Stephen Jones

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

I received a work pension and needed advice.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

First class advice and help.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all.

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

I am self employed and have a reasonable sized pension. I was exploring options for flexible drawdown to supplement my income in case my earnings fell.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen was a real help. I consider myself very financially literate doing a lot of research and make my own investment decisions. The breadth and depth of Stephens knowledge was very evident and he could answer my very specific questions clearly. He also gave me additional adbvice which I will certainly take on board.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I could not have asked more from what was an initial free consultation. When I am ready in a few years time I will use Stephen again to draw up more specific financial planning goals.

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

I was introduced to Stephen over 10 years ago now and have not looked back since. We check in regularly and since I needed specific advise on restructuring my business relationship has spread across several areas he specialises in.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

He has guided me in intricate detail through sensitive manners and ones associated with succession, tax and investments. I have found him increasingly important to me in a mentoring capacity navigating the here and now BUT also the long-term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, 100% and we still have plenty to do!

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

very chatty but was expecting more than one recommendation

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

I met Stephen whilst undertaking some work on a mutual client. I wasn't looking for an adviser as such, but after seeing how Stephen helped the client I engaged him to assist myself. I've met many financial advisers through my work and never met one I felt could offer me the levels of expertise that Stephen offers.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen has help me with pensions and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Stephen has been extremely proactive and efficient.

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

Due to career moves and the usual time pressures, which limited reviewing or researching investment choices. I felt the time was right to gain professional advice/guidance on the pensions accrued from different companies, plus the allocation of my investments/assets.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

At our first meeting. Stephen took the time to listen and asked questions as to what were my financial objectives and importantly what I wanted to achieve from financial advice. From this initial meeting, Stephen and his team conducted a very detailed financial review, which highlighted positives, questions and potential challenges. Importantly throughout the whole process Stephen was very objective, asked the hard questions, whilst at the same time being supportive. I now have in place a very clear financial and retirement plan with choices.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

At the very start of my working career. I received financial advice, which on review led me to be wary of offers/advice going forward. On meeting Stephen it was refreshing to meet another professional, who was straight-forward, honest, challenging and importantly explained things in a way you could understand. So yes I have achieved the outcome I was hoping for.

What could they have done better?

From my side they have fulfilled everything I have asked for.

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

My previous adviser retired and recommended Stephen.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen has helped with my drawdown pension arrangements and general financial advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

When I talk to Stephen I get a rundown of the courses of action available to me in the given circumstances. Other people whether financial advisers or not have tended to give a list of things that shouldn't, couldn't or hadn't ought to be done rather than advice on what can or could be done.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Advisor was not local to me, so did not take it any further

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Except for a polite apology for the late response I have no experience with Stephen. It seems he was on holiday at the time of my contact with Vouchedfor but had forgotten to inform “the system.”

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen phoned and said he would send an email asking me to give him further details. He seemed to have some interesting comments about what we might do with our money, however, he has yet to get back to me, although, there is no rush. Regards, Janet Wood. PS I was forced to rate him in order to send a reply so I rated him a hopeful 5

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very helpful and gave me things to think about

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen responded to my request for help promptly and provided some very useful comments.

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

I am 70 years old and still have assets and investments along with a substantial pension intact. I needed to explore the best drawdown approach with different scenarios until my demise. I also have assets in France so further complications on IHT and tax.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

He supervised his junior colleague Sam Blakemore who has the title of a Paraplanner (whatever that may be!) to utilise the software system by Voyant. Sam was able after three meetings to generate some 'What if' scenarios for the future. These were static snapshots with todays data and projecting forward using today's averages. It confirmed in a simple way what I had expected and focused my mind on my best drawdown, IHT and French assets management. Stephen/Sam were not able to help me with French IHT etc but I have been able to find this out elsewhere.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Essentially Yes

What could they have done better?

Although Voyant as a tool is held in very high regard I believe my past experience in the IT industry tells me this is just a re-work of a sophisticated spreadsheet model and is not dynamic enough to illustrate different scenarios without creating separate cases. It is software produced by programmers not software produced by programmers who have intimate application purpose knowledge of the application. This is no criticism of either Sam or Stephen and they have taken my critique on board and will continue to search for better solutions when hopefully they become available in the future. Sam is new and in the process of gaining qualifications, he is very personable and as long as he concentrates on the customer needs and makes that his priority over and above driving software. Stephen has this approach and it works and hopefully his expertise will rub off on Sam in due course. The old adage 'Listen to your customer first and foremost' applies to any business regardless of its type.

