Joe Allen

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

Company pension scheme had an advisor, who then became my personal advisor, when I retired and needed to manage the pension funds. That advisor then retired and Joe took over, as reccommended by the original advisor.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Solid advice and assistance when necessary and when asked for.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No complaints at the outcome. I have not made serious comparisons between my investents and others, or between advice I ws given by Joe and advice I might have been given by others, but I hve confidence he is acting in my best interests.

What could they have done better?

Nothing particular comes to mind

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Graham. It's much appreciated. I look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Review from verified client

April, 2024

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

My previous advisor at Macrobbins retired

How has Joe Allen helped you?

He deals with my retirement pensions on my behalf

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Colin.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Transfer of pension from occupational scheme

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Transfer of funds

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review Keith, it's much appreciated. I look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Needed advice re: later life planning

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Joe gave clear, informative advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have

What could they have done better?

..

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Shane. It's much appreciated. Look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

I work for TDK UK Ltd, a Division of TDK Corporation. Joe was the Independent Financial Advisor for our company Pension and Life Assurance plans.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Joe crafted/customized a perfect Pension and Life Assurance plan for all of our TDK UK Ltd employees, that was highly appreciated by all.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely, further, he made himself available for one-to-one sessions to explain in great detail the plans, and even came to our quarterly Sales Meeting to explain it.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, all done very smoothly, and simply.

Joe's reply

Thanks for your review Phil, it's much appreciated. Great to see you again and i look forward to the next time. All the best.

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

coming up to retirement

How has Joe Allen helped you?

advice and help with pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

long-term investment so the outcome is variable

What could they have done better?

nothing that i can think of

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, John.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Inheritance tax advice. I had a reasonable pension pot and seeked professional advice on how best to invest it for my future.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

He put together a personal pension plan which would utilise my fund to provide security for my retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Initially the funds did really well considering my low risk attitude. However because of the current global economy things have stalled, hopefully to improve in the future.

What could they have done better?

The funds are regularly reviewed & adjusted where found to be beneficial, therefore believe not much else could be done to improve the current situation.

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Phil. I'm looking forward to working with you for many more years to come.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I needed help with my pension & investments.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Joe has been so helpful to me, I can call him or email him any time Joe always gets back to me very quickly with answers to my queries. He is very good at explaining and going through things with me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

I am happy with what they are doing for me.

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Linda. It has been a pleasure working with you and i look forward to doing so for many more years to come.

Review from verified client

April, 2023

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

I have been with Joe,s Company for a long time

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Joe has provided me with sound advice regarding my pension which I am very pleased with

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes although it is a long term situation

What could they have done better?

I do not think there is much that could be done better

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review Allen. I look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

Annual Pension Review & checking options on Life Cover.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

In depth discussion about Pension Performance over the last year, possible changes going forward & financial situation. Explained clearly the Life Cover Options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days on Pension Performance

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Tim. It is much appreciated. I look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

My work pension was safe but not really growing. I took advice in order to find an ethically suitable investment with hopefully a better long-term return.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Listening to my requirements, producing a range of ideas before I made a final choice. Then a year one check with me that this still meet my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but I didn't expect to after a year, I have seen a realisic outcome at this stage.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review Veronica, it is much appreciated. I look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Retirement

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Joe took over when my previous advisor retired. He has continued the advice and support I recieve for my retirement account.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

the advisor cannot be responsible for economic performance of the country, but I am happy that I am well-advised. Long-term, the results have been what I could hope for.

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review Graham, it is much appreciated. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Joe replaced my previous financial advisor who was retiring.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

He advised me on my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet

What could they have done better?

No

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review Colin, it is much appreciated. I look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Consolidation of pensions and professional management

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Consolidated and ensured growth that covered his costs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review Claire, it is much appreciated. It has been a pleasure working with you and i look forward to many more years of building on our relationship.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

My pension was static

How has Joe Allen helped you?

He showed me what I could achieve by investing it in shares and such like

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It was a lot better than I thought possible

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Geoff. It has been a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Ny father's death

How has Joe Allen helped you?

as above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I THINK SO

What could they have done better?

don;t know

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review Beryl. It has been a pleasure working with you over the years and long may that continue.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

To consolidate savings and small pension pot

How has Joe Allen helped you?

consolidated pension and over two years managed drawdown process

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - got income over two years with best tax outcome

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Judith. It is a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

Joe has only recently assumed responsibility of my pension portfolio from my previous adviser who has retired.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Joe and I have only recently spoken to each other for the first time but certainly appeared to understand my pension requirements and has made it a seamless transition.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Bearing in mind the financial turmoil we are all going through together with covid. I would say yes.

