All my needs have been met, although my circumstances are not as complex as some. I believe Carl will have clients with some very complex requirements.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

My wife and I were dissatisfied with the service provided by our previous St James Place advisor , there was no clarity on the charging structure and when we asked for this information this was not forth coming

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl has been fantastic from our first contact with him, he came to see us, listened to our concerns and needs, he took time to look at our investment portfolio and gave us honest and very knowledgeable advice. Both me and my wife are busy healthcare professionals working in the NHS with sizeable NHS pension pots along with our other investments. Carl diligently explained to us the pathway we need to take to make our retirement planning journey fruitful. Carl has fully explained the costs of the excellent service he provides, we feel more well informed about our investments and not worried about hidden charges that can erode our savings over the longterm. I would have no hesitation in recommending Carl to any of my family and friends

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes , Carl has provided me and my family honest and expert advice, we are very happy we found him.

What could they have done better?

Carl could not have done anything better, he is always available to talk through issues on the phone even at weekends, and comes regularly to us in the year to review our finances.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

I had a personal pension pot and was not sure it was invested in the best way.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

RTS Financial Planning gave clear and honest pension advice to help me through the pension mine field. I am so happy now that this has all been sorted out and now have a clear financial plan. Would not hesitate to recommend RTS to anyone!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I do not feel my financial advisor could have done any better.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

As I run my own limited company with my partner, we were interested in finding out what kind of insurance policies were available to purchase through the company which could offer us protection in the instance that either of us became critically ill.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl was hugely helpful in talking us through our options and took away all the time consuming administrative hassle of having to apply for the policy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - we feel much more comfortable knowing we have an appropriate policy in place should we ever need it.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

I needed clear, informed advice on pensions, savings etc.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Carl has been dealing with my finances for a few years now and I have always been more than pleased with his reliable and clear advice. It is very reassuring and comforting for me to know that Carl is there to advise me regarding my pension and implement things in such a competent and friendly way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, things have worked out at least as well if not better than expected. I would definitely recommend him.

What could they have done better?

To be honest, I can’t think of anything Carl could have done better.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

To seek good , reliable, trustworthy advice about Pension management .

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

I have been working with Carl for a number of years now . I’ve always found him to be knowledgeable, efficient & very thorough in his advice & planning of my finances . Very reassuring that I’m in safe hands with RTS .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In the long - term yes .

What could they have done better?

Carl is very vigilant & keeps on top of all affairs .

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

As we approached retirement we wanted to be sure that we had sufficient funds to support ourselves and how we should go about ensuring that we had a comfortable lifestyle within our means

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

We have been working with Carl for a couple of months and find him to be very professional. knowledgable and responsive to our needs. Highly recommended.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes! We are confident (as anyone can be with invested funds) that the plan suggested by Carl will give us the lifestyle we want

What could they have done better?

I genuinely can’t think of anything

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

I was looking to retire at the age of 55 and wanted to understand what my options were on my then company pension scheme and if my plans were workable.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

A really friendly service, Carl listened to what we were trying to achieve and gave us some clear options for us to consider. Always a speedy and helpful response to my questions, looking forward to developing the financial plan we have now started to achieve our retirement goals. Would highly recommend RTS Financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

From the advice I was given, it allowed me to realise my dream.

What could they have done better?

I could not of asked for a better service.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

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

My previous advisor's company changed ownership, and the new company insisted on charging a percentage of total investment, which I thought inappropriate for my investments.

How has Carl Roberts helped you?

Efficient, helpful, straightforward, clear statement of service and fees - what we had been looking for in a financial adviser

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, exactly what I was looking for, and carried out in a friendly straightforward way.

What could they have done better?

In light of previous comments, nothing to add!