Simon Jackson

Review from verified client

October, 2024

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

Left an inheritance

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Invested my money in secure places giving me an income

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Simon's reply

Thank you Barbara for taking time to write this review, so soon after our meeting. This and you recommending Smith and Wardle to friends is very much appreciated. Hope you enjoyed the biscuits on the way home! All the best.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Simon was very helpful this morning and reassured me that what I was thinking of doing with my money was good .Just what I needed to know without any risky investments.

Simon's reply

Carolynne, it was good to meet you earlier and it was a pleasure to reassure you. All the very best for your future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2024

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

I was quickly able to book an initial meeting with Simon who was easy to speak with, knowledgeable and interested in my thoughts and concerns. The other staff in the office are also friendly and helpful on the phone when I have contacted Simon with further questions or information.

Simon's reply

Thank you Julie for this response, it is appreciated. I am glad you have found myself and Smith and Wardle, helpful and easy to deal with. Hopefully, this continues for a long-term relationship together. As I really think that we can help you. Speak soon.

Review from verified client

July, 2024

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

Considering retirement post redundancy.

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Confirmed that there is enough in the pension to retire, and executed the plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

There were some questions that I felt could have been answered more clearly, e.g. around who has can make access to my new pension account. Also there were some questions asked in meetings that Simon didn't know the answer to and said he would follow up on, but didn't.

Simon's reply

Tim, thank you very much indeed for taking the time to write a review for me. I am sorry that you did not feel that I answered your questions as clearly as I could have done. And that I did not follow up all your questions. I will take this feedback on for future. I have also emailed you after this review, to see if there is any more information that you require. And whether you would like to arrange a call or meeting - as I would happily do this..

Review from verified client

June, 2024

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

My retirement, with several pensions and a need for advice on how best to access them.

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Simon has helped my wife and me understand our options, recommended a plan for pension consolidation and access, and implemented it for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the pension consolidation has recently been implemented, and everything looks fine.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - it's going very well.

Simon's reply

Phil, thank you very much indeed for this review. I really have enjoyed working with you both and I am so pleased that I could reassure you and relax you about your retirement. Now is the time to enjoy your retirement.

Review from verified client

June, 2024

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

Simon was highly recommended by a good friend of mine who had Smith & Wardle under his compliance remit

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Financial planning, pensions advice, retirement planning, general financial advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have formalised my retirement for 6 months, we have consolidated our pensions & maximised tax and investment allowances

What could they have done better?

Clearly around the financial year end, there was a lot of pressure on the S&W team to complete everything. Despite me wondering whether everything would be done, Simon reassured me all was in hand - and indeed it was. All pension consolidation & tax planning completed on time.

Simon's reply

Paul, Thank you very much indeed for this review. It was pleasing to get everything done for you, by when required. But it was even better news to hear that you are now retiring. I look forward to continue working with you both and hearing all your exciting plans in retirement.

Review from verified client

June, 2024

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

inheritance and financial planning for our retirement

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Simon has helped us tremendously understand our life ahead financially

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Simon's reply

Thank you Simone for taking the time to write this review, especially with everything you are going through at the moment. This is very much appreciated indeed. I am glad you appreciate the service that myself and Smith and Wardle provide you with. I look forward to continue working with you both in the future.

Review from verified client

June, 2024

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

To help with best way to deal with multiple pensions

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Simon is Very efficient and always ready to help in any circumstances also very easy to talk with and really knows his stuff, plus he is a nice guy

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing really

Simon's reply

Carl, Thank you very much indeed for this review. It is very much appreciated indeed. I do enjoy our meetings and helping you both in your retirements. Especially, with you shortly receiving your pension. Hopefully, you both enjoy spending the money. Speak soon. Simon

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Retirement

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Simon explains and demonstrates our financial options and forecasts in a professional but friendly way and ensures that we understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Simon's reply

Thank you Malcolm for this review, it is very much appreciated indeed, as we grow our business mainly through client referrals It is always good speaking to you both about and helping you both with your incomes in retirement. We are looking to ensure that your retirement income is as tax efficient as possible, to ensure you can spend more or leave a greater legacy for your loved ones.