What could they have done better?

As mentioned above, under current circumstances I'm pleasantly surprised how well my pension has performed and it's a measure of their understanding of my requirements.

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review Jeff, it is much appreciated. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Review from verified client

September, 2022

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

I needed to review my pensions, update them and streamline them.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

He advised from the start on changes to the development of pensions and how to update and streamline what I had into a SIPP. He has reviewed the performance every year and recommended changes to keep up with the market.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

With the current economic turmoil I have to be honest and say am not seeing the outcome I was hoping for. But the losses I am incurring are, I believe, down to current world and UK economic circumstances and I don't believe any other products would perform significantly better. When I have felt particularly jittery about the future I have been able to contact Joe and receive a response to reassure.

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Elizabeth, it is much appreciated.

Review from verified client

September, 2022

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

To see how best to invest for pension and ISA

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Clear advice and options based upon my risk profile

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Largely except impact of Covid/War which is out of anyones control

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Rashpal.

Review from verified client

July, 2022

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

My long time Financial Advisor retired and recommended Mr Allen and Hoyle

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Mr Allen has advised and helped me to invest my pension in companies I feel comfortable with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My retirement plan is looking very healthy as I grow nearer to my retirement date.

What could they have done better?

I really don't understand how all the investing works, thats down to me, but Mr Allen does explain to me in detail when ever I ask him.

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Beverley. It's been a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

June, 2022

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

Consolidation of investments

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Full financial review

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review Tim, it is much appreciated. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Review from verified client

February, 2022

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

Company recommended by works group pension fund holder and I felt it time I had this reviewed as it was not doing as well as it could be.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Talked through all stages of available alteratives; answered questions I had and listen to my requirements

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - but as this has just happened it is too soon to see financial changes

What could they have done better?

Have only taken similar advice once before, so I'm not in a good position to assess if anything could have been better - I was happy enough with the service as it was offered

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Veronica. I look forward to working with you.

Review from verified client

February, 2022

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

Advised on my company's Group Pension Plan

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Joe assisted us in understanding the government requirements for employer's to provide employees with a pension scheme. He then discussed options and helped us to set up the chosen Group Pension Scheme. Joe presented to the employees giving them the opportunity to fully understand the scheme.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. The chosen scheme is easy to administer and the employees are happy with the returns.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Joe has always been extremely helpful and responds quickly to any queries that we have.

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Fiona. It's a pleasure to work with you.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

To sort out my private pension

How has Joe Allen helped you?

He put all of my worries to bed and made sure that any investments were correct.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more

What could they have done better?

Nothing,I’m very happy with the investments that I have

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Geoff. It's been a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Needed a new financial advisor.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Helped me to update my pension provider and gives ongoing advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Stephanie. It is much appreciated.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

At the end of my working life I needed sound advice in regards to the investment of my pension

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Jie Allen demonstrated the options available to me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been pleased to see growth in my investments

What could they have done better?

Nothing I am aware of

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review Karla, it is a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Amalgamation of pension funds

How has Joe Allen helped you?

His predecessor did

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes steady growth throughout

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Kev. It is much appreciated.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

I needed to find someone to help me with my investments/ pensions.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Joe has been a great help to me explaining all parts of my finacial documents to me, he is very approachable when ever I contact him either by email or mobile. I would recommend him to anyone who like me needs help understanding financial matters.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have seen the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Really I am very satisfied with everything.

Joe's reply

Hi Linda, Thank you for your review. It has been a pleasure working with you and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Review from verified client

September, 2021

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

Pension advice required

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Agreed to review pension strategy and move into more suitable funds

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

All was good, despite COVDID difficulties

Joe's reply

Thanks for your review, AJ.

Review from verified client

September, 2021

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

Needed to make my work pension grow

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Gave me good advice and listened to my wishes about investing in ethical companies

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Karla. It's been a pleasure working with you.

Review from verified client

June, 2021

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

Investing for retiremet

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Assessed my investment needs and produced a portfolio

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Joe's reply

Thank you for your review, Steve. It’s much appreciated.

Review from verified client

May, 2021

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

Pension advice for my retirement

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Prompt replies to my inquiries and a good understanding of my needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

He personally nothing

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Chris. It is much appreciated.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Joe

Very professional and efficient. unfortunately this time he could not do what I needed.

