Stephen Cooper

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Nearing retirement and wanted to get our finances in order

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

We have dealt with Stephen over the past few years regarding our retirement/pension investments. We have always found him to have an excellent understanding of our needs and their impact on the management of our finances, using the knowledge he has gained over the years with regarding the financial markets. We have always found him to be extremely approachable, and the detailed reports he produces for our reviews to be of an excellent and comprehensive standard. Derry and Geoff Young

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

I had a very helpful telephone call with Stephen regarding pension options.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I needed help regarding pension

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

I Contacted Scottsdale about 9 years ago for help with my pension and finances, they were very helpful Stephen was allocated to myself and I have never looked back. He always has time to speak to you And never rushes you, I am extremely happy with the service he has provided over the years and Look forward to his continued service in the years to come. 1 would 100% recommend Stephen to my family and close friends.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I feel everything was done I asked for and more.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen was very knowledge and easy to talk to. He clarify all my doubts and put a very clear picture in front of me. Thank you .I will not hesitate to contact him again.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen was really generous with his time and expertise and really helpful to meet with.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Advised me better to handle my pension pot rather than use a financial advisor who would swallow up with 5% for quite a small pension, great there was no hardsell

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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

Needed pensions, advice

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Providing detailed advice on pensions, profile and options, setting up pension, providing detailed advice on investment portfolio, home and setting up investment portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Stephen’s advice was very much tailored and personalised to suit my requirements, and and the funds he recommended and set up have been performing well to date

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

November, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

My wife past away and left me financially comfortable, and instead of leaving the money in the bank i thought of making it work for me.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

2019 I was looking for a Financial Adviser to invest my money after the death of my wife, I had some money invested with Santander. Stephen was recommended by a relative, at that time my company pension was available, on our first meeting Stephen told me about his back ground as a financial advisor which made me feel at ease, he also gave a risk test as most companies do, we disgust how much money i would feel comfortable to invest, with an emergency fund available, and i could retrieve my investment any time if i had to. Stephen is always available if i had any concerns, we meet once a year which is good for me and i can access my Account any time to see how my investment is doing. Overall very happy with Stephen and would recommend him to any of my family and friends. Kevin Malone. Basildon, Essex.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes early day's things are ticking over nicely, Stephen always on hand if i need any advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Happy with everything.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

My husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness, he wanted to ensure financial affairs were in order. We were recommended to Scottsdale and we were introduced to Stephen

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen offered us practical advice and patiently explained implications at each stage. He showed empathy, whilst remaining professional with some difficult conversations we had to have, at a very stressful time. This professionalism has continued, his friendly, approachable manner, always clearly explaining the vast amount of financial information provided. Stephen has enabled me to confidently make informed decisions regarding the investments I have in place for myself and future proofing for my children. After working with Stephen for 8+ years annual reviews are relaxed and Stephen creates an environment where I feel happy to ask questions and test my understanding.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investments have grown - so positive

What could they have done better?

I have been extremely happy with the service I have received.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

Stephen was the recommended advisor from Scottsdale Consultant

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen has worked with my wife and myself for several years now offering advice on our pension and financial choices. He has always offered the best advice to suit our needs on a friendly and unbiased viewpoint. Working on his advice our pension portfolio is performing better than expected and we are in a healthy financial position thanks to his experience of the markets. Pauline and Paul Forster.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

nothing

Review from verified client

August, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

In advance of becoming a pensioner.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Even after having had a session with Pensionwise, I was still very apprehensive about moving my multiple employment pension pots, with so many scams about, I felt it was prudent to use Pensionwise’s list of approved Pension Advisors. I am so glad I did. Long story short, after much deliberation and fee comparisons I opted for Scottsdale Moneywise Ltd where I met Stephen Cooper. Right from the ‘get go’ he was quick to put my worried mind to rest, explaining the process, options and benefits of each. His style is warm and open, answering all questions posed without haste or omission, dispensing guidance and direction along the way with no hint of urgency or sales patter. Ultimately after a couple of home visits we agreed on the best way forward, to my complete satisfaction. This was not the end of the story, he still keeps in touch to let me know how the pension is developing and any news of the industry that could affect me directly. In closing, if you are apprehensive about sorting your pension needs, then I would highly recommend him to you. He is honest, hardworking, professional with a friendly warmth that is rarely found in business these days. I am so very pleased I made his acquaintance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and continue to do so

What could they have done better?

Not a thing, experience has been first class

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen was very helpful in giving me some advice on my finances.

Review from verified client

March, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

Like most people, I was contributing to a pension but found it hard to understand the technical jargon issued by my pension company. I also had several 'frozen' pensions in different places and wanted to bring them together. When I became self-employed I decided it was time to sort this out - and finally did so four years in. I felt the best way to keep on track was to engage a financial adviser to explain things to me and advise me on how to prepare for the future, financially.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen has been offering me financial advice and managing my investments for 8 years. I am always completely up to date with where I stand financially and never afraid, or embarrassed to ask very basic questions – Stephen makes the whole process easy to understand. He has taken the time to understand my attitude to risk and my financial aspirations for the future, so I am always confident that he will advise me in my best interests. On top of all of that, he’s approachable and great to deal with – which makes life so much easier. Philippa Cowley-Thwaites Whitstable, Kent.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my investments have grown and I feel that I understand when and how I should make use of them.

