Oliver McDonald

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

Our business wanted to educate our employees on the importance of financial wellbeing and more advice on how we can support our employees financially and prepare them for the future.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver has provided webinars around financial wellbeing and pensions and great advice on key topics to our employees.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have a much more educated staff who have really engaged with the webinars and advice provided.

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

Inheritance

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Investing

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I was looking for a broker to support our UK colleagues, as we are a growing global technology company entering the UK as a new market.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Being less familiar with the UK market, Oliver has made it simple for us to understand the requirements in the jurisdiction.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far so good. We had an employee session and Oliver was excellent at articulating the salary sacrifice scheme to our colleagues and had follow up sessions with some colleagues as well.

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

My previous financial advisors seemed to have lost focus during takeover discussions and I knew of Oliver before he started out on his own.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver has regained that focus for me. He is diligent and thoughtful and provides an honest overview of market situations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Since moving to Oliver’s company my investments have performed well when the markets have been bouyant. So far his advice has been sound.

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

Understand how to deal with pensions when working in another country (France) in a post-Brexit/Brexit transition context. Understand how to invest more sustainably in my pension.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Shared the name of a financial adviser more specialized in expatriate pensions Share resources to read to understand the level of risk for sustainable investment better

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It helped for sure but didn't fully solved for my problem re: pension when I'll move back to France. For the sustainable investment, I've understood how to look at risk by looking at % of equity vs fixed income.

What could they have done better?

By sharing more insights on state pensions for international workers and the impact of Brexit on it.

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

How has Oliver McDonald helped you since your last review?

Advise on when we had spare money to invest

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

We needed assistance with pensions.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver has becomes trusted advisor in everything pension related. We are making plans for bigger engagement for next year.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, him and his team have been very helpful and quickly resolved queries.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, it is early days and we have just brough pension in house.

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

Wanted to check that our long term financial plans were appropriate

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Undertook a financial assessment for retirement, transferred part of pension pot to a new platform, will provide ongoing financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

First steps have all gone well, will monitor long term progress

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

Losing interest and motivation to research investments and failing to keep up to date with those I had.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Reviewed my investments and made suitable recommendations for my age and position. Took over closing old accounts and transferring ISAs and cash for my wife and myself. Paperwork required for these was clearly laid out and well indicated where signatures and relevant information should be made. (He has an excellent secretary). We were kept up to date at all times and all correspondence was prompt and clear. Visits to my home were welcome to prevent our need to travel.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say as I have only been with Oliver since August, although I am relieved that all the paperwork went through so easily.

What could they have done better?

Really don't know.

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

How has Oliver McDonald helped you since your last review?

Yes, when further questions on investments Oliver has come back with quick response

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Oliver

He was very clear and explained things extremely well.

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

Discovering I had numerous pension pots all under performing, and sought to consolidate.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver has provided excellent advice and support and is always willing to offer advice and to action subsequent requests with thoughtful and professional advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

In this instance Oliver was exceptional in his support and execution of my request.

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

Considering Private Pension

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Explaining the pan strategy, set up, saving and Tax relief and boost my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N?A

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

How has Oliver McDonald helped you since your last review?

Oliver has always provided excellent service not only to me but also to our employees. Each question is answered quickly and thoroughly, each offer is explained and all risks/gains are clear.

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

How has Oliver McDonald helped you since your last review?

definitely - a worthwhile long term investment for sure

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

How has Oliver McDonald helped you since your last review?

Helped to access my pension pot and giving me relevant advice and options.

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

Recommended by a friend

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Yes helped to clear morthae with pension pot

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Unfortunatly transaction done around start of Covid lockdowns so some delay by bank

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

How has Oliver McDonald helped you since your last review?

He has been very professional and understanding. We are extremely happy with Oliver's services.

