Thomas Skinner

Repeat review from verified client

August, 2021

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

How has Thomas Skinner helped you since your last review?

Tom has advised how I can pay extra pension payments .

Repeat review from verified client

August, 2021

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

How has Thomas Skinner helped you since your last review?

Clear and thoughtful pension planning. General investment advise. Always very responsive and efficient. Just an impressive person with high integrity

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

I needed advice regarding my NHS pension. As some may know, NHS pensions are complicated with various schemes. It is fairly commonplace to exceed the annual allowance, sometimes because of incorrect figures having been sent across to NHS pensions, resulting in significant tax charges. As a new consultant having just exceeded the annual allowance for the aforementioned reason, I sought advice from Tom.

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Tom went through my salary and pension figures over the past five or so years with a fine-toothed comb. He explained the schemes to me, and provided detailed reports (in terms I could understand). He and his team also updated NHS pensions with more accurate figures than those they held on record.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - clearer, more accurate pension figures and a better understanding of my pensions schemes and options.

What could they have done better?

Not much - have been great from the outset.

Thomas's reply

Thank you Prasan. Absolute pleasure to work with you. Hopefully we can be helpful in the future too.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Career and pension planning from university through working life

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Through all aspects; pension planning, investment planning, etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Much better than expected. Over course of relationship have been educated by Tom in financial matters to aid understanding of decisions.

What could they have done better?

Has been very supportive. I have valued his advice, honesty and openness since 2006. Very impressed with innovation and keeping in contact during these pandemic times.

Thomas's reply

Hi James. Thanks so much for such a great review. Looking forward to a proper catch up at some point. Take care. Tom.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

To help navigating the mine field of NHS pension tax

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

he did all the necessary calculations for my pension and tax promptly and efficiently.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes fully

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

I needed someone trustworthy who could pull all my financial planning together

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Making sound investments and good decisions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing better, he is great!

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

I had had some bad experience in the past and was looking for a professional who could give me objective advice. I did not want to be worried that Tom would recommend particular financial products that might benefit him because of a comission etc. That has never been the case. Tom starts from "what do you need to fulfil your personal long-term goals?" and not "let me show you how much money I can make you"

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

First of all by spending time understanding my situation in detail. I have lived in Spain for 23 years and pay income tax in Spain and in the UK on some property. I plan to semi-retire in a year and needed some long-term planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Tom has already saved me significants amounts by helping me to apply for the maximum long-term allowance. During Covid he has continued to manage some of my savings on the Transact platform very efficiently and effectively. He has guided me through a complex pension transfer process. Tom´s fees are clear and reasonable.

What could they have done better?

Tom always listens to feedback and is continually looking to learn more though his contacts. For example he has proactively found people with experience in managing expats who live in Spain with pensions in the UK. I really appreciate that proactivity! I have asked him to always write up a few notes which really help me after particularly significant discussions and he always does that now.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

I am coming to the end of a long NHS career with a substantial NHS pension and needed advise on navigating the transition through the pension process to my next career and optimise my finances in the process.

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Tom gave a clear consistent framework that enabled us to work through the issues and gave me confidence that the final recommendations would give me the best outcome. In particular, the patience in working through several iterations without clocking up additional fees was really helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I both understand the options and the best way forward for me.

What could they have done better?

Tom made a real effort to arrange face to face meetings, in our new age of working, subsequent meetings became virtual. I would encourage readers and Tom to trust this new paradigm and invest time and technology to make this as effective as possible.

Review from verified client

September, 2020

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

I needed help as I make financial plans for my retirement

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Tom has really understood my circumstances (which have changed materially in the last three years) and he has taught me that the plan is the thing and not short term movements in the market. he also gives me confidence that my monthly drawdown rate is appropriate, given my own appetite for risk and return

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

My existing adviser was too large and impersonal.

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Tom takes a gtreat deal of trouble to understand in depth one’s needsyes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Given these challenging times Tom is doing extremely well

What could they have done better?

There is nothing that comes to mind. We work together and he deals with the situation admirablythe

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

My husband and I have complex financial affairs, we were unclear about our options as we approached retirement.

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

He has been fantastic. I am so glad we found him. I find pension and tax very complex. Tom provided us with detailed notes after each our meetings and then summarised everything in clear and straightforward points. He gave us our options, with the pros/cons of each decision. It was exactly what I wanted. I now have total confidence we've made the right choices.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I had become quite anxious. Our financial affairs are very complex. Our investment returns have been excellent, Tom work's very hard and I feel I can contact him at any time. He clearly takes pride in his work. I now sleep easy at night!

What could they have done better?

Been around 30 years ago! My only criticism is that the reports can sometimes take a little while to arrive but I understand they are big decisions and contain a lot of information.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

Many pension pots and wanted them all in one investment portfolio. I then needed these pensions to be managed. I also wanted to grow my savings. I needed good professional advice.

