Reviewed for
Insurance and Protection ( 3 )
Pensions ( 47 )
Equity Release ( 1 )
Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 30 )
Investments and Savings ( 33 )
Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 13 )
Inheritance Planning ( 15 )
Long Term Care ( 2 )
Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 16 )
Financial Planning ( 23 )
Financial Mentoring ( 2 )
Financial Coaching ( 2 )
Reviewers' assets
£500k+ ( 29 )
£200k - £500k ( 4 )
£100k - £200k ( 1 )
Up to £50k ( 1 )
First impression
by a VouchedFor user
10 days ago
Overall
Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard
Richard was recommended to me by a friend and ex-colleague. I found Richard to be really approachable and helpful and he took the time to get to know me and my husband at the initial meeting. Richard took me through the various options available to me and explained everything in a way that was understandable to me. All in all I came away from my initial meeting with Richard feeling less daunted about our financial future and that help is available.
Review
by a verified client in Renfrewshire
11 days ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I had an advisor for many years without realising their high charges and determined that their advice was just not there. It was everything is ok so no need for change ..
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
I honestly cannot praise Richard Johnston highly enough. He quickly reorganised my pension / savings for the benefit of my pocket AND long term investment.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Indeed and am delighted with the results. Enough to now have my wife involved with Richard Johnston.
What could they have done better?
One can always hope for a better return. At the end of the day this is dependent on how well a pension company invests your money. Richard Johnston has hit the mark.
Review
by a verified client in Stirlingshire
11 days ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Four years to retirement and I needed help in understanding if my pensions and savings strategy was the correct one. Also needed to discuss overall estate.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard help lay out what I needed to do over the next four years to retirement, and how and where he could help in this journey. The initial advice to set me off on the right path is invaluable to me. I have confidence in this plan now and is something I can further work on, with Richard's help, as requred.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes - very much so
What could they have done better?
Nothing at this point.
First impression
by a VouchedFor user
2 months ago
Overall
Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard
Richard provided great professional advice with a friendly manner - increasing our own knowledge by sharing his; exactly what we needed.
Review
by a verified client in Lanarkshire
2 months ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Approach early retirement
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Proving detailed but easy to follow advice and reassurance.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
Can’t think of anything
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
4 months ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I had a number of legacy pensions that were not being actively managed and I was concerned as to whether they were on the right track.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard took the time to listen and understand my complete financial background, position and future aspirations, including my risk appetite. The time and effort he took led to a definitive plan of action in terms of moving such pensions that could be better managed, and also as importantly, leaving pensions in place that had defined benefits (eg protected retirement age of 55).
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, the pensions have been consolidated and I have the peace of mind that moving forward they are well managed. I am also happy that I know I have access to reliable and objective advice as and when circumstances change, such as inheritance planning etc
What could they have done better?
Nothing comes to mind.
First impression
by a VouchedFor user
5 months ago
Overall
Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard
Richard showed & explained lots of options for me to consider and explore I felt I had total control when all my options were explained.
First impression
by a VouchedFor user
7 months ago
Overall
Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard
Very helpful and understanding
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
7 months ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I needed advice on my private pensions.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
He has advised on the best way to access my pensions and provided detailed financial planning for the foreseeable future
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
It is relatively early in my contact with Richard at this point but I am satisfied with the outcome to date.
What could they have done better?
At this stage I am happy with Richard's advice
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
8 months ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
With retirement on the horizon, we were looking for an FA who would be able to advise us on our pensions, savings and investments and how best these could be managed / consolidated.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard took a lot of time to understand our personal circumstances in order to give us tailored advice. It is very much a personal service. Since signing up he remains very easy to get in touch with for adhoc queries and is very good with “gentle” reminders.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
It’s too early in the process to comment on overall returns but we are pleased so far with the consolidation of our investments/ pensions etc.
Review
by a verified client in Fife
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Value
Service
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I needed advice on pensions and cash investments
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
These are difficult times and in the past 12 months Richard has patiently answered all my questions, he has advised me on what action I should take or not to take in view of the changing market circumstances and how they affect myself and my family has been concise and given me the confidence to make decisions that I would have either avoided or procrastinated.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, We have invested my pension, I am already beginning to see a return and Richard continues to support and advise me.
What could they have done better?
nothing
Review
by a verified client in Ayrshire
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Pension transfer
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Put my mind at rest with my financial security during my retirement
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Not at present. Currently taking Richard’s advice
What could they have done better?