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

We are a young couple who wanted advice over a range of areas and in particular wanted to make sure we were setting up the right plans for our family.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen, Jessica and Sam and the rest of the team really helped us understand the difference between information and knowledge. We felt so much better informed and reassured that we were setting up a strong financial foundation for our future after taking their advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, and more.

What could they have done better?

I really cannot think of anything else they could have done. The time they spent guiding and educating us was very helpful.

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

I have reached a point in life where I have recognised the importance of seeking professional advice for a number of reasons including personal wealth, my age, also overall having a professional 'go to' with regards to my financial situation currently and planning ahead.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen has provided a professional and very in depth approach to my fiancial situation. Stephen and his company have opened my eyes to my own personal financial priorities that I would of never considered previously. Since having this professional advice I can openly say that I have and will continue to prioritise my finances in the correct order.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am very happy with the level of communication and overall service I have been given.

What could they have done better?

I have no negative comments.

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

An inheritance plan to provide for my 2 brothers after the death of my father

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

He set up the investment plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

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

As we are currently reviewing our finances, investments and both have a range of DC and pensions from different companies we wanted to understand what our options were, what choices we could make now to ensure an easier retirement process (or indeed speed it up) as well as understanding the pitfalls and implications on Tax and lifestyle these would mean.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

An informative, relaxed first meeting helped for both sides to understand what was to be discussed, what was possible and vitally for us to reassure ourselves that we would get the right value for money advice delivered in a clear, jargon free and pragmatic way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - as part of the process we have a clear view of our current provisions, the re-assurance that what we want to do is feasible plus some options and choices that we never considered. We came out of the meetings feeling that all our questions were answered, we were never rushed or pushed into making decisions and that we had a better financial future than when we started.

What could they have done better?

Spot on in our opinion. We are both very happy with the quality of the advice given.

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

getting ready to retire

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

tracked down historic pension funds and discussed final pension pot plans

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very knowledgeable, polite and clear.

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

Requiring advice personally and also requiring advice in a professional capacity i.e. in relation to scenarios of my clients

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen has assisted me with personal financial planning and obtaining various financial products; and also he has advised me on a professional basis, in relation to pensions issues I have encountered relating to my clients

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Genuinely, I cannot say that there is anything I consider could have been done better or had a better outcome

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

I was considering selling my business and Stephen was highly recommended to me by someone I trust, I needed to understand what income I could get from the amount being offered. General advice on maximising the result on my income from exiting my business

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

I have spoken to a few Financial advisers and was impressed by the fresh approach Stephen adopted, he thinks outside the box, it wasn't just about the money I had to invest, it was about how best he could assist myself and my family to appease my long term concerns on providing for all the family

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am a client with complicated requirements which Stephen is providing ongoing advise/ value

What could they have done better?

I wish Stephen had hadn't forgone "blowing his own trumpet" when we first met, his breadth of knowledge on both his specialised area of expertise and his information on other area (not his specialist ) helped in forming a overview on what cause of action to take

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

All ok so far

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Had a long and very helpful telephone conversation. Early in the conversation we both realized that my requirements may not fit into his client profile. He was however, very helpful and gave some useful pointers as to how I might proceed to achieve my aims. A very helpful conversation.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very friendly, clear about services provided, time frame and method of delivery

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

How has Stephen Jones helped you since your last review?

Stepehn and his team have been clear and concise in their advice on how to invest our portfolio widely with a view to our retirement timetable. The immediate Covid 19 crisis has affected the market but we remain calm and look to the longer term.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

I contacted Stephen with regards to my pensions and was relieved to find that he explained all to me in plain English and took the time to do so in a very friendly and professional manner. I am more than happy to go forward with the services of Stephen and team. I met two of his staff at the offices in Hilton. I am looking forward to his assistance to sort my future planning and security out.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very negative when he phoned me

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

How has Stephen Jones helped you since your last review?

I still receive the same excellent service.

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

How has Stephen Jones helped you since your last review?

We continue to work closely together on most aspects of my financial planning and families future.

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

We required professional financial advice with respect to pensions, pension transfers and general financial planning.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

We agreed on a financial review process that was extremely thorough and customised to our individual circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The review process reinforced our own beliefs and provided the confidence to proceed with our plans.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We actually enjoyed the whole process. Stephen is very approachable and friendly but also very honest and candid with the advice that he provided.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen was very prompt with his reply to my enquiry and clear about the service and charges

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen contacted us very quickly, despite difficulty with this caused by us. He was helpful, efficient and friendly. He listened carefully to our requirements and made useful suggestions.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

A very pleasant man, spoken to on the phone, who clearly knew what he was talking about.

