Charlie Brown

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

How has Charlie Brown helped you since your last review?

Keeps us up to date on the financial side of investment and any changes to the market and what extra we can boost our pension rate

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

How has Charlie Brown helped you since your last review?

Keeps constantly in touch. Does reviews. Explains what is happening with investments and is ready to help with further advice and investments as our circumstances change.

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

Pension advice prior to retirement

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Guided us innthr right direction

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I don't know! We are 6 years into retirement and our finances are working out very well.

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

I had little idea of finacial planning.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Regualr advice and meetings. Very aproachable and friendly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

How has Charlie Brown helped you since your last review?

Agree with all our comments last time. We see Charlie as a comitted friend.

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

How has Charlie Brown helped you since your last review?

If we have any queries Charlie is always At the end of the phone.

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

I inherited Charlie from my company

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Advised regarding pension and savings

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

We came into some money and wanted advice on investing, life insurance and generating some income.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie has been amazing. My husband recently passed away and Charlie has been extremely supportive. His advice has been invaluable, and he has sensitively guided me through any relevant changes that were needed. I trust that he has my best interests at heart. He is never pushy and allows plenty of time for decisions to be made.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very positive in many respects.

What could they have done better?

This is difficult to answer as overall I am happy with the outcome.

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

I am very much a 'words' person and I have reached the age of 77 without that ever changing. In my working life I was a teacher of English and I am Vice Chairman of and a regular reader for the local "Talking Newspaper for the Blind" Committee. NO figures involved!! Charlie has had to be very patient with my questions and the need for clarification of certain issues that crop up....and he has never failed to deliver on ANYTHING asked of him.....and sometimes he must have wondered if this particular client has a brain at all! Now my life is much easier although full retirement is not yet necessary. With Charlie's help (obvious!!) and hard work (no question!!) over the years and, certainly, just recently, I am in the position just to have a well filled local (Diss, Norfolk) Nationwide Pay In, Take Out Current Account. The money is in there from Charlie's carefully handled placings of money and I have never been less than happy with his actions or advice. Re. 'words' in my life, I don't think there have ever been too many detractors, BUT, in my 'financial' life I have needed help and advice always along the way. Step forward, Charlie!! Yes, to its being the end of an era, but anyone in the future who requires guidance about monetary matters and mentions it to me, Charlie's name and contact details will be put forward without hesitation.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

A;; described above.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Without fail.....goodness knows what would have happened if I had been left to my own devices!!

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all. Hard work from Charlie and appreciation from me throughout.

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

Needed someone l could trust to help deal with financial

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Absolutely excellent advice and always to my advantage

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything!

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

How has Charlie Brown helped you since your last review?

Charlie has helped me plan for retirement and for tax efficient planning. He’s always helpful and happy to explain the options to decide best courses of action.

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

How has Charlie Brown helped you since your last review?

By advising and reviewing my investments with me .

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

How has Charlie Brown helped you since your last review?

Always keen to give advice when asked

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

We had savings that we didn’t know what to do with!

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we now have our money invested and a plan for the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Charlie was very professional, knowledgeable and accommodating to our needs.

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

Approaching retirement age and looking at the best way to arrange our finances.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie researched all the pensions my wife and I have built up in our respective careers and arranged the investments we needed to give us regular income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Far exceeded our expectations.

What could they have done better?

At no time have we experienced a situation we're we were disappointed with the assistance or advice given.

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

Needed so advice on investing some money !

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He helped me invest in the stock market !

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In the first five years I was very pleased with the results they were excellent .

What could they have done better?

I don’t think I could have done any better .

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

I was looking for advice on whether to consolidate my pensions and I wanted to know if I was in a healthy position to retire early if I wanted to.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

I feel happy to know that my pensions/investments are invested in the best places and from the financial forecast reports Charlie can provide that retiring early is an option.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The pensions/investments are doing fine so far. Charlie keeps in touch with regular monthly economic updates and highlights

What could they have done better?

Nothing….It is a bonus that Charlie keeps in touch with regular monthly economic updates and highlights topics which may be of interest so always keeping you informed.