Listen more about the reason for pension transfer
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Looking to convert one of my DB schemes to a SIPP
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard is very thorough and diligent in his dealings with me. He spends as long as he requires to talk me through my different choices.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, although the markets have not risen as much as I would have hoped
What could they have done better?
Can't think of anything which caused me any concern.
Review
by a verified client in Fife
a year ago
Overall
Service
Value
Advice
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Transfer of pension
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Transfer all pension into 1 pot and take out my25% tax free
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Not yet, probably due to world circumstances
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Retirement and financial planning
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard is extremely knowledgeable and thorough. His relationship management is a real strength. He takes the time to get to know you and your plans in detail. His explanations and reports are thorough - examining things through various risk lenses. We really felt we can trust him and I have recommended him to friends too.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, in terms of thorough analysis of pensions and finances, detailed assessment of our attitude to risk, detailed report and modelling, followed by recommendations. Still early days in terms of how the recommendations will pan out longer term but with his regular follow up, confident that he will be overseeing things.
What could they have done better?
Nothing that I can think of.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Retirement
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
He has led us through the various financial options available to us and explained the pros and cons of each in turn.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
Bar working for free, I can't think of anything that he could have done that would have made the experience better.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Retirement pension move away from company pension
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard was extremely helpful and guided us through the various options based on our needs.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing. We were both delighted with how Richard approached our requirements and how he explained what could be done and the processes for doing it.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I wished to consider part withdrawal of a defined benefit pension.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
His experience with my actual pension scheme meant he was able to speak knowledgably about it on our first exploratory phone call. He was able to offer alternatives I had been unaware of, one of which I pursued. On all subsequent calls and meetings, his experience and professionalism came through. Overall I am significantly better off financially having followed Richard's advice. Granted, some of that has been market timing, but without Richard's advice, I would not have been in a position to avail of the opportunity to benefit.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing I can think of.
Review
by a verified client in Ayrshire
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I retired in 2015 from AAB. I was a tax specialist at AAB and knew the AAB Wealth team members very well. I had no hesitation in taking their advice regarding my own pensions, investments and savings.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard has come to know my family situation really closely and he gears his advice accordingly. Richard shows a keen sense for all of the very personal issues and general family circumstances that apply as we progress throughout a year and from one year to another. He takes what can be a complicated and regulated picture and breaks it down into constituent parts and has an open discussion about the best approach but does it in a common sense fashion.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Having been an AAB Wealth client for 8 years now I continue to have the utmost faith in their skills and guidance. So much so I have had no hesitation in recommending AAB Wealth to my family and friends.
What could they have done better?
I struggle to think of anything.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I was retired and my wife considering. We had many personal pensions, ISAs, savings, insurance policies. We needed an IFA to review all and guide us on how best to manage our finances in retirement. Also with inheritance planning to ensure our children would have maximum benefit.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Explained risk level for investments. Explained and proposed pension and ISA consolidations as well as for personal insurance/other. Showed how our investments would fare with stress testing.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, very much so. Our financial situation was completely and thoroughly reviewed with Richard over several face to face meetings. Pensions and ISAs are consolidated and all is clear and under control.
What could they have done better?
Can't think of anything, very happy with service.
Review
by a verified client in Lanarkshire
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I no longer followed the stock market closely and wished professional advice on the best way to grow a lump sum. In addition, we wanted advice on pensions and inheritance planning
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
We moved to AAB and Richard because our last financial advisor was more interested in increasing his fees for short term personal gain. We believe that Richard's philosophy is more holistic and he aims to provide a service long term. This gives us a feeling of confidence that he will provide impartial advice.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
No but this is not a failure of the strategy agreed with Richard but a combination of rapidly increasing interest rates and fairly static/unpredictable markets which has affected growth in investments.
What could they have done better?
It would be useful to have a dedicated name to deal with our administration.
Review
by a verified client in East Lothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
A desire to make the most of my savings.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
10/10 quality. 10/10 clarity. 10/10 empathy and warmth.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, and more.
What could they have done better?
Richard, Nothing. But he has been let down by AAB’s payment process that has not always paid us the correct amounts on time.