What could they have done better?

I am perfectly happy with the services I receive.

Review from verified client

February, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

In 2018 I was offered the opportunity to take charge of the lump sum accrued under the non-contributary final salary pension scheme I enjoyed in the first 31 years of my career in the packaging industry. Nampak, a South African plastics company, had purchased my original employer in 1999 but 5 years later re-trenched to S.A. and at they were keen to divest themselves of the risk the large sum of pension funds still owed to a number of long serving employees. As a widower, my second wife passed away in 2008, I realised that should I die prematurely my son from my first marriage would not benefit from any remaining funds. Obviously I was keen to avoid this and sought financial guidance from Stephen

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

After nearly 47 years in the packaging industry my long term employer offered me an enhanced lump sum for my pension. Luckily I have several friends in the village who had previously been in similar positions and they recommended that I talk to Stephen Cooper. He and I had several lengthy meetings after our introduction and in those his advice has always been clear, concise and in terms that I could understand. We covered tax liabilities, capital gains tax and many other issues covering methods to maximise returns on my lump sum. Coupled with this I have always found him timely with his guidance and as a result I recommended to my son that he should attend the last face-to-face meeting I had with Stephen which he did and he found it extremely useful in planning his financial future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Perhaps offered a lower commission rate

Review from verified client

February, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

Approaching retirement, wanted to discuss pension options.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen is incredibly knowledgable in financial matters, he quickly understood and answered all my pension related questions. His explanations were put in plain English and were easy to comprehend. I felt very confident and relaxed working with him as he listened to my ideas and explained the advantages, disadvantages, risks and benefits of them. I finished our call with a clear action plan to move forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I am 100% satisfied.

Repeat review from verified client

January, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you since your last review?

He has given me very wise advice on my finances. I have great confidencein his expertise and I know that I'm in safe hands.

Repeat review from verified client

January, 2022

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you since your last review?

Stephen has continued to provide his excellent standard of service since my last review. I have been especially grateful since the financial effects of the Covid outbreak have been apparent. He has been unfailingly calm, supportive, always available when needed and provided excellent financial advice through what had been such a traumatic time for everyone

Review from verified client

June, 2021

This review was gathered whilst the adviser was at a different firm.

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

My Retirement

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen helped me in lots of ways, helped sort out all my pensions and explained them to me. Offered best ways forward for my best interests and requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have just received my 1st Pension payment, and received my tax free lump sums.

What could they have done better?

Only the time waiting for the insurance companies, they took months to complete my applications.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

N/a

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

To invest a lump sum on being widowed.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen has been my financial advisor for a few years now. He diligently looks after my savings and pension fund. Stephen always makes me feel comfortable when we have a review, ensures that the risk profile is appropriate at the time and provides a clear understanding of the current situation with my investments. I have always trusted that Stephen gives me the best advice. He is always happy to be contacted. I would highly recommend him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and ongoing.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to my knowledge.

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

Initially I had a pension fund that needed to be invested, later I needed advice on my pensions to see if it was better to combine or leave as individual pension pots

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

I have always felt comfortable with Stephen from our first meeting some 10+ years ago, my first meeting was for a small investment of a frozen pension, from this point on I have continued to consult with Stephen on my financial matters. Stephen always explains the options available and makes sure that I understand and that I am happy with his recommendation. Stephen gives me confidence that my pension is being managed correctly, I always feel that he gives me the best available advice. Stephen is a professional, he is knowledgeable, thorough and diligent adviser. Stephen has always guided me with consideration and confidence, I have always tried to achieve financial security with the amount of risk that I feel comfortable with. Stephen is always professional and a great asset to Scottsdale Moneywise. For me Stephens financial advice is very important.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am happy with the advice and services that I have received.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Our finances were in a bit of a mess - lots of pots dotted in different areas and needed pension planning advice.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen was recommended and has been advising us since 2015. During this time, he has kept an incredibly careful watch on our financial savings and investments and latterly on pensions for us. Anyone listed on this website should be demonstrating sound financial advice – that’s a given for inclusion. What sets advisors apart is the way that they interact with their clients. To this end, we have always found Stephen’s manner to be friendly, collaborative and easy to work with. His response to phone calls or emails is always quick and efficient. He explains complex financial situations clearly and is happy to answer any of our questions to ensure that we have a sound understanding of what is being advised. Working with any financial advisor requires complete trust and we both feel Stephen will always provide us with the best advice possible to keep our finances secure and ensure that we understand the steps we are taking. We would highly recommend him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definitely - a lot more insight onto what is happening with it and control over what we are doing with it.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything!