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

Needed some help with investments

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Set up a full portfolio for me, that’s easy to access to see how it’s doing

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

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

Charlie is personable and professional and has become a go-to for financial advice…I am glad I have done this now in my early 40s so that I can make sensible plans and provision for the future.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie has helped us diversify our investments with confidence and is now helping with my pension plans and tax calculations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s early days but we hope to build up our portfolio with his guidance.

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

We have always had a financial adviser as we saw planning for the future as important, starting in our twenties. We needed a financial adviser who was there for us on a regular basis in this ever changing financial landscape. Charlie was the one for us!

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Consolidated my husbands many pensions. Invested our savings. Helped us make a Will.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, pension is growing. Investments are growing. Will in place.

What could they have done better?

Charlie is thorough, helpful, knowledgeable and easy to communicate and work with. There is nothing he could have done better.

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

I was looking for quality advice to ensure a well-planned pension.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie completed a detailed review of my financial position and pension arrangements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My pension portfolio is currently performing well.

What could they have done better?

I'm not aware of anything requiring improvement.

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

Investment of retirement funds

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Advice on types of investment available, and best to cover my circumstances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Initially, but market forces have caused a decline

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

Investment advice

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

By investing wisely in accordance with my risk factor

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It’s a very unpredictable market at this present time

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

We had had a bad experience with a bank. Very poor advice. Their recomendations seemed to be driven by the commissions they were getting for promoting a product.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He listened to us, and understood what was needed. He monitored the situation with the Bank, and selected the optimum point at which to pull our funds out, and then reinvested them in much lower risk funds.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, It has been very good, having a regular monthly amount added to our state pension paid into our Bank account. With the capital holding holding up very well, despite the current Covid and World financial pressures at the moment.

What could they have done better?

Just continue to listen to, and understand the client's needs, and concerns. Just as you have in helping us.

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

Future financial security advice

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie has been advicing several members of my family for over 10 years. His advice has always been sound and appropiate for the circumstances at the time. Indeed, the investments he has overseen have always performed well even in dificult times.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes always

What could they have done better?

No complaints or suggestions come to mind, he always does a good job.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Charlie

I contacted Charlie regarding retirement planning. He was warm, friendly and responsive. His advice was clear and honest... I would recommend his services to others

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

To give us the best possible guidance & advice

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

By providing the above. We were instantly at ease & impressed by his knowledge & friendly manner

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ongoing, the results have been extremely pleasing given my cautious nature in terms of risk

What could they have done better?

No complaints at all

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

Charlie has been our financial advisor for around the last 15 years and has got us on track financially for the future.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie has helped us get our finances in order over the years and prepare us financially for our retirement which isn’t yet for a few years, but without his help we wouldn’t be in as good of a position as we are now.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have seen the outcome we were hoping for and more, but also it has been a lot of hard work on our part as well.

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

Retiring

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Pension advise

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything at this point

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

I need to consolidate some pensions

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He found the best pension and consolidated my old ones.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

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

Look at pension and ISA.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Put all the pensions in one company. Move ISA to a better account.

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 had been left a large inheritence.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie immediately put me at my ease. He really listened to me, answering my questions quietly, but with obvious knowledge. He has never pushed me into making a decision, and always has the time to talk (and listen!).

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Part of my investments are on a long term basis, and so far his advice has been correct. As regards to my general savings, his advice has been invaluable and has earned me a profit I wasn't expecting.

What could they have done better?

As far as I am aware, there is nothing that could have been improved upon

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

Change of company pension provider. Investment of personal monies.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Changeover of pension funds. Investing monies.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes so far.

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

I needed someone trustworthy to support, advise and be prepared to invest when the time arose

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Following a phone call he came to see me. Explained how he worked, if he worked alone and what contact he maintained after the initial meeting

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has been reassuring and pleasurable Taken a considerable amount of anxiety away from me Been very patient and understanding with regards to my questions to him about progress and changes

What could they have done better?

He has always discussed progress or changes that may take place andfollowed it through making contact with me if he needed to Tha annual report confirms this

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

We were recently self employed and looking for advice on making further pension investments. We were also looking to get a better return on our savings.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He recommended several investment options to fit our risk profiles. He also recommended making pension contributions to the Royal London which have done well and some of our existing money purchase schemes will be transferred to that company in due course. Charlie takes time to explain the options available and is not at all 'pushy' as you might expect from some advisers. He is very pleasant and we enjoy his visits.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Generally returns have been good although perhaps not as high as we hoped. We have a cautious approach to investments and were pleased to note that our investments did not drop below their initial value when the stock market dropped in 2020 and they have now fully recovered and are doing well.