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

crystallisation of pension scheme.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

was well advised and supported all through the complicated the process of cashing in my pension. Stephen Jones negotiated with my pension administrator, explained in detail [in simple layman's terms] what to expect, what to avoid, including tax pitfalls etc. it was a great relief to have someone as experienced and knowledgeable and I could not have got through this process without his advice and support.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

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

I needed advice on on accessing my pension before my retirement date.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Having heard my particular circumstances, Stephen went out of his way not to charge me for his guidance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

seemed to know what he was on about but not received email regarding questionnare yet.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

very professional

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

i had an ammount of disposible income and wanted a better return than i was getting from normal banking.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

As a novice in investing Stephen steered me through the process, giving me clear advice in a way that was easy to follow, pointing out the pitfalls as well as the benifits. Both he and his team have been professional, friendly and available at all times.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes all of the investments made on my behalf have shown a good return. And in some cases exceeded my expectations.

What could they have done better?

I do not think they could have improved the service given to me, they are allways available with good advice and I will continue to use there services.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen contacted me straight away and gave me good clear information,he was very professional and told me all I needed to know

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Good, honest, down to earth advice. Excellent service.

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

I had some cash balances that were significant and earning a paltry interest income.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

We reviewed the cash we had on hand and invested it in some safe areas with Stephen's advice which have generated excellent returns as forecast.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

See above - yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that can usefully be added.

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

I needed advice for retirement planning.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen gave clear options and information.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Planning towards retirement.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - Simple!

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Very knowledgeable and proffessional and nice personality

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

I had many a sleepless night until I put everything in Stephen's hands. He took control of my financial problem and it was sorted quickly and easily. He is good to talk to and I really appreciated his clear, tells-it-how-it-is explanation of the issues involved.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Stephen

Stephen responded to my query very promptly and was excellent in the advice he gave me. thank you

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Knows his stuff. Depth and breadth.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen is very easy to work with - he allows me to really understand my options!

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Clear Solutions offered a proactive service fully understanding my priorities as a client and giving best advice on a timely basis tailored to my specific needs.

What could they have done better?

None as far as I am aware.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen Jones has been my adviser for over 20 years and I have come to depend on him whenever I have required any assistance in the conduct of my financial affairs. He and his staff have dealt with great patience, good humour and efficiency with my various enquiries about investments and the management of income. Their advice has been lucid and invaluable.

What could they have done better?

As I have grown older I have found reading standard print size more and more difficult. However, when I mentioned this they immediately changed all of their documentation for me to a larger size. Perhaps they could ask their clients at the preliminary stages whether it would be helpful for them to recieve correspondance in a different typeface.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen Jones is very easy to talk to and communicates very well, always acts with integrity and has an excellent technical knowledge of the pension market

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

I went to Stephen Jones after my previous adviser retired. I am 2/3 years from retirement. Stephen has explained clearly and thoroughly my options and he has restrained me from directions that would not have been beneficial to me. I am very confident I am receiving excellent advice from a consummate professional.

What could they have done better?

He might ensure that his colleagues are kept abreast of the advice he has given.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Having been a client for many years, I feel Clear Solutions have given me excellent service in a field in which I have limited knowledge. Stephen and his team are always available at the end of the phone to assist with any queries which arise, they have helped with all aspects of my personal and business finances and I have always felt 100% confidence in their suggestions.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen and Clearsolutions provide me with clear straightforward financial advice over a broad range of topics. They have done so for more than a decade and I have no reason to change.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

communicates clearly, is available for discussion whenever requested, courteous, honest appraisal, a pleasure to deal with!

What could they have done better?

nothing (tell more jokes!)

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen is very clear and concise with the advise he gives. He is a very good listener and quickly understands the requirements you have. I have found historically it very frustrating speaking to people in Stephens line of work where he or she would 'beat around the bush' taking up time (and your money). This is simply NOT the case with Stephen. His integrity and attention to detail is exactly what i required and he has gone above and beyond for me on numerous occasions during the time we have worked together.

What could they have done better?

I have only dealt with a few people in Stephens industry historically and have ever only gotten on well with Stephen. Therefore i cannot fault either him or his company in anyway. A pleasure to meet both in a work and social environment.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Stephen's initial contact with me was very informative and he was able to advise on my needs specifically. He also has extremely capable staff working with him who respond to all my queries within minutes, asif they are my personal assistant. I am extremely happy with the overall service.

How has Stephen Jones helped you?

Communicates unbiased independent advice in a clear, easy to understand way.

What could they have done better?

Sometimes dificult to get hold of Stephen but office based team are always just a phone call/e-mail away & are happy to help.