Ross Smith

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

Nearing my retirement I was looking to maximise my returns on my pensions and find the plans most suitable to my lifestyle.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Gave us clear information on all types of pensions. Reviewed my current pensions and gave some great advice I never knew.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Be aware of potential extra tax if you working beyond your retirement age and claiming extra the state pension.

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

Buying a new property.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

He helped me get the best mortgage available and gave me great advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It was even better than I hoped for.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing he was nothing short or brilliant. Can’t recommend him highly enough.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

No comment at present.

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

I needed advice on having an extra pension.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Advised me on some options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I wanted to retire early and use my investments and occupational pension to allow me to travel abroad.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

He was positive and encouraging. He kept the ‘plan’ simple recognising my needs. He gave me enough information and options to make an informed choice without bamboozling me with jargon.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely! With Ross’s advice and careful management of my money I am still travelling and am confident I will be able to do so for many years to come.

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

Getting near to retirement and was uncertain about what to do.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross looked into my pensions and gave me advice on how best to consolidate them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I really don’t think Ross could have done anything better.

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

I was considering retiring early, and sought a professional opinion to confirm that I was planning the correct strategy regarding pension plans, investments and savings.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross reviewed my financial status and recommended consolidating several of my pension pots into a flexi-access drawdown plan, which dovetailed into my other pension strategies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have now retired, and have a flexi-access drawdown plan which gives me a tax efficient salary, which fits in with my other savings and pensions plans.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to fault, as recommendations to use this business came from work colleagues, and only adverse comments regarded level of fees, which I considered were appropriate to level of service.

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

Moving home to Inverness area

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Advised on transfer of investments and helped realise savings in charges

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I was looking for advice on transferring my existing pension prior to retiring and also on investing a shares pay out on retirement

How has Ross Smith helped you?

He explained the various risk levels to consider and the options available regarding Annuities and Drawdown Pension etc

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, to-date I am relatively pleased with the returns achieved taking into consideration the current climate with regards uncertainty over Brexit etc

What could they have done better?

I am not sure he could do anything better? I feel he is someone I can trust to give the best advice as he explains the various options and pros and cons in simple terms and takes time to go over any points i'm not clear on. Note: I have given only 2 stars for value for money only because I did not compare charges/ fees with any other IFA as I think it is more important to go with someone I can trust.

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

I am a first time buyer and was looking for all options available.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross explained the process, went through it in depth and helped me in every step along the way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am signing for property on Monday.

What could they have done better?

I genuinely have no improvements that I can think of, was given advice every step in the process.

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

We have been using a financial adviser for 25years, and have been a client of ross since he took over the business of his predecessor rod MacDonald. We continue to need specialist advice for pensions, planning and mortgage for myself and now for our family.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross takes the mess of application forms and leaves us to get on with decision making without worry that we have made simple errors in those applications. He ensures that we consider only appropriate products, and he understands the complexities of our diversified income streams and fluctuating incomes prevalent in our self employment positions. He is extremely pragmatic, methodical and excellent at explaining his take on the information we provide him.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely YES!! We have seen our portfolios grow ahead of averages, have confidence that we have correct levels of protection, understand risk profiles better, and have a better grasp of where we are likely to be in our retirement.

What could they have done better?

This is a hard section to fill in, simply because I can think of no area of improvement. It has been so pleasing to see Ross develop his business from where he was, and see the progress he has made in growing that business to it's current situation. However, the personal touch is still there, as is his drive to do his best for me, the client.

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

Impending retirement and health reasons

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Consolidate pensions, assets and savings

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Entirely satisfied with the service and outcome

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

Needed to ensure that our savings were properly managed to maximise investments ahead of retirement

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross provided advice and practical assistance especially on pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very satisfied with outcome

What could they have done better?