What could they have done better?

We are entirely happy with the service Charlie provides

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

I was recommended to Charlie after I had some money that I wanted invested but didn’t know what to do or how to go about it.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie took time and patience explaining about lots of different options I had for investing I’ve trusted him with my money and feel it’s getting the best return during these troubled times.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As the investment market is very bumpy at the moment it’s hard to say whether it is what I was hoping for but I’m sure if I continue in the way I am at the moment the interest will grow and the outcome will be pleasing.

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

Needed some advice

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie took the worry out looking after my brass.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Sometimes yes and sometimes no but overall yes

What could they have done better?

I’m not the expert!

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

I needed advice on how/where to invest a lump sum.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He explained the options very thoroughly, including assessing my attitude to risk. He also advised on tax-efficient ways to save, and gave a very good suggestion for a Company pension scheme.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I am completely satisfied with the service provided, I can't think of anything he could have done better.

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

Planning for the future

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Has been brilliant in helping us with a range of investments, pensions and future planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have a co-ordinated plan which will see us secure in the future and in retirement

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

Advice through a friend

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Pension

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?

Chance meeting with a friend who recommended Charlie Brown

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie Brown looked our current pension polices at the time and provided us with guidance as to improving our investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More than we could have hoped for

What could they have done better?

I really can’t imagine

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

Having to set up pension fund and inheritance fund

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie came up with a satisfactory and understandable package

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome of the pension after the first year was more than expected

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Charlie

We have clients for less than 5 years but have been more than delighted with the service and advice given to us by Charlie. Always keeps in contact with news and updates when appropriate .

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Charlie

Very good honest and reliable with unbiased advice

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

Pension advice

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie improved my initial pension investment by moving it to a better growth plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much so. Very happy with my pension growth

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

Pension advise

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Gave me a clear understanding of what kind of pension fund I had, how to amalgamate them and understanding how they worked and what I can expect in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I now have a clear picture of my pension projection.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, spoke in plain English, no jargon, so fully understood

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

Dealing with lump sums from voluntary redundancy & inheritance

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Advice on how to best invest for both income & to protect the capital.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, our capital has grown over the years.

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

Wanted to have a fresh look at my investments, I have had several financial advisers over the past 28 years but none have been as effective as Charlie.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He simplified the investments and changed a few things.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Charlie has been very professional, friendly, maintained contact through his newsletter and, before the pandemic would visit and go through the activities and performance of the past year.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I wanted to get a fresh look at my investments.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie simplified things, changed some investments and I felt really understood our situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes fairly quickly after the changes I saw an improvement in both dividends and capital.

What could they have done better?

Don't think there is anything

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

I inherited some money from my Mother and I was about to retire.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He helped me with retirement planning and investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Looking towards retirements

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Advice and up to date knowledge of changing legislation

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?

We needed professional advice on investments leading up to retirement

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie diligently reviewed our future requirements, from this information he recommended a financial plan. On acceptance Charlie set everything up explaining every action system involved. We meet with Charlie annually to carryout a review making changes as if required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The investments have performed exceptionally well since we first started.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, very satisfied

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

Retirement

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

You need to be open honest there are so many options which we did not understand you must take advise from somebody who know all the answers Charlies your man he will make sure that its right for you

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have the market goes up and down but stick with it and Charlie

What could they have done better?

I wish WE had planned earlier don't leave it to late take the advise from your Financial adviser Thank you Charlie

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

retirement from work advice re pension

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

advised us on the best options available

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes under the current circumstances that the financial world is in.

What could they have done better?

nothing under the circumstances

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

Pensions

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Advice on existing and new Pensions and their benefits

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Reasonably good

What could they have done better?