Review
by a verified client in West Lothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Consolidating my pensions
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
In ascertaining my goals, planning for the future and helping me understand my investment/risk appetite
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing
Review
by a verified client in East Lothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
My husband took his pension funds out when he retired and we needed advice on how to invest them. Also, he inherited some money and we decided to get advice about inheritance planning.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
He has looked after all our financial needs, investing our money in suitable funds, ensuring we understand our spending power and how best to protect our finances. He is absolutely fantastic at explaining things and is a very perceptive person. We really feels that he knows us quite well.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, we feel that our money is very well looked after and that our financial future is in excellent hands.
What could they have done better?
Nothing
Review
by a verified client in Argyll
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Not satisfied with my existing adviser
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Given me a more in depth understanding of investing, pensions and the methodology used to guide his financial recommendations.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
It's early to say but I'm optimisitc
What could they have done better?
I can't think of anything so far
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Desire to reduce inheritance burden for my children and how to support them if needed
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Advice on all my assets and given me confidence that if I need support I will get it from him.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
So far yes
What could they have done better?
Written detail of what we discussed at meetings which were a bit complicated.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Transfer from my pension
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Very much so, and I have acted upon his advice.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, but am looking at longer term investment
What could they have done better?
Not much really as it’s the performance of the fund that matters here
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Pensions advice
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Given confidence and comfort knowing he is reviewing my finances and helping me to make good choices in my financial planning
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I wanted to transfer a Final Salary pension to a SIPP
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard explains things in a way that someone like me who can struggle with pension details can easily understand
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing really. I’m more than happy with the information that Richard provides
Review
by a verified client in Dumfriesshire
a year ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
We use AAB as our accountants so handle our personal finanances
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
With excellent advice
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
This is a long process but, the advice is excellent
What could they have done better?
Nothing
First impression
by a VouchedFor user
2 years ago
Overall
Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard
Detailed knowledge of alternatives to meet my requirements for my financial assets.
Review
by a verified client in Perthshire
2 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Recently retired
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Knowledge of pension rules is excellent
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
No
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
2 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I wanted to ensure my pensions were on track to allow me to retire in a few years’ time
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
We worked out a plan for making further contributions and changing the investments in the plan
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
So far yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing of note
Review
by a verified client in Fife
2 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
To consolidate pensions
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Created a strategy for drawing income and managed my pensions
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, he was able to make it very clear how I could manage my lifestyle with the funds I had built up over the years
What could they have done better?
Nothing - the service was very thorough and seamless
Review
by a verified client in Ayrshire
2 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
we were looking for assistance in inheritance tax planning
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard has given us a very comprehensive picture and guide to assist with our circumstances.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Still working through this journey.
What could they have done better?
We are very very satisfied.
Review
by a verified client in London
2 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Retirement pension from the NHS In the context of two recent changes, a gender pay gap (I am female) and a frozen salary devoid of inflation rises since 2008 crisis ie the previous decade
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard wrote directly to nhs pension providers and the large nationally recognised university trust as well as our union(the BMA) explaining the issues on my behalf … although this did not lead them to contemplate my change, it facilitated and added to the change the following year post Covid and the BMA lobby. It helped me to retire and return at the best time and with full knowLedge and to help me see the financial options I could release
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes and more… I have also obtained further financial tax planning advice which is inter generational and had not know about previously
What could they have done better?
Since I followed richard from his previous post, because i was dissatisfied with his replacement 18 months later, and have introduced my daughter who is now also his client, I don’t believe there is much he could do better. He has the patience insight and communication skills to explain things from my perspective (as if …and better … than a knowledgeable family member) until he is sure I understand and in my best interests . I have not yet been disappointed especially as I have little financial knowledge myself yet am no fool!
Review
by a verified client in Renfrewshire
2 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I was approaching retirement age and deciding on what to do with four different pensions, I was considering transferring from two DB funds and consolidating everything in one SIPP.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
I have found Richard to be very approachable and helpful in all aspects of sorting out my pension requirements. He has taken the time to fully explain every aspect of DB transfers to me. I also liked the open transparent approach about fee's upfront during the initial discussions. When it came to transferring the DB pensions into my SIPP Richard organised everything very efficiently and the whole process went very smoothly.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes so far everything has gone to plan
What could they have done better?
Very little could have been beeter, everything has gone very well.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
2 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Looked for a financial advisor to help with transfer of my final salary pension scheme into a SIPP
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard has helped tremendously in ensuring that I am doing the correct thing transferring out of a final salary pension scheme…his support and advice has been wonderful and also a very pleasant person to deal with
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes all has been smooth nothing
Review
by a verified client in Durham
2 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Advice on my pending retirement and my retirement pension pot
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Advise on investing my pension and how markets can affect future investments
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
It's early days yet but hopefully things will pick up in the long term
What could they have done better?