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

I first looked for financial advice when I had to take over my father's financial affairs, eventually looking at the best way to fund care fees. I found Olive via a recommendation from a neighbour.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

I was in uncharted waters when I first went to Oliver for advice. From the outset Oliver has connected in a way that made me feel he understood and that he would give me the best advice possible, and support me in making informed decisions. He listens well, and explains clearly. I can always ask questions during meetings or any time in between.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, first with my father's affairs and subsequently with my own finances.

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

I had capital that was losing value due to high inflation and poor interest rstes

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

He has helped me put a figure on my financial needs and invest the remainder to provide me with a retirement income. I felt supported and he was always willing to rationalize and explain all reasons for my investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have only just made these investments/transfers and do not yet expect to receive benefits immediately

What could they have done better?

I can’t actually think of anything and I feel I can pick up the phone to ask for advice or clarification if I feel the need.

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

I had multiple pensions from numerous past employers and basically had no idea what to do with any of them.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver was able to assess each pension and advise which ones to combine, and which to leave as they were, with a focus on the long term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - everything is now understandable and it's good to know someone is looking after this stuff for me. Otherwise, it would be another 15 years before I thought to check in on this again, by which stage I would no doubt have missed some opportunities.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Looking to retire in the next 3-5 years, between my Wife & I, we had a number of pensions and investments and wanted to consolidate and provide better planning for our future

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

We had a face-to-face meeting with Oliver and provided our information, Oliver has come back with recommendations and advice, which we reviewed face to face with Oliver and he provided valuable insights on where we could improve our return on investment both in pensions and savings

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

A bit early to say, but both of us feel without Oliver's advice we would not be progressing with our financial planning

What could they have done better?

Nothing at present, the communication has been excellent and Oliver and the team are happy to help with any query no matter how trivial

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

How has Oliver McDonald helped you since your last review?

Oliver has kept me informed of financial information regarding investments and explains everything clearly.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Oliver

Friendly and helpful advice. Takes time to explain things.

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

After buying a new house and welcoming a new baby, we felt the need to speak to a financial adviser to plan for the unforeseen future (mainly protection but also start saving into a pension and ISA).

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver was very calm, understanding and explained everything in a way that we understand and felt confident in our decisions. He answered all our questions and we knew we could trust his judgment and advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have set up the protection plans and pensions as expected and he did follow up in a few months which was really reassuring.

What could they have done better?

We were really happy with the service and quality of the advice.

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

I wanted to consolidate my pensions after years of not looking at them and being over 4 or 5 providers

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver helped arrange the transfer and consolidation of all my pensions in to one plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Long term investment, so to early to tell, but advise and service was excellent.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Oliver

Oliver is extremely competent, friendly and patient . He gives clear advice and make sure I understand the implications of my decision.

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

How has Oliver McDonald helped you since your last review?

Yes.

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

Moving jobs and getting pensions into a suitable risk adjusted portfolio

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

He has provided honest, transparent advice and guidance

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Litterally nothing

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

Our previous financial adviser had left the market

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

He reviewed what we currently had in terms of investments, pesions and savings and has recommeded a course of action.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

For our initial requirements yes and we will see how thing progress.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that we are aware of.

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

approaching retirement and needed pension advice

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver has looked into my retirement incomings and has given me an excellent understanding of what I can expect with options that are available to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is what I had hoped for.

What could they have done better?

Financial advice is ongoing as I have not retired yet but shall in the near future

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

Initially, I was just looking for some advice about general questions related to pensions information. After some initial discussions, it was clear that I needed more detailed discussions and a complete overview of my pensions.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Definitely! After a full assessment by Oliver, it was clear we could do a lot better in terms of consolidation, investment performance and management. Oliver listened to all of my questions and concerns and gave "easy to understand" answers all along the way. Oliver drew up a very clear and concise list of recommendations and actions, all of which I am pleased to say we are following.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but we are still in the early days while we deal with the many (and sometime slow Pensions teams!!) but that is no fault of Oliver. He has always followed up patiently with the many partied involved.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Oliver is very personable. Everything was easy and simple. Communications with Oliver continue to be excellent.