Not a lot as it is dependant on your Risk profile

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

I had some old pensions that were not performing. They had been set up by a former financial adviser who I was no longer happy with. I sought Charlie Brown's advice. He was strongly recommended to me by my accountant.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He looked at my pensions in detail and recommended that I transfer everything to Royal London but in a well-managed portfolio with different options depending on the level of risk I wanted. I agreed and authorised him to carry out the transfer on my behalf, which he did.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has exceeded my expectations. My pension savings grew and grew and within five years I was able to start drawing down funds ahead of my retirement age. And the plan value continues to grow, even as I take funds out. I couldn't be happier with Charlie's support. He gives excellent advice, he's prompt and courteous, and he knows his stuff.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Charlie

Fine

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

By chance I was introduced to Charlie through a colleague. Having saved and invested in several pension plans that have been disappointing in their performance over the years,I needed Charlie to advice how best to revue and subsequently re-invest these funds.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

As with all financial matters- nothing is as straightforward as you would want. There is always a risk with whatever course of action you wish to take. I have found Charlie most helpful in explaining and proposing options to me. I have appreciated not only his communications by E-mail and phone but also by having regular meetings with him. This has given me the confidence to follow and take the advice given.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Charlie was able to deal with transferring funds to a new provider . The results have been above my expectations . I regret having not sought the advice of an adviser a long time ago .

What could they have done better?

I have appreciated the personal attention that I have received from Charlie and find it hard to think of anything that he could have done better for me.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Charlie

Charlie was professional, prompt and communicated clearly.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie understands our aims and presents and explains options well. Always approachable and responds to queries quickly. His preparation before meeting us face-to-face is always very thorough.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

I found Charlie to be straight forward and professional . He appreciates the complexities of the financial markets are not necessarily clear to the average person in the street and talks things through, step by step, clarifying the minefields along the way.

What could they have done better?

As far as I am concerned, I am completely satisfied with the service I receive

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

I am completely satisfied in the advice I get & have been very satisfied with the returns I have received from my investments. I feel Mr Brown understands my requirements & acts accordingly.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Gave relevant advice following assessment of risk, gave a printed breakdown on investment advice and spread of financial nobies involved. My Daughter who held a high position with the FCA was impressed with his written documentation charts. She is now a Business Director with a Independent Financial Advisor working out of Belfast.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Good listener,great advice and delivered on promises

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie Brown recognised my needs, offered sound advice and executed my wishes fully, curiously and promptly I will certainly seek his advice in the future.

What could they have done better?

I am very satisfied with the service that I have received.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie has been a fantastic help in sorting out our financial affairs a true gentleman who gives excellent sound professional advice in a honest and understanding manor from which we can now reap the benefits Would highly recommend without any hesitation to any new client

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie Brown has been excellent in looking after my finances for me. I can trust him implicitly and have no complaints whatsoever. In fact have recommended him to other people.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything to suggest.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He is very informative and a great [bedside manor ]if that is the right terminology . also on call if needed

What could they have done better?

none that I can think of.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie keeps me well informed in a friendly and approachable way. He is always happy to explain anything I don't understand, and I am completely confident that he has my best interests at heart.

What could they have done better?

The only reason I've only given 3 stars for value for money is that I haven't compared the prices to other providers. And that's because I am happy with what I have been charged.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie gave us some very good advice which we took up, and our investments are doing well.

What could they have done better?

I don't think he good have advised us any better

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie has helped us enormously with potential investments and pensions his strenths are he is clear and easy to listen to without complications.

What could they have done better?

I dont think that he could do more

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He is one of the most technically person I know in financial services. He is the most scrupulously honest person that I iknow in this line of work and he is meticulous in his interviewing to be able to offer best advice.

What could they have done better?

It would be useful if he had an answering machine.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie Brown has a very professional and approachable manner. He ensures that all relevant documentation for our regular meetings is prepared and he takes care to explain all aspects of this documentation and any recommendations that he feels will be of benefit.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything, at this time, that he can do to improve his service.

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Charlie responds promptly to e mail requests, he communicates at a level that we can understand, he is thorough in his research and produces an excellent report of his findings and recommendations.

What could they have done better?

I don't know

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

He knows his business and gives good advice

What could they have done better?

Cheaper and keep it simply

How has Charlie Brown helped you?

Easy to

What could they have done better?

Easy to talk to, understands my goals, explAins the reasons a possible outcomes of the plan.