Clifford Bird

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

My wife and I have worked with Clifford since 2001/2. Our first requirement was how to deal with my 'pension pot '. Clifford gave us good advise on 'income drawdown' initially and subsequently which annuity to choose. To date we have been happy with his recommendations. Unfortunately the 'with profits' annuity has not increased as I hoped but that is as a result of the 'Global Financial Crisis' rather the Clifford's advice. We have also utilized our annual ISA shares allowance following Clifford's advice and we continue to do so with the increased allowance.

What could they have done better?

My only complaint is the amount of paperwork that we receive whenever we make an ISA investment. However I believe that is an FSA requirement to be sure that the investor has been sent all relevant information. Whether we read all that info is another question, we do tend to take Clifford's advice. I would not wish to pay for Clifford's telephone bill, he does cover all aspects of an issue whenever we need to speak. I suppose that can be viewed as a compliment or a criticism.

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

Clifford became our financial adviser for the last 14 years. We have always been impressed by his professionalism, expertise and friendliness. He has always been ready to give wise advice as to how to proceed with our finances, being keen to establish what our goals are, but never wanting us to do anything against our better judgment. Having said that, he has always been ready to give us advice as to how best to adjust our portfolios to achieve a better outcome. He has always seemed (justly so!) completely 'on top of' his subject, able to explain the implications of e.g. recent tax changes and how they might affect us. One last thing - we do not view him as (just) our financial adviser, but also as a real friend, to whom we would have no hesitation in taking any problem that we feel he might be able to help with. All in all, we could not hope for a better adviser.

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

Extremely pleasant and patient, explains very fully all aspects of financial questions. We were given excellent financial advice and would not hesitate to recommend Clifford's services to everyone. We are absolutely delighted with Clifford Bird and his office manager.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything which could be better, everything is really excellent in Clifford's work.

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

Cliff is makes it all seem very simple and straightforward. He has an excellent knowledge of the financial investment products available, and how best to use them to suit your own needs and requirements. He makes you think about what you want to achieve and then provides information on the best products available, and explains clearly why they are suitable. Obviously no one can see the future but Cliff provides clear advice, (including the pitfalls) based on a thorough understanding of the markets and trends.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind at the moment!

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

I have been reassured by the level of detail Clifford has examined my financial situation, the information he has imparted, and the friendliness I have encountered from him, and from his assistant Caroline. No matter how apparently silly my questions may have felt, he has given me a straight answer phrased in a way I can understand. He has looked at my outgoings alongside my income and I felt comforted after our first meeting that my retirement is likely to be more comfortable than I'd feared. Clifford immediately understood the anxieties I felt at this part of my life (approaching retirement) and we are planning ahead for 5-6 years which reaches my official State retirement age, but he's also cognisant of the fact I may decide that I might like to retire earlier. I value his advice which I find reassuring, allays my worries whilst offering me alternatives and encouragement to treat my finances from a position of knowledge.

What could they have done better?

To date I cannot - from our dealings to date - think of anything Clifford could have done better. I have received the advice which I needed, and feel confident that should I require more help, or a different approach, it would be provided.

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

We are very pleased with the advice received with regard to all aspects of our financial matters, particularly security in our retirement. He listens carefully to what we would like to achieve and always finds an answer to suit our circumstances. He is able to explain financial matters in simple terms so that we understand what we are doing and why! He also makes sure we are "comfortable" about any decisions we decide upon. He provides easy to understand hard copy information about our financial activities and keeps us informed of any adjustments that might be necessary. He meets with us on a regular basis and is always readily available by phone. We have full confidence in Clifford Bird and would say "If he says it's OK, then it's OK by us".

What could they have done better?

Sorry, we cannot think of anything Clifford Bird could do better !

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

He respond quickly to requests for information using phone or e mail. His advice has enabled me to rationalise my families finances and maximise the investments.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to add.

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

Clifford fully understands my goals and attitude to risk and puts forward proposals to achieve my planned earning levels and for the past 10yrs has made sure I have achieved the levels set out. He is very professional and responsive and if you know your goals, he will get you to them efficiently and effectively. He has just advised me to move my pension to a different provider to get better returns from the diversity of funds to choose from and the use value I get from his services exceeds the cash value I pay for it - that is all one can ask.

What could they have done better?

In the current and recent financial atmosphere, it would perhaps have been more useful to review the investments more frequently and make changes more often to get the best returns but he has helped me achieve my planned earnings level and that was my goal so no complaints.

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

We've always felt very comfortable in our dealings with Clifford – he’s very approachable and has proved to be totally honest and trustworthy. He explains our finances in a manner that we can both understand and has guided us well through a difficult period in the financial market. It is testament to Clifford’s ability that we have been his clients for some 15 years and we have no hesitation in recommending him as a financial advisor.

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

Since my husband died Clifford has been an amazing support for me - sorting out absolutely everything that needed to be done! Without his guidance I would not have known where to begin. Although we used Clifford before I became widowed I had no idea how beneficial his expert advice had been as my husband dealt with all the finances.

How has Clifford Bird helped you?

Takes the time and trouble to understand my needs and then provides clear relevant advice against a background of fully explained fees. Also is very thorough in following through and following up as necessary.