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Wanted to set up a pension and get some independent advice on investments

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Reviewed my financial circumstances in depth, advised on how best to manage investments and savings, analysed risk profile and recommended appropriate pension based on the analysis

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes the pension set-up process was smooth and clear and the fund is performing well despite the volatile climate

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, everything has been very thorough, timely, efficient and clearly explained with a friendly, attentive service

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

We have been with Scotsdale for many years and Stephen replaced our previous advisor when he retired.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen has been our advisor for a number of years now. He is friendly and approachable and has always listened to our requirements and carefully found suitable investment options for us. He is knowledgeable and well informed about current products and financial events. We trust Stephen as our financial advisor and would highly recommend him to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our investments are long term, but so far, so good.

What could they have done better?

Produced less paper! - although that's not his fault - all these financial companies need to work towards becoming paperless.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Originally made redundant in 1994, whilst using KPMG outsource job seeking facilities, Scottsdale was strongly recommended as a suitable financial advice provider.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

"I have been receiving financial advice from Stephen Cooper for over 5 years now and 26 years in total with Scottsdale Moneywise. The transition between my previous Scottsdale financial advisor was seamless with the result that I continue to receive sound, in-depth, trusted information and advice with regard to the performance of my pension, and always in confidence. Stephen never fails to provide a prompt reply to any request for information. He is always willing to explain the finer details of my annual review document, such as fund performance graphs and checks my risk profile on a regular basis. Stephen provides current information for investment providers and their various funds which enables me to consider any viable change in investment strategy. Following relocation from Kent to Herefordshire Stephen was happy to conduct our annual review meeting face-to-face as usual despite the considerable travel distance involved. The arrival of the Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 did not delay Stephen from making contact to arrange our review meeting which took place virtually at the usual time of year. I would not hesitate in recommending Stephen Cooper of Scottsdale Moneywise to any potential new customer requiring first class, professional financial advice." D. Rogers

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Originally made redundant in 1994, whilst using KPMG outsourcing job seeking facilities Scottsdale was strongly recommended as a suitable financial advice provider.

What could they have done better?

More than satisfied with the advice provided up to this point.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I needed a financial adviser to help me with managing and giving advice on my personal pension and choosing the best income options as I approach retirement

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen has given excellent service over the three years that I've known him. He has been very helpful with giving me advice on managing my pension. He has always made me aware of all the options and has always been prompt in responding to any questions that I've had. I'm very happy, too, with the performance of the fund that Stephen recommended.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I've been very pleased with the pension plan that Stephen has advised me to take. It has performed well and the pension provider that Stephen recommended has given me excellent service

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

We have always used a financial advisor and when our previous one retired, we were introduced to Stephen

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

We felt comfortable with Stephen from the first meeting. He explains options clearly and makes sure we understand and are happy with the decisions we take. He never makes us feel we should know something, and gives us confidence that our pension is being managed by someone genuinely very knowledgeable and keen to give us the best advice possible for the longer term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Generally yes. Our pension funds have continued to grow in these challenging times. We have a low risk profile, and feel our funds continue to be safe

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything!

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Initially we needed a review and overhaul of our pensions.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

Stephen has worked with my husband and myself through Scottsdale for the past five years. From our first meeting he made us feel comfortable and confident in his abilities and we have always felt that he has our best interests at heart. It is never easy to make investment choices when your understanding of such matters is not something which you do for a living, so having an advisor who can talk you through different options in an honest and straightforward way is invaluable. Stephen has switched our pension policies to a much better provider and regularly checks if we are on the right platform to suit our needs, making changes to funds where necessary. This particular year has been very important as the markets responded to the Covid-19 pandemic and we were worried about our investments. We felt fully supported and reassured that he “had our backs”. More recently he has recommended some estate planning through a colleague which has protected our family and our assets in the event of our death. We would highly recommend his services and look forward to working with him for many years to come.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have seen a vast improvement in performance of our portfolio.

What could they have done better?

No I think Stephen is always on hand to speak to me when I need help.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I had some money to invest and no idea about where to place it

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

"Stephen was referred to me by a friend. He is friendly and professional and took the time to answer all my questions and to explain everything clearly. I have been very pleased with the results of his advice and have no hesitation in recommending him."

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I had received a sum of money from an inheritance and was seeking the best options to invest and grow the sum to provide additional funding for my retirement.

How has Stephen Cooper helped you?

I met Stephen over fifteen years ago when he was employed by the Building Society where my money was saved in various accounts and has remained my Financial Advisor, as his career has advanced through other financial organisations, since then. Stephen is a professional, knowledgeable, thorough and diligent adviser. He takes the time to get to know his clients and is, thus, able to reflect their values in his product suggestions. Through those fifteen years, Stephen has successfully guided me through various national financial crises, personal crises and redundancy with consideration and confidence, Stephen's outstanding professional abilities are combined with a strong desire to achieve the best results for his clients . I continue to receive trusted, in depth advice at a time and location to suit me. I am given all appropriate options and time to give them careful research and consideration and, thus, feel supremely confident in my final choices. Stephen has always provided a secure, confidential environment, backed up with easy to understand paperwork. This is the gold standard of financial advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. I have now arrived at the goal I had always aimed to achieve - financial security and a good standard of living in early retirement.

What could they have done better?

Sometimes I have felt a little overwhelmed by the sheer amount of paperwork involved,