Daniel Smith

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

I was looking at early retirement and wanted confirmation and advice on the figures that had been quoted for me.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Very friendly and approachable. He was knowledgeable and explained all my questions in an easy to understand way. I was also given a number of options and reassured me about the future of my finiances. I can fully recommend if you are looking for advice on retirement. Will definitely use again for potential investment advice in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. He explained everything in an easy to understand format and listened and responded to all my concerns.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Everything was top class.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Daniel

No problems. Daniel gave me advise, over the telephone, and said, to get back in touch with him, if I needed him. I thought that was fair enough, and I am looking into my Pension.

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

General Investment and inheritance planning.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel has expertly helped with our General Investments, Pensions, ISA's, Insurances and other fanatical related situations. Our family feels confident for the future, certainly knowing Daniel is overseeing our finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The investment portfolios has steady growth, we have back up plans and policies, and our family feels confident for the future, certainly knowing Daniel is overseeing our finances.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Time and time again Daniel has gone over and above. I truly believe Daniel is a rare find, a gem in an ever increasing untrustworthy world.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Daniel

Excellent. I couldn't ask for a better service. Always very professional and friendly. At every opportunity, he goes over and above to provide the very best advise. I truly believe he genuinely cares.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Daniel

Daniel is without any doubt the consummate professional. Daniel has a wonderful ability to put you at ease. He gave my wife and I the perfect advise we needed and we are extremely grateful that we have found a dedicated financial advisor. I can, without any question recommend Daniel, my own family will certainly be contacting Daniel for guidance. Kind Regards Mr. Ian Gornell

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Daniel

Excellent communication and Dan made everything really easy to understand as to what my options were, what that would do for my money and how I needed to go about it. He definitely took all of the stress out of investing my money, which is exactly what I wanted. Couldn't rate him highly enough

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Daniel

I’ve found Daniel to be extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy. I wholeheartedly endorse him and will continue to work with him moving forward. I have recommended him to other family members who are now looking to work with Daniel.

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

I wanted to find an advisor to help with my financial planning in my retirement.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

We have regular meetings to discuss any changes in circumstances, both financially and in other areas, and his advice has been valuable, sympathetic and trustworthy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I feel confident with the advice I have received.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I am aware of.

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

House sale

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

He listens and gives measured advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too soon to tell

What could they have done better?

Too soon to tell

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

I was in need of some help with inheritance I was receiving.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel helped set up investment ISA’s to make the most of the finances I was receiving through inheritance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am over the moon with how the investments have been going.

What could they have done better?

I’m am extremely satisfied with what has been done so far.

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

Pension Advice

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel gave me excellent advice and opinions that were available for my pension plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very happy with the outcome

What could they have done better?

Completely satisfied

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

Having been in the Merchant Navy for 40 plus years I needed someone to knit pensions and saving together for retirement.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel has advised and assisted with upto date financial advise and planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Having been retired 10years now . I have

What could they have done better?

I have been pleased with all decisions made.

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

I had an inheritance to manage due to my father passing away.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

He has given excellent advice and managed a portfolio of investments that he set up for me. He has acted incredibly professionally over the last 8 years to manage the portfolio, give advice and always be on hand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

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

I needed specialist advice on pension planning income protection and investments.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Dan is an extremely conscientious and diligent adviser who immediately puts one at ease over financial planning. He is a man that exudes competence and trust.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Exceeded all expectations

What could they have done better?

I couldn’t ask for more from a Financial advisor

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

I needed help to make the very best of my savings and pension.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel gave me excellent advice on how to plan for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

I do not believe that anything could have been done any better.

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

To advise us on pensions and investments for our retirement.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel helped with clear concise advice, made himself available when required. Very approachable, made information clear and understandable for a non professional mind.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Being long term advice we feel it is following the discussed plan.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, we have been very happy with advice given and look forward to working with him in the future.

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

I sold my house and needed some help In what to do next. Most importantly ans needed some one I could trust to help plan for the future.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Yes. Daniel has consistently been there to help me and has always been knowledgeable ans helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In all products and markets that we have decided on I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Daniel has gone above and beyond to ensure that we have been well looked after.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I couldn’t be happier and have significant trust in Daniel. I have recommend him to my family and friends.