Nothing really as everything was explained clearly and time given to make a decision
Review
by a verified client in Lanarkshire
2 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Reaching the age when financial planning, and in particular retirement planning was becoming more of a focus and needed more than amateur enthusiasm.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Calm, clear advice with patience to explain things in lay terms when needed. Also laying out the potential downsides as well as the upsides to any decision.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Early days but yes so far
What could they have done better?
The charges do seem high and are not linked to success - this is a problem with the industry, not with AAB or Richard. I think everyone would be willing to pay a management charge which was linked to growth but to pay a quite large charge when the investment is in decline is difficult to swallow!
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
3 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I was looking to transfer my works pension to a SIPP and through a colleague at work contacted Richard
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard moved my pension from my work to a personal pension. He has a wealth of knowledge in financial affairs. I had many meetings with Richard where he explained everything in such a way that I could understand what I always thought was a very complicated area Richard is very friendly and approachable and nothing is too much trouble for him. All questions that I had were answered very quickly. I am currently in the process of transferring my pension from the company where he worked previously to his current one as I have so much faith in him to steer me in the right direction
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Absolutely yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing, excellent service
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
3 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Needing advice on how best to access various pension schemes in retirement.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard's manner in encouraging my wife and me to consider our financial requirements and aspirations in retirement and providing advice based on his deep knowledge and experience of the pension industry in this context has been particularly impressive. Richard’s advice has enabled me to spread risk, avail of greater flexibility and draw pension assets in the most effective way but most of all, my wife and I have gained peace of mind that we are now as well placed financially as we can be.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes.
What could they have done better?
Initially I thought the charges were high, but the level of support through the process and the benefits of the advice more than outweigh that. There is nothing I would suggest can be done better.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
3 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
nearing retirement
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
advised on all the options available relating to our existing pensions and savings and how best to manage our future income
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, Richard's advice clarified what our options were and once these were fully understood we were happy to proceed with his recommendations
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
3 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
We were looking for retirement planning advice.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard was very helpful, not just taking us through a compliant process but also engaging with us to determine our needs/wants over the longer term. Richard has an engaging and friendly manner, which helps a lot when you are going through so much material.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes.
What could they have done better?
Nothing to date has been in need of improvement.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
3 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Considering moving my legacy DB pension arrangement over to DC
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard was great. His thoroughness shone through right from the start and he always took as long as necessary to answer any questions and be sure I understood the advice he was giving me. He was the first independent financial planner I have ever used and I couldn't recommend him highly enough - no hard sell, total attention to detail - a comprehensive evaluation of my requirements.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Time will tell but I am totally satisfied by Richard's efforts on my behalf.
What could they have done better?
I can't think of any aspect where I would have expected anything better or different from Richard.
First impression
by a VouchedFor user
3 years ago
Overall
Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard
I found Richard very easy to talk to and very good at explaining what can sometimes be difficult to understand. I would recommend him to anyone looking for financial advice.
First impression
by a VouchedFor user
3 years ago
Overall
Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard
Very helpful and really explained things clearly. I told Richard I was struggling to understand some of the information I already had and he went through it all until he was happy that I understood, also some details were missing and he explained them to me too.
Review
by a verified client in West Lothian
3 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I was looking to review my pension planning and to ensure that what I had in place was right for my circumstances.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard provided clear and concise advice. The process was excellent. He was very helpful and patient. I felt I was in safe hands
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Absolutely, I now have peace of mind that my pension planning is on safe hands, now and in the future
What could they have done better?
Nothing,I am very satisfied
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
3 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
My wish to make a pension transfer
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Gave me financial advise regarding my transfer
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, transfer completed
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Advice for redundancy & retirement
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard considered my current financial circumstances and plans for the immediate future and subsequent years and talked in simple terms of the different options available to help me decide how to use my redundancy monies and derive the best income from my final salary pension scheme
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes the advice included different scenarios and options and was tailored to match my risk appetite
What could they have done better?