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Transferred my pensions into one portfolio and then has been managing them. Grew my savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes all I asked for was accomplished.

What could they have done better?

Happy with the service provided

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

I got a promotion at work and knew I really needed to start thinking about my finances. I previously hadn't really given this any thought, as it didn't interest me! Tom was referred by a friend in 2012.

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

He really helped me. Finance products don't interest me Tom made the meetings all about me and what I wanted to do in the future. I found it really enjoyable and engaging process. I now have a proper plan and I'm savings towards a series of goals and things I want out of life.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was very pessimistic as I don't really trust finance people. I didn't want to be sold at! I still don't fully understand a lot of it, but I've got Tom, he understand it all but most importantly, he understands me and my plan.

What could they have done better?

I've told him he doesn't need to wear suits to our meetings, so I don't feel I have to dress up! Other than that, his demeanour is fairly informal, which I appreciate. I can't really think of anything else. He's clearly very passionate about personal finance and helping people.

Thomas's reply

Thank you for the review. I've really enjoyed working with you Jane and establising all of your objectives. Now let's make them happen! Tom.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

High net worth. NHS pension. No personal experience nor time to invest and plan

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Very detailed knowledge of complex NHS planning and tax liabilities. Sound investment advice for long term planning. Very proactive before and during Covid with and as a result no loss in my investment portfolio. I like his personal and balanced approach to investing, with broad range of investments and tracker fund approach. I do not like the stockbroker approach of buying and selling which that my previous advisor promoted. He is thoughtful about client costs and recommendations eg recommendation re setting up a will.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes in terms of both investment and communication. With a high net worth I think it is really important to have easy access to your advisor and Tom delivers that.

What could they have done better?

It is not so much the advisor but I think better analysis of performance of portfolio over time should be available on the wrapper investment website. Tom has access to this I do not.

Thomas's reply

Pleasure to work with you both Rob. Thank you for the review. Excited to now see all your plans come to fruition. Tom.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

My business was acquired and I had a sudden injection of cash to in vest wisely and tax efficiently

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Thomas has worked with me and my family for the past 4 years with regular advice. Thomas now personally actively manages all of my families investments and pensions. He's available personally on all forms of communication tools and, very rarely left waiting for help and advice. Thomas and his team take an active overwatch on our investments and are more often pro-actively contacting us to enable taking action which is great.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Thomas even managed to save our investments during the recent corona pandemic and the stock crash in March 2020.

What could they have done better?

With a larger team Barnaby Cecil will be able to answer inquiries in almost real time, but this is very minor as we are never left waiting more than 24 hrs.

Thomas's reply

Thank you for the review John. Great to work with you and your family. Exciting few years ahead and proud to be part of it. Tom.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

An overall and clear review of investment and pension planning

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Thomas has an engaging manner and is a good “listener “. Clearly knowledgeable and up to date providing options rather than pushing anything

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far !

What could they have done better?

Nil - excellent service

Thomas's reply

Thank you Steve. We've thoroughly enjoyed working with you and advising you all these years. Some fantastic planning still to come. Tom.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

I have been Tom Skinner client for over 15 years . When he set up his own company I moved my buisness from Smith company . He had been always polite curtious ,response time is very quick for answering querries. If he does not know the answer straightaway he will find out and come back with the answer. He is honest ,hardworking and it is difficult to find someone like him in finacial services. I can depend on him for his advice however he is not always ringht and on one will be always right. He only advises client however client should take full responsibility for losses or gains .

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

A lot . He never minds if querry is out of his office hours including week ends .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not all the times otherwise outcomes are reasonable and not fantastic or exceptional.

What could they have done better?

May need more expertise in his firm? May initiate his own analysis of the clients goals rather than prompting him to gat the answers.

Thomas's reply

Thank you for your review Dr Gupta. I really appreciate the comments. It's been a pleasure to serve both you and your family since 2006.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

I was looking for someone to help me make the most out of my savings and also help me start building up my pension fund.

How has Thomas Skinner helped you?

Tom has been great. He’s set up accounts for myself, my business and my young son. I’m currently saving to buy a house and Tom always being on hand to give advice on different government incentives has been invaluable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. All of my investments are doing very well. Tom had the foresight to move money just before the market crashing due to the COVID-19 outbreak. He then reinvested at what seems to have been the perfect time. I’m very happy with the service he is providing me.

What could they have done better?

As I’ve never had a financial advisor before I’m not sure how others operate but I’m very happy with the service Tom is providing for myself and my family.

Thomas's reply

Thanks Alex. Pleasure to work for you. We've laid the foundations, with some big plans ahead. Great to be part of it. Tom.