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

I had built my pension pots to a reasonable size, which needed to be combined. And also crystallised value from company and property sales.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Dan has been incredibly valuable steering me in the right directions. His balanced approach has ensured I have thought through all decisions in a considered way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. While I am still (relatively!) young, I have the structures and flexibility in place to grow my assets while maintaining my lifestyle

What could they have done better?

My career has brought me in front of many people in the advisory space and Daniel genuinely hasn’t slipped off the top spot throughout

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

Pension was due to mature and a couple of things needed to be sorted out in that area. This was prior to the advent of Kingswood Group with Thomas & Co. i have not seen any reason to change advisers.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Annual review of the situation with my pension fund and arranging drawdown amounts as and when required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I was semi retiring from work and looking to use my savings, pensions and investments to the best possible benefit.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

He has been excellent in advising us of the different options and helping us understanding those options. He has explained things clearly and listened to what we wanted. I believe he has delivered us the best possible outcomes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure he could have done anything better

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

Have been with this company and its predecessors for decades!

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Advice and he is quickly available.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing - I didn't give the Outstanding feedback as we are not in contact that often for me to be able to. I live a long way away and I hesitate a little to give a recommendation to others who live local to me (Leicester).

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Daniel

Request to conduct a financial transaction took far to long. I am considering transferring our assets to another provider

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

Having been the victim of very poor advice from my previous advisor

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Early retirement wishes due to poor health

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Dan has taken me through the process and expanded his advice to my wife

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far a good outcome with workable monthly income

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

Savings and legacy for long term investing

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel is very personable and knowledgable, he’s always available for advice and arranges annual face to face review meetings to go through my port folio and ensure he understands my goals and needs from the plan.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

There are inevitably ups and downs t overall good returns

What could they have done better?

I’m very satisfied and have I concerns.

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

Pension planning

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Dan has listened carefully to the details of my situation and understands my plans

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes—allowing for external factors

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

previous advisor retired

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

by explaining available options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

close

What could they have done better?

not sure

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

I inherited a good amount of money, and needed to invest for the future.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

He has laid out my options, levels of risk and possible ways forward, this has enabled me to make an informed decision on how to invest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is early days as only been invested for a year, this is a longer term investment so will have a better idea in a couple of years.

What could they have done better?

Not sure there is anything.

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

I am a widow and needed advice on both mine and my husbands pensions . Also both my children have portfolios with Dan Smith .

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

I had a pension drawdown this year .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes excellent advice and good investment has shown growth in my pension .

What could they have done better?

The process could have been quicker but that my have been the system not Dan’s advice .

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

Retirement

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Financial planning & advice.

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 the 90’s I was wanting to speak to someone regarding PEPS I contacted a financial adviser in Abingdon, who I was in contact with for several years, sadly he died and his wife then contacted the group that I am now with

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

I had meetings with Dan who has helped with my investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am pleased how my investments have grown

What could they have done better?

I don’t know, I have seen many fluctuations over the years, due to recessions

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

Investment for retirement

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Given sound advice for solid investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Better than I hoped for

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, Daniel always does his best for us

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

As I was approaching retirement, my tax advisor of many years, recommended Dan Smith to both my wife and myself. We have properties and investments and needed to ensure that our financial future, and that of our children, are secure.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Dan has always discussed our investment options with both patience and clarity. On occasions we have taken a different decision from that offered by him, but he has always respected our viewpoint, and we feel he advises with our best interests in mind. Dan is fully aware of our financial goals regrading our children's future provision, and is helpful advising about those investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we feel our financial position is as secure as it can be.

What could they have done better?

Sometimes, particularly at first, Dan spoke over our heads a bit. More recently he is more appreciative of our basic understanding on some issues.

