Gavin Johnson

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Very helpful first call with Gavin!

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I quickly felt comfortable with Gavin and very much enjoyed the experience of our first meeting.

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Very informative and made easy to understand

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Our meetings have been very helpful in understanding our financial situation. Gavin is currently helping us through the planning stage.

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I found Gavin to be very precise in the information he was providing and also used a number of IT tools that helped me understand what he was advising.

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Gavin listened carefully to my financial situation and came up with a clear plan for the future.

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Gavin made us feel very welcome from the start. The meeting was relaxed and very informative. Gavin was very thorough throughout the meeting ensuring that our questions were answered in full before proceeding onto the next subject. It was very interesting to see how our financial planning journey was described. A pleasure to meet with him.

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The initial two meetings with Gavin have given me a clearer understanding of my needs for retirement and the options I have to fulfil them. He has been professional, friendly and clear in his explanations which has left me not worrying about retiring and whether I could manage.

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Great honest advice.

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I approached Gavin for advice on finances in retirement. He took time to find out about my individual situation and future plans, and explained the options thoroughly and in plain language. The session has helped me think more clearly about what I want and understand the associated financial issues.

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

Circumstances change and we needed financial advice. My previous advisor had saved us a lot of money but had retired.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Taken a holistic approach to plan ahead for better returns on the savings held by my wife and me. He was recommended by my daughter and son-in-law having advised them for some years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, our finances will be much better organised going forward.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything.

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

As I have very little knowledge or experience of financial matters, when I received a legacy I needed help and guidance.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

He has given me advice and helped me make decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, yes

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

I was left a legacy and so needed advice on the best way to invest it.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

As I have very little knowledge or experience of financial matters, I am very grateful for the guidance and advice I have received.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, yes.

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

I was approaching 56 and wanted to ensure that I had everything in place for my retirement

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

I have received excellent advice from Gavin since he started managing my financial solutions in 2016, he has ensured that my retirement financial goals have been met.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, with Gavin's advice and administration I am achieving my goals in retirement

What could they have done better?

To be perfectly honest I don't think I could have chosen a better financial advisor

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

Change of circumstances

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin performed a complete review of our financial situation and provided guidance and advice to reduce costs and get more from our investments and financial products.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing of note.

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

I have little knowledge or experience of financial matters.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

He has taken over my investments, explaining and advising.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

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

Setting up a pension.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

We have been with Gavin for well over a decade. His friendly, patient and thorough approach to planning and explaining things to us is very reassuring. We regularly go through the current state of our financial situation with Gavin and value the on-going, personal advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We went into it hoping to get some help setting up pensions and organising our finances, and not only did we get that, but we also have huge peace of mind about our long-term finances.

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

How has Gavin Johnson helped you since your last review?

Gavin always give solid professional advice which is gratefully received and always relevant to our situation.

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

How has Gavin Johnson helped you since your last review?

Since my retirement Gavin has ensured that my financial situation is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that changing circumstances do not adversely affect my ability to enjoy my retirement.

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

How has Gavin Johnson helped you since your last review?

Given me assurance and re-balanced my investment sources.

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

How has Gavin Johnson helped you since your last review?

He has given advice on investments which was very helpful.

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

I was nearing retirement

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Consolidating my pension pots and putting together a long term financial plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing to say

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

How has Gavin Johnson helped you since your last review?

Regular meetings to ensure that my pension/investments are on track to meet my requirements in retirement. I have recently received advise on a couple of smaller pensions that will be available to be later this year, I was given all the options available to me with regard to them and explained to me me in simple terms that I could easily understand. I was happy to take the advise that Gavin offered me.

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Gavin was recommended to me by a family member, who has been really happy with him. So far, I myself have been very impressed with his patience to explain everything to me and not at all pushy. I really feel Gavin is interested in providing a service/recommendations that are best for me, not what’s best for him.

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

Several pension funds not being managed to their best after moving from companies

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Has helped me get the best from my investments and plan for retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have

What could they have done better?

Nothing, does a great job.

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

Going into retirement and needed advise on my pensions.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Advised what to do with my pensions and how best to secure my financial future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days at the moment but things look promising.

What could they have done better?

For me nothing, all was very satisfactory and professional.

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

we needed help sorting out all our pensions and putting them all together in one place, and advice on our investments

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

With his knowledge and expertise, he has helped us secure our pensions and stabilize our investments. We couldn't have achieved this on our own.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are very happy with the outcome. Gavin gives us regular updates and we are able to get extra advice from him at any time.

What could they have done better?