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

I needed help with long term planning for my pension and had absolutely no idea what my investments were worth or at what age I can retire.

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

- informative, neutral and unbiased advise - tips on how I can improve my pension pot - best way, to invest my money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was more then happy with the outcome and with the advise I was given and the future looks great.

Simon's reply

Thank you very much for this review, it is very much appreciated. I am so pleased that I have given you the confidence to know that you can retire now (if you really wanted to!), spend more and that you could buy a new bike (which looks amazing by the way). I look forward to working with you whilst you are still working and then in retirement.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

Retirement and downsize home

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing g

Simon's reply

Thank you for spending time to write this review. It is very much appreciated indeed. Was this sent from your apartment in Spain! Comments and reviews, like this help us grow our business, when people are looking for a financial planner - so thank you for this review.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

I have been retired for 16 months and Simon has been my pensions advisor throughout. We have agreed a twice yearly review, but he has always made himself available if I have any financial issues during the refurbishing of my house.

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

He has given me a thorough forecast on my pension pot, and given advice on funeral services and the issue of later care support.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, in more than one case, Simon's advice has steered me through my original financial problems

What could they have done better?

Nothing in reflection, their services clarified/corrected all of my issues

Simon's reply

Ian, I am so pleased that I have been able to help you retire and to give you the confidence that you have got enough money to retire with. Since you have retired, it has been great seeing you happy, not so stressed (without work) and with a big smile on your face. Thank you very much indeed for this review, as reviews like this, do help grow our business.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

We needed financial advice on our pensions and savings

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Offered excellent service and financial advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes absolutely

What could they have done better?

Nothing, they have been excellent

Simon's reply

Thank you Nigel for this review. It was a pleasure to meet you earlier this year. It is good working with you to help you plan for your retirement and it is great to see that you are on track. I like the way you use myself for your pensions and retirement savings.....and Martin Lewis for your car insurance and mobile phone tips!

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

As we are approaching retirement, we wished to rationalise our savings and investments.

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Simon is very straight talking and down to earth. He doesn't over promise or hard sell. He is very service oriented!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes!

Simon's reply

Thank you Danny for this review. I was so pleased to help you simplify everything you have and then to put you in the best position, if you wanted to move to your dream house, which you will hopefully be doing, if all goes well today. It has been a pleasure working with you both.

Review from verified client

January, 2024

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

We inherited some money so needed expert advice

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Definitely. He explains some of the more complicated issues very well

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Simon's reply

Thank you Toni for this review. It has been really enjoyable making you both feel comfortable in retirement. It is always a pleasure speaking to you, to give you the clarification you both need. And I look forward to continue working with you whilst you enjoy your retirements.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

My employer kindly gave me a sum of money and advised me to put it in a pension

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

He has given me very good advice which I was very happy to follow as he explained it all in a very easy way for me to understand

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything which could have bettered the advice given.

Simon's reply

Thank you Gay, for such a positive response. It's very much appreciated. It is also great to hear that you would recommend me to other people that you know.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

To cosolidate

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Considerably

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

None

Simon's reply

Thank you very much indeed for this review and I look forward to continue working with you in the coming years. Thank you also for recommending the 2 other new clients to us. Most of our new clients are recommendations from existing clients.

Review from verified client

October, 2023

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

To start a pension fund

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Very knowledgable but approachable and friendly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes so far I have

What could they have done better?

I can’t think of anything

Simon's reply

Leslie, thank you very much indeed for this review, it is very much appreciated. It is good to hear that you have the confidence in our advice and that you found me very knowledgeable. It was very enjoyable helping you plan for your future retirement.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Retirement

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Given us advice we can understand. Took the time to really listen to get an understanding of what we think we need.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Simon's reply

Thank you very much for this review. This is very much appreciated indeed. I look forward to working with you to simplify everything for you, to help you retire (early) and with a big smile on your face.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I had a substantial amount of cash to invest

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Mainly advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have

What could they have done better?