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

We had to roll out a new pension plan for employees and we were referred to Oliver.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver prepared an offer regarding pension schemes and proposed the best solution for us as a company.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely.

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

Private pension savings

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Professional advise, always available and willing to help.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Initially I needed pension advice and recently I needed a new life policy

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver is an extremely good advisor, delivering an excellent service. Everything I have thrown at him as been sorted!!!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Oliver has delivered everything that I needed

What could they have done better?

nothing

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

long term family financial planning

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

insurances, pensions and ISAs primarilyu

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely, so far

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

Unplanned early retirement and little prospect of future employment forced me to consider accessing my pension funds early

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver examined my funds and explained my all options to me in simple terms and put everything in writing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good.

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

We recently set up a new business. Oliver was very helpful and made it very clear what we needed to do to protect our futures.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Transferred old pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Was perfect

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

Due to redundancy and my age i wanted to know my options for early retirement.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

He thoroughly analysed my pensions and my financial situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Gave me complete confidence for my future finances.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I was happy with everything.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Oliver

Oliver was super helpful, despite the fact there was little due to my own circumstances he could do, although he was willing to go above & beyond to try! Which was super appreciated. I would def recommend having a chat with Oliver, he's approachable and easy to converse with...not hidden agenda or jargon. Thanks for your time Oliver.

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

Prior to owning my own home I wanted to make sure that I had sufficient life insurance and income protection in place to financially protect my family should the worst happen. Later on, when we bought our first home, I returned to Oliver for further life insurance to cover our mortgage

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver was incredibly knowledgeable on the variety of income protection available and really helped explain them without confusing me. When it came to the life insurance we were able to get the right level of cover for our needs and that helped keep my monthly payments as low as possible

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely, we remain fully covered in the event something happens and I'm now looking to use Oliver again to move my multiple pension pots from past employers to a single pension

What could they have done better?

Nothing could have gone smoother or been explained any clearer, really happy with the service I received

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

Investment consolidations and a review of my protection level

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Very professional, very responsive and secured a protection better than the one we had at a cheaper price. Also the investment side was better than we were hoping for.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

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

Several year's ago I found myself responsible for taking care of my father's finances, and I was out of my depth! Oliver was calm, kind, informative and supportive. He is so knowledgeable, He now looks after my finances and I feel really safe with him.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver has taken the time to get to know me, my situation and my goals. We have developed a good working relationship. When my father passed away, Oliver helped me deal with the estate and reinvest my inheritance in a way that works for me. He is now helping me plan the future management as I will start drawing down soon. He explains everything clearly and answers my questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes absolutely.

What could they have done better?

All is spot on!

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

I had an unexpected letter about a very large pension I didn't know I had and needed advice.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver was very helpful, clear and straightforward with the advice. He made things easy to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is still ongoing but at the moment everything has been straightforward.

What could they have done better?

At this time there's nothing that could be done better. The "relationship " is still new so only time will tell.

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

Needed help and advice with range of existing pensions

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Assessed the wider market, compared options and provided a recommendation to maximise my pension options.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely! His fee has already been earned back in less than 2 months due to having my pensions in a much improved and better performing fund!

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Wanted advice on investing an inheritance.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Oliver explained the options available to provide my future financial requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Very satisfied with the arrangements.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Oliver

Oliver responded extremely quickly to my initial enquiry regarding investments and provided advice succinctly. I will have no hesitate using Oliver’s services again.

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

Consolidation of a number of pensions.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Reviewed my current holdings and offered advice on how these should be held with regard to my current risk appetite.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing - so far my experience has been fantastic

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

Review of protection and investment advice.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Considered my financial situation as a whole and provided the best solution for me. Investment fees are very competitive. Very responsive to emails and calls.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing - quick and efficient.

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

My sensible inner conscience.

How has Oliver McDonald helped you?

Pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Oliver was perfect.