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

I had some investments that were only gaining minimal interest in a building society account. I had to try & look to maximising the investments to their potential (i.e. opening a share ISA) with a view to my retirement.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Dan planned investments for share ISAs for myself & my wife, as well as investing the remainder of the money in a general investment fund. As mentioned above this will go towards my retirement fund. He also helped in advising my wife about her personal pension plan tax allowance which I was unaware of.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is too early to say as I have had the investments for under a year. The plan should hopefully come to fruition in five years time.

What could they have done better?

Not much, I think everything was well explained & Dan was very courteous & helpful.

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

Pension advice. A friend recommended Dan.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

I don’t understand pensions and needed someone to help me. Dan was that person.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. He was friendly and down to earth with his advice.

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

Needed financial advice

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

By giving good advice

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?

Set up personal pension plan

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

He has plenty of ideas about maximising the value to my portfolio

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Largely yes

What could they have done better?

I don't think the pension plan is managed as actively as it could be. Also there have been many mistakes in the completion of paperwork (not Dan's fault I appreciate).

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

Retirement

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Yes, 100 %

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, all good to date

What could they have done better?

I can't currently think of anything that could have been done better.

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

My limited Knowledge of the pension and finance world caused me to seek good, sound financial advise and Dan came highly recommended. I have not been disappointed by the friendly, helpful advice provided by Dan over many years of our relationship.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Sound, helpful advice always received informing future strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We'll have to wait and see where we stand come retirement in the current financial turmoil!

What could they have done better?

nothing.

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

Wanted to consolidate multiple pensions into one and to investigate options around investments and savings.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

The selection of a suitable pension for my planned early retirement and investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I now have a single pension and a number of investment ISAs and savings

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I have no concerns

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

Imminent retirement.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Amalgamation of various pensions into one draw down pension. Selling of low yielding ISAs. Activating DB pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

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

30 years ago on taking early retirement I was given a lump sum as part of my pension. I took financial advice then and subsequent to this advisor's death continued with other advisors.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

By pointing out risks with certain investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am satisfied with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Don't know. Am satisfied with the level of service.

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

When I retired I wanted to be sure I was doing the right thing with my pension

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Advised and governed portfolio that best suited my attitude to risk and my goals

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, despite Brexit and covid pandemic pension has returned good growth

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

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

I started out 40 years ago with my pension in the hands of a personal friend who was a professional financial adviser. A succession of retirements, deaths and company takeovers has led by a circuitous route to Kingswood and Dan.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

He has provided sensible, clear advice that has led to good results.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - I feel that my pension is in good hands.

What could they have done better?

Dan himself has always been excellent and I've no issues at all with him. There was a brief spell a few months ago in which the company bombarded me with numerous generic documents for Docusigning. I contacted Dan and he has clearly sorted this out as the flood has stopped.

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

Continuation of financial planning / professional advice

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Continuation of pension planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very happy with Daniels advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I needed a reliable and trustworthy company to manage my various pension and investment portfolios with the object to ensure I secured sufficient growth without excessive risk. I was nearing retirement and wanted to stabilise my investments to give me a reasonably confident prediction of future incomes during my retirement.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel Smith is new to me, Joe Berry was my principal advisor before his recent retirement, but talking to Dan I'm very confident I'll receive the same level of service as I have over the last decade.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have. I first approached TFL (now Kingswood) in 2012 and after discussions with their FAs decided to go with their recommendations for how the funds should be spread. Since then I have seen consistent real term growth over the 10 years despite all the fluctuations in the markets and, of course, the recent turmoil resulting from Covid and the war in Ukraine. I'm quite confident about the future never feel I have to worry when markets slip.

What could they have done better?

Prevented the war in Ukraine?

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

Dan has been very helpful over the years. We are always made welcome and he is always interested in us. Our portfolios have done well and he keeps us on the straight and narrow. Our first meeting with his company was when we were unsure of what to do with my husband’s mothers money after she sold her house and went into care, she was almost 90 and his associate felt we were better putting the money into the Post Office due to her age and we always respected him for that and that is why we came back to the company. We felt they weren’t pushy and cared for their potential customers and were honest and fair. We would highly recommend Dan and his company.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

He is always there and quick and responsive to phone calls and emails

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are very happy with everything

What could they have done better?