We don't think Gavin could do any better. He is very knowledgeable in all financial matters and global trends and is always looking for ways to improve our situation. He is very reliable.

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

Retirement and income protection

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Quality advice and care

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I am happy with the advice given

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

Because we wanted to get an idea of our finances and more specifically what sort of retirement we were planning for.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin have a very solid overview of our financial position and analysed our cash flow on a forward basis - his insights are second to none

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

He has always delivered as per our expectations and is very thorough in his analysis.

What could they have done better?

To be honest there really isn’t anything he could do better. He is the real deal and we can’t recommend him highly enough to anyone looking for financial planning.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gavin

I am a non client at the present and had a free session with Gavin to establish my background and if he could be of assistance to me. I will be using him.in the near future to produce a cash flow finance report to help me through my divorce settlement. He is extremely good at explaining things in a down to earth easy to understand way. Someone that doesn't blind you with words but someone who actually listens, establishes your needs and works out a plan as to best assist you. I will continue to use Gavin as paying customer to finalise my divorce settlement.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gavin

Makes you feel at ease and comes across as very professional, the meetings were extremely informative.

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

To steward our pensions and to provide ongoing financial services

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Having intentionally sought to understand our financial circumstances and needs he has led us to bespoke products

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As much as it depends upon the financial markets, yes.

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

I needed to review my pension provision

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

His advise has been invaluable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I had several small pensions in companies I had left which were not being proactively managed.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin helped me make sense of multiple pensions, merge them into one investment portfolio and regularly review the ratio of investments to make sure they represent me and my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, after many years I am where I want to be and hope to retire soon.

What could they have done better?

I believe Gavin has helped me to do all that we could to attain growth in my portfolio.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Gavin

Gavin's holistic, clear and supportive approach seems to be exactly the right way to start the journey towards achieving retirement goals i.e. financial freedom!

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

We had previously used a bank to make investments but they were not interested in providing help and advice regarding pensions.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin has always been very thorough in finding out what our financial wishes and expectations are and will be in the future. He takes time to explain everything very clearly so that we can make an informed decision regarding our finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. So far everything has achieved the level Gavin had projected.

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

We had previously used a bank for making investments but they were not interested in providing some advice on pensions.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin has always been very thorough in explaining the options available to us and has provided us with the information we asked for in order to make an informed decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

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

I have used financial advisors for many years, but they were not fully independent. Due to redundancy, divorce and other life events I wanted a financial advisor who was local, and truly independent.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin took the time to do a deep dive into my current financial situation, and to understand what my financial goals and requirements would be in the short, medium and longer term. When we meet now we do a quick review to understanding what's remained the same and where the changes are and how that may affect the longer term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am now a lot clearer on what my future financial outlook is, and even during times when the markets are turbulent I know the longer term plans are effective.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Needed advice & guidance with inheritance tax planning also pensions

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

He explained the various options that were available together with the pros & cons. This helped me decide which option to choose.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Somewhat.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

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

I needed guidance being self employed I wanted to ensure I had a private pension when I retired.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

By giving advice on the different options open to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In most respects yes.

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

I was approaching retirement

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Together we have created a financial plan which maximises my investments and minimises my tax exposure. Initially, he helped me to consolidate my pensions and move the equity to a tax efficient and secure investment vehicle.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind

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

I have a portfolio which needs managing. Regular pension income is not sufficient to cover my life style, so my assets need managing with a view to my current living standard, the possible eventual need for care in old age and of my family's potential inheritance.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

I believe Gavin has recommended sound investments for me, and explained them to me during twice yearly visits to me, followed by a comprehensive report of our discussions and commensurate actions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far.

What could they have done better?

I doubt in these difficult financial times that they could have done better.

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

Looking for someone to help with pension advice and planning

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

He guided us through retirement and planning for the future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Very little

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

I was approaching the time when I was considering when to retire and needed advice to properly plan for this decision.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Identifying the level of income required to maintain a certain standard of living; clarifying the sources of future income after retirement; projecting income / spending into the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely - I retired two years earlier than expected and have no anxiety about cash flow into the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

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

Reviewing my investments and working on a cash forecast to assist with pension planning

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Comprehensive review of my overall financial position and plan for retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. The service exceeded my expectations

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

Planning for retirement.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin, through his cashflow modelling, has helped me to answer my most important question, given my desired standard of living "when can I afford to retire?".

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.