Richard was hugely responsive, very patient in explaining the various implications, he asked loads of questions to enure he understood everything about my finances and lifestyle and I loved the fact that whenever I had to take actions he gave me a list of what to do by when. His final report was easy to follow and fully reflected all of our discussions. He couldn't have made it any easier.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I had a sum of money to invest and required advice on starting a personal pension.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
We discussed my financial situation ,my plans for retirement and potential inheritance planning. He provided comprehensive advice , explaining the various options and risks. He also explained how to maximise my tax allowances.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, I have been very happy with the advice offered. If he had not explained the options so clearly, I would have been unaware of some of the benefits to be gained.
What could they have done better?
I do not think that the service provided could have been better.
Review
by a verified client in Stirlingshire
5 years ago
Overall
Value
Service
Advice
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
pensions
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
pull together all the different pensions and arranged them into a manageable portfolio.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
yes
Review
by a verified client in West Lothian
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Husband a client
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Financial advice
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
Review
by a verified client in West Lothian
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I retired at the age of 60 and I required advice and assistance regarding the investment of my Company Pensions, booth Final Salary and Auto Enrolled Pensions.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard assisted me in transferring out my Final Salary Pension and other Pensions incomes into my SIPP.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes.
What could they have done better?
I cannot think of anything.
Review
by a verified client in Dunbartonshire
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
We wanted to have flexibility over our pension plans in retirement rather than remaining in company plans.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard provide us with clear guidance on the options available and advice on hedging our future exposure.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Too early to say as there have been some exception Al costs at start up.
What could they have done better?
Nothing
Review
by a verified client in Dunbartonshire
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Leave current employee pension scheme.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard gave sound and understandable advice. He also helped us when my husband was made redundant. His reassurance and sound advice really helped at a very difficult time.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing.....he was first class. Could not have asked for better advice
Review
by a verified client in Somerset
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Approaching retirement.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Explained and analysed all the options and made appropriate recommendations.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
No complaints.
What could they have done better?
Nothing. No suggestions. Richard provides a lot of detail in the course of correspondence and discussions ... possibly more than some clients would want, but I like it. And it clearly demonstrates that he is fully on top of the subject matter.
Review
by a verified client in West Lothian
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
A friend who had arranged a pension transfer from our "shared" employer Final Salary pension shceme, recommended MAM, and in particular, Richard.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
He explained the advantages (and possible disadvantages) of executing such a transfer. He came across as a very sincere, knowledgeable and trustworthy adviser. The very detailed booklet, explaining how the transfer would work and what future outcomes might be, was much appreciated very helpful, because I am very cautious by nature.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
It is early days (less than 2 years of investment), but my investment is holding up so far.
What could they have done better?
Not sure
Review
by a verified client in Oxfordshire
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I have always seeked the advice of a financial adviser to ensure both my current and long term financial goals are achieved and my investment opportunities are maximised
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Richard has always fully understood my financial goals and my attitude to risk, has always offered highly professional advice recommending the best products available. Richard has always provided an exceptional quality of service and good value for money.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, complete peace of mind in the knowledge that my investments are being professionally monitored and managed and as a result my investment portfolio has steadily increased in value in line with my expectations.
What could they have done better?
Nothing. Richard has always been in close contact and has always been very responsive and approachable. Richard has carried out regular financial reviews with me and has always provided clear and regular updates, actioning all requests and changes to my investment portfolio promptly and efficiently.
Review
by a verified client in Essex
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Navigating the Lifetime Allowance restrictions
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
Consolidation of multiple pensions into one SIPP and plans for crystallisation at age 55
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes. I have been very pleased with Richard’s holistic service.
What could they have done better?
Nothing springs to mind.
Review
by a verified client in East Lothian
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
My husband inherited some money and was also planning his retirement. We wanted to make sure we were making good decisions for the future.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
He was exceptionally thorough at gathering all the information about our circumstances, getting to know us as clients, planning with us and keeping us informed.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes......he is exceptionally good at explaining things and very perceptive about us as two individuals with different concerns.
What could they have done better?
I don't think he could have done anything better.
Review
by a verified client in London
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I like to get professional advice in areas where it is appropriate
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
With all my financial needs. Particularly in relation to my pensions as i approach retirement
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing could have been improved.
Review
by a verified client in Midlothian
5 years ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I required specialist advice on a number of pension schemes.
How has Richard Johnston helped you?
He gave tailored advice and helped explain very complex issues as clearly as possible. The ultimate aim is to maximise tax efficiency and ultimate yield.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes. I consider that Richard's advice has ensured I am best placed in the long term. Although not cheap I consider his advice is worth it.
What could they have done better?
I cannot think of an area in which Richard could have improved.