Nothing that can think of

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

Had to Remortgage house, after separation.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

He look for the best deal that would suit me and explained why it would be best for me to go that way. Also took care of all the paper work that was involved in the change over of both mortgages.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very happy with the outcome, extremely helpful.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Ross made everything easy for me, Very professional.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

Called straight away and an appointment arranged. Great service

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

Ross explained things well and was very helpful for a first meeting. We will probably use Ross to manage our financial matters going forward

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

I didn't feel I was getting the best value for money from my current advisor and Ross came highy recommended.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross consolidated all my pensions into one, reducing the charges I was paying and explained everything to me in simple terms so I could see exacty where I was in my retirement planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I've been with Ross for 5 years now and have been delighted with the returns on my investments under his advice.

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

Investment reasons for pensions.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Nominated the best investment for my needs, continually looking for better options and keeps me updated.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing much more, Ross was and is still very helpful in assisting my financial needs

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

Looking for help regarding a investments and my pension.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross took time to understand my needs and financial situation. Then gave me options to select for my investments. Ross was very clear and kept jargon to minimum so I fully understood what my options were. I had face to face meetings with Ross and when i had a question he was available on the phone so he was always contactable and knowledgeable about my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen a good return on my investments, Ross has kept me up to date with how everything is performing. We changed some of the investments to better performing ones and Ross was pro-active with this. Ross's advise has proven to be accurate and has been very beneficial.

What could they have done better?

No complaints at all

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

I decided to transfer out of my employers pension.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

He managed the transfer process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes ish.

What could they have done better?

give a more accurate timescale for the pension transfer process, however this was out of his hands, and he agrees that this could have been better.

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

Early retirement from work.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Greatly giving excellent advice as to the options & benefits going forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes my initial expectations have been met.

What could they have done better?

Without myself taking on greater financial risk he could could not have done better in todays financial markets.

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

I did not have adequate knowledge of markets etc to ensure adequate growth and also protection.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

I asked Ross to look at my circumstances when I was coming up to retirement age. He advised on investment of existing funds, details of taking a cash pot from my pensions vs full pension etc . That was about 6 years ago. He has continued to advise me, my wife, and my 2 grown up children on relevant aspects of our particular circumstances - including mortgage advice for the children . We have all been very satisfied with the yearly results and the excellent service we all receive from him. He always explains exactly what is happening- forecasts, quartile analysis. risk factors, etc in terms which we understand. We have no doubt that he has OUR interests at heart and we feel very secure following his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

You can't please all of the people all of the time ! My wife and I adopt different risk profiles and so sometimes make better gains that each other. If anybody complains about their returns they really should look at the risk they chose to adopt and compare with average returns. I have no problem with my returns over the past 7+ years with Ross.

What could they have done better?

i really don't think Ross could have performed any better over the period he has been our adviser. We have come to know him as a friend in addition to our financial dealings. He is a good guy.

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

Ross was passed our file from our existing FA. We couldn't be happier with the service we now receive, Ross makes everything seamless and easy to understand with no hard selling of products.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross looks after our Mortgages , Critical Illness cover and house insurance I have recommended Ross's service to many friends and family who are all extremely happy with what he can provide.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Time and time again Ross takes time to meet us to discuss different options and delivers clear advice.

What could they have done better?

Ross has yet to let us down I would recommend him to anyone.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

Although Ross couldn't help me, he did point me in the right direction.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

Very good communication: following my enquiry, Ross responded very quickly -- although it was a weekend -- to arrange a consultation. I was given very useful introductory information at the consultation, and also had ample opportunity to outline my objectives. I thought it was a very successful initial meeting.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

good meeting, found him very easy to talk to

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

I'm very pleased to be taking up Ross's services. He has been clear, efficient and highly professional. I appreciate his approach to my elderly aunt's finances and feel confident in his ability to manage them. I would recommend him.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

Although I found Ross very knowledgeable and good at explaining things, perhaps the hour was a bit too short.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

Good first meeting.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

First meeting to discuss how I should deal with my pension that has matured. I found Ross Smith to be very helpful, knowledgeable and clear in his explainations. I felt I was speaking to a professional advisor that understood the Governments new proposa

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

He was very patient and clear about the service he could offer and helped me understand how I could invest money to raise an income.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Ross

Everything went smoothly from initial approach to first meeting.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Explained everything in simple terms and happy to answer our questions no matter how silly

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Explains things in laymans terms. He went to a lot of work for me explaining the different svhemes.