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

I was unhappy with the company I had invested with, and knowing Gavin, asked him for advice.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

As a person who has had no experience with, and very little knowledge of, financial matters, Gavin has helped me with money I had to invest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

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

I had retired from HSBC and had a few different pensions schemes ongoing and I needed advice on what I should do with them all. I also required advice on my requirements as part of my retirement.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin has worked to ensure that all my financial arrangements are in good order and that I have a solid base for my retirement. I am fully confident that my financial future is secure and in good hands/

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have, I have complete confidence that I will enjoy the retirement that suits my needs and goals for the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I was looking towards retirement and needed advice

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin reviewed my pensions and savings and advised me on several options towards my retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was able to retire in the timeframe I wanted with the projected income in place

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

I was about 10 years away from retirement and was keen to consolidate my pensions and looking for advice on retirement planning.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

The advice Gavin gave enabled me to retire earlier than expected and he also guided me through all my financial forecasting so that I have a regular income for my retirement years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, we have scheduled meetings and cover all of my investments, pensions and savings and I am very happy with the service Gavin provides.

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything Gavin could have done better, He always strives to give good solid financial advice.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Rather than focus only upon pensions and investments, Gavin provides a wider scope of service, with emphasis on full financial planning, taking into account immediate needs, those in the run up to retirement, and post retirement. He has highlighted where investment management fees are excessive. Cares about his clients.

What could they have done better?

I am sure that there are things that Gavin could do better, but I am struggling to put my finger on any at the moment.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Took time to understand my issues

What could they have done better?

I am very busy at certain times of the year and would appreciate regular chasers and or feedback on what is needed from me.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin is an expert who is very clear in explaining what you need to know in simple terms. He is a great person who understands the market place and how your needs are best served. He is willing to travel to meet you which is a big plus to someone who works 5 days a week.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at present. He never pushes, only serves your own interests not his own.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin helped my Mum take a step back from the immediate day to day worries over her savings and investments and look at what she needed to do longer term so she could feel secure that her arrangements were meeting her needs. He was able to explain things in clear language and didn't use jargon or try to sell her something that was inappropriate and as this was just an assessment meeting and there was nothing Gavin could do to add value he did not charge a fee. I would highly recommend Gavin. He clearly has the clients interests as the priority rather than chasing the next fee or commission cheque.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Questions your reasoning for your investment strategy and does not seek to "sell" but rather advise available options. Acts on my behalf when dealing with my stock brokers.

What could they have done better?

Not much - very happy with the service he provides

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin has been my financial adviser for 5 years, he sorted out my pension and investments he explained all the charges so that I understood. Gavin knows my goals and my attitude towards risk he listens to what I say and I find him easy to talk to. Gavin provides a very professional service and I am extremely pleased with my pensions and investments. I would highly recommend Gavin. Bob, Kent

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

He always returns my queries promptly and if he cannot do so one of the team will. The annuity that I have was through his advice and that was a few years ago. I appreciated the thinking behind the choice he suggested I take. I now only have one Stocks and Shares ISA taken out on his advice. I can now view this online which is helpful. Despite only having the one product I don't feel undervalued.

What could they have done better?

I am sent an updated evaluation on my ISA twice a year but perhaps a few words with it just to reassure me that he believes this is still the correct product for me and the reasons why would be appreciated.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin gives a professional service, he always listens & takes on board your views before giving advice. We are very satisfied.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

Gavin was very good at taking our very vague requirements and giving us the information to enable us to make decisions. Even the smallest of queries is dealt with efficiently by him and his support staff. We found his keenness to show transparency on fees and matters relating to financial advisor regulations to be particularly reassuring.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

I met Gavin through our local Chamber of Commerce, initially to see if we could refer clients to each other. Having met over a coffee, I found his advice to be completely thorough. I have worked for an IFA firm so have an understanding of financial advice and as my husband and I want to retire in the next couple of years we were in need of financial advice in preparation for this. Gavin was so easy to talk to and I decided very early on that he was the right IFA for us. His advice is very clearly explained and at no time did we feel that any questions asked were too much trouble for him to answer. He is completely professional and demonstrates a genuine want to do the best for you and your finances now and in the future. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to my friends or clients.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I am happy with the advice and approach Gavin takes.

How has Gavin Johnson helped you?

I contacted Gavin Johnson as I approached retirement and wanted to know whether my time-frame was possible. Within a couple of months I had a clear understanding of how I stood and how I could approach retirement. All the technical issues were explained in layman's terms with a high level of clarity. As this was / is one of the single most important decisions to make, the need to feel confident with the person providing the advice is paramount - the way the information was presented to me allowed me to feel confident at every stage.

What could they have done better?

I struggle to think of anything negative about my experience. If a particular item was not clear, getting clarificationwas never a problem.