Don’t think could have done better

Simon's reply

Thank you for spending some time in your busy retirement (!) to write this review. It is very much appreciated. Hopefully you have got some more nice holidays planned in the coming months.

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

I needed to get advise on the best ways to consolidate and manage my pension options prior to taking early retirement.

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Simon has explained all my options in a clear and understandable way. Without overloading me with technical jargon I was able to understand the choices I had and, with his guidance, to make the most appropriate decisions for my current and future circumstances. Simon has a very friendly attitude. I have never felt that any question I have asked has been stupid and he has always taken the time to explain any concerns I have and made sure that I have understood his explanations. I think the thing I most appreciate is that I feel Simon is 'on my side' and that the advise he gives is centered on what is right for me. It can be daunting to make critical decisions about pensions but I feel confident that with Simon's help I can make the right choices. It is also comforting to know that Simon is always available to answer any questions that I have which gives me great peace of mind.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - in fact the options provided my Simon and his firm exceeded the expectations I had calculated myself. Simon was also able to give me advantageous options I was unaware of.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything that could be improved. I feel very happy with how everything has been dealt with and comfortable that my pension choices have put me in a good place.

Simon's reply

Thank you Tim, for this review, which is very much appreciate indeed. And I am pleased that you appreciate what myself and Smith and Wardle have done for you. My favourite line was that I "explained all my options in a clear and understandable way.....without overloading me with technical jargon". This is something we really try to do as a firm, as you have to understand what you have and what your options are. Thank you again and do please contact me if I can help you further.

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

I had money I wished to invest

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

Frequent accurate reports

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

What could they have done better?

To be honest not a lot

Simon's reply

Thank you Les for this review. A 5* rating across the board is very much appreciated indeed. I look forward to continue working with you in the long term.

Review from verified client

May, 2023

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

As a previous client of Smith & Wardle, we were moved across to Simon due to staff rejigging. Quite honestly, after years of just pretending I understood investments, Simon took the time & explained everything in layman's terms (more than once if needs be) & perhaps in a different way if it didn't make sense first time. For me personally, it helped me to understand by having 'examples' & Simon was always happy to clarify or read-a-just the way he delivered if I didn't understand - all with a calm attitude & lots of patience. Sometimes going over & above when he really should have just been relaxing with his family.

How has Simon Jackson helped you?

To understand the complicated world of pensions & investments at a time when we are looking at potential retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%

What could they have done better?

Possible given us a nudge on making sure our other (outside Smith & Wardle) tax free savings (ISA's) were topped up.

Simon's reply

Thank you very much indeed for this review Sue. The ratings are very much appreciated but the comments are what are important to me. As planners, we really should be able to save you from worrying about what could be seen as the "complicated world of pensions & investments." Hopefully, from our meetings you now totally understand your current situation and that really pensions and investments are not that complicated. And importantly, to let you know exactly where you are when you are looking "at potential retirement" :-)

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Simon listened carefully in order to understand my objectives and my appetite for risk and opportunity. Good work, well presented.

Simon's reply

Thank you Barry for this review, it is very much appreciated. Hopefully you found the Financial Planning Report very useful, to point you in the right direction going forward.

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

Two of my pensions where coming up for renewal

How is Simon helping you?

He is organising the transfer of the pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Simon recommend a new pension which I am putting both old pensions into at the moment

Simon's reply

Thank you very much indeed for this review Jonathan. It is appreciated. It was good to see that your pension transfers went smoothly and that now we have simplified everything for you.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Simon is very competent and professional. He made it easy to understand my requirements and is great to talk to.

Simon's reply

Thank you Jason for this review, after our first meeting. Do please remember where we are, if you are looking for a Financial Plan in the future.