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your comments Iona.

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

I was referred to MacRobins and Joe Allen when my former Financial Adviser could no longer continue.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Joe was able to immediately pick up on my financial situation at the time, and has held annual reviews with me regularly since. He has always responded promptly and helpfully to any of my queries in between these reivews, and I value his advice. In these challenging times, I believe he has done his best to protect my savings within my low-risk status.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I think so. Whilst I think I have an average practical common sense about economic management, I am not at all au fait with the complex world of finance (and its jargon!), and am dependent on Joe's expertise regarding my savings in relation to present and future concerns. However, I am very concerned that an ethical approach is imperative if our globe is to survive and corruption is to be avoided, and I believe Joe is mindful of both these elements.

What could they have done better?

As i don't study financial markets, I am not aware that anything could have been done better. I have to put my faith in Joe.

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review Beryl, it is much appreciated.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Employment situation / status.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Arrange Director's pension plan; transfer private pension providers; Set up SIPP pension; Recommend off-shore bank account; Advise on equity investment strategy

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In-the-main, yes.

What could they have done better?

In my opinion, it wasn't made fully clear to that my self-selected equity investment fund provided a 'hybrid' form of exposure to an equity fund; tied to Phoenix Wealth rather than a 'pure-play' on Baillie Gifford Japanese fund I had requested.

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your review, Neil. I have, and continue to enjoy our working relationship.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

I inherited Mr Allen from my first Financial Adviser.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Mr Allen helped me sot out and streamline my pension investments. I now invest in companies that do not harm anyone and the planet.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am not at pension age yet!

What could they have done better?

Mr Allen has always done what I've requested of him.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Amalgamation of pension funds

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Oversaw the process of amalgamation

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet...

What could they have done better?

I was satisfied with the actions of the FA, my fund has been affected by market conditions

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

I WAS LOOKING TO SAFEGUARD MY LATER YEARS FINANCIALLY WITHOUT HAVING TO RELY ON MY PENSIONS ALONE.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

JOE ALLEN WAS VERY HELPFUL IN HIS ADVICE AS FAR AS INVESTMENTS WERE CONCERNED

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I AM SATISFIED WITH THE OUTCOME FOLLOWING MR ALLEN'S ADVICE EVEN THOUGH THE CURRENT FINANCIAL SITUATION IS NOT GOOD.

What could they have done better?

PERSONAL CONTACT A BIT MORE OFTEN MIGHT BE BENIFICIAL

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

I didn’t know what to do with my money

How has Joe Allen helped you?

He steered me in the right direction so that the monies I had worked better

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I don’t think he could have done better I’m very happy with the outcome

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Retirement

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Explained all my options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Invests, as is their nature, are still ongoing.

What could they have done better?

Not qualified to say.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

pension consolidation and better ISA

How has Joe Allen helped you?

better ISA and consolidated pension where appropriate

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

I wanted to bring various company pensions into one single pot that reflected my risk and ethical evaluation and it is hoped to generate a better return on investment because it is being managed by a professional rather than by myself whose expertise is not in this area.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

He visited me at home at a time convenient for me. He listened to what I cared about (ethical investment), understood what I wanted to achieve (merge several pensions), outlined his professional advise on best course of action and answered all my questions treating me with respect and dignity even when my questions clearly reflected my lack of understanding. I got a pack of information outlining what the proposal was and all the paperwork was completed for me except where I needed to sign which was sent to my house and returned in the post very easily. It didn't actually take very long and it wasn't very difficult and despite complexity of the subject I felt comfortable following the advice provided.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All pensions merged successfully yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

did not look he has been my adviser when Hoyl took over my pension

How has Joe Allen helped you?

advised on accessing a cash sum from my pension and converting to drawdown

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

it is an ongoing longer-term investment

What could they have done better?

Nothing to date i do not think

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Needed to do something with my pension

How has Joe Allen helped you?

He kept in regular contact with me during a trying part of my life until it was the right time for discussions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but the investments were only made last summer

What could they have done better?

Can't think of any way he could improve his service

Joe's reply

Thank you Karla for your kind review. I look forward to our ongoing working relationship.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Help with amalgamating my pensions.

How has Joe Allen helped you?

Looked at my funds and advised the best investment for my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Pension fund has been increasing in value.

Joe's reply

Many thanks for your kind review, Stephanie. It has been a pleasure working with you and i look forward to doing so more in the future.