What could they have done better?

I believe he did everything I asked.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross has provided me with financial advice for the last three and a half years. This has seen me into my retirement and the selling of my house. A number of different financial scenarios have arisen in this time. He has always been clear and comprehensive when discussing with me the various options. He advises me each time I see him of his responsibilities and obligations. He has been willing to undertake consultations at home. He or his secretary are prompt in responding to my queries.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything I would like him to improve.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

He kept me informed at all times even when there was little progress as one company was reluctant to give out information but he stuck with it to the end,he would not give in until it was complete.

What could they have done better?

I can't pin point anything that could be done better.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

The fundamental quality of the advice it to do whats is in the clients best interest and not what would be beneficial to the income of the IFA. Ross Smith has always, in my opinion, shown that integrity. Financial planning client relationships are very strong once the awareness of Ross's integrity are appreciated. This has been the basis on which he grows the client base and continues to be successful.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Having taken over from our previous FA of many years, he has continued the excellent service we have come to expect. Over the changing circumstances, from full time work > part time work following early retirement > and now fully retired. Guiding us through the financial crash and minimising our losses, we have had complete confidence in him. He is always fully aware of our needs and objectives.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

I was impressed that Ross emphasized not only the upside of any proposed investment but also pointed out the risks involved. His advise to change my investment seemed sound and has proved to be the case. Also he made what charges were involved quite clear and I found them reasonable and acceptable. I would have no hesitation in recommending Ross to any of my friends. He has taken the trouble to travel some 90 miles down from Inverness to see me on more than one occasion and I find him most personable and easy to get on with - a man I feel that I can trust.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Is always available for advice on any financial matters, I can ring Ross at any time, and always get a prompt return call if he is engaged when I call. We have had really sound advice and planning towards our future financial decisions, while he is very honest, if he feels he needs to look into something beforehand, he will say so quite categorically. I worked in banking for much of my career, and know a little about finance, and we are really happy with the service. He comes highly recommended!

How has Ross Smith helped you?

My adviser listens to my requests. understands the level of risk I am confident with and recommends suitable investments. He is always up to speed with current national and international markets and is aware of situations which can impinge on those. He is extremely approachable and his office is very welcoming. An additional plus is his willingness to travel to clients homes.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of any improvements necessary.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross handled the entire process smoothly and confidently. Each step was explained so that I fully understood the legal aspect, his responsibility both within the financial sector and to me (his customer). He was always available if I had any further questions or queries about the process by email or over the phone. I have the utmost confidence in him to manage my money with positive outcomes.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

He is a very good listener - once he finds out what one wants to do with finance he advises appropriately - over the last 10 years I have found Ross to be an exceptionally good adviser and I would have no hesitation in recommending any person to contact him. He is always very interested in the client - he is not looking, as some other advisers do, about the return that he will get, he is totally focused on the best recommendation for the client, which we have found to be very worthwhile.

What could they have done better?

I have found Ross Smith to be a man of exceptional integrity - the service and advice he has given to us on every occasion has been well thought out and thoroughly investigated and we have accepted his advice on every occasion he has offered it over the last 10 years, and have always acted upon it.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Ross Smith has many fine attributes which I have seen, however I personally find in particular he is very thorough, capable and conscientious, these qualities coupled with his friendly and approachable manner makes even the most seemingly arduous issues a simple task; in effect all these are endearing qualities which are seldom seen together in an individual in this field. Furthermore he takes time to understand your specific requirements and indeed attitude to the risks which exist in the financial sector and thereafter acts within these parameters. In summary I have nothing but praise for him, his colleagues and the service they provide; he is highly recommended.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Attends to any query with a rapid response . Monitors all my business to ensure I am getting the best return . Advice given in comprehensible terms.

How has Ross Smith helped you?

Attends to any query with a rapid response . Monitors all my business to ensure I am getting the best return . Advice given in comprehensible terms.