I don’t think they could!

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

Pension maturity and requirement to decide on activation process

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Yes. I received honest appraisal of situation. Always very helpful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No, but understandable due to the change in the financial markets since 2019

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

The need to plan ahead for retirement and to ensure the best possible return for our investment to secure our future financial security

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

By ensuring our future financial needs were catered for in terms of growth, income and within our risk levels

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100% - delighted with the performance of our savings and pension funds

What could they have done better?

Nothing - we are totally happy with the results of Daniel's advice.

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

Pending Retirement.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel Smith is very approachable and has provided me with first class service and advice regarding pensions and investments, all very professionally delivered.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, outcome is 'spot on', just as Daniel Smith predicted.

What could they have done better?

in my opinion nothing could be done better, i am highly satisfied client.

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

It was a combination of circumstances. Our parents died and left us a significant amount of money. Alan took health-related early retirement. Until this point (in 2015) we had not felt the need to secure the ongoing services of a financial adviser.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Dan seemed to have an instinctive understanding of our requirements, incorporating investments for the long-term future and providing regular income in the short to medium term. In relation to decision-making, he does not push us in any particular direction but talks us through the options available and their pros and cons. Then we can make considered decisions. Dan became our adviser in 2015. Since then, he has also helped put in place appropriate inheritance planning measures and will be determining how best to fund alterations to our house from investments. Fortunately for us, Dan is able to explain financial matters in a way that we understand and - almost - manages to make dealing with financial matters pleasurable. As well as our annual review meetings, we know that Dan is always available to answer queries and give advice - by phone, email and Zoom meetings at present. Emails are usually responded to within 24 hours.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Obviously, the value of investments can go down as well as up and we have all had to deal with COVID. However, we take the long-term view. Also, Dan regularly reviews our portfolios and, where there are funds that are under-performing over a longer period, they are removed and alternative options put in place.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We are more than happy with the performance of our financial adviser.

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

We have been using the company Thomas and Co for approx 15 years and always had excellent personal service

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Very accommodating regarding time to meet Daniel is happy to spend as much time as necessary to provide the best outcome for us Efficient in moving pension to a provider with the best outcome for us

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

New pension plan has been prepared About to have annual review meeting

What could they have done better?

No

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

Annual check and reaching 75 years old so having to assess assets

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Advice, good information, help with staff pensions. Always helpful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes not that I know of.

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

We decided we wanted a financial advisor to assist with long term planning around 15 years ago.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Dan gives regular updates regarding financial issues and an annual review to consider longer term plans and needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very pleased with the advice given.

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

Basic advise with retirement approaching.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Excellent advise and help.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that we know of.

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

Being left an amount of money at a relatively young age, I wanted to ensure that it was invested properly for the future. Dan's company was recommended by family members.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Ensured that the money has been well invested to meet my needs. Dan has also been very approachable when I have need financial advise, and has always provided explanations for his recommendations in plain understandable terms.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I need somebody to advise me

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

He helped me after the death of a previous adviser

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I think so

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of

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

I had a substantial amount of money which originated from an inheritance from my parents many years ago, and I wanted sound advice as to how it could be invested for the long-term. After my husband passed away nearly three years ago, it was more important than ever that the right decisions were made in view of the change in my circumstances.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

At every stage Daniel Smith has been extremely helpful with excellent advice, setting up a portfolio and reviewing it very regularly, to provide me with an income in addition to my pensions, but also to preserve my capital as far as possible. Whenever I have need to contact him, he always responds immediately, explains matters very thoroughly and is very caring about my general well-being.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, definitely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I am completely satisfied with the service.

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

I wanted to increase my monthly savings, so I got in touch

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

Daniel took my instructions and then came back with suggestions which were helpful. He made sure the additional investments were within my preferred risk profile.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

There was a delay of a month or so but that could have been due to one fund closing. However, I had instructed in early June with the hope that the changes would take place by mid-July but unfortunately they did not.

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

Separating from my long term partner meant that I needed to be fully in control and top of creating financial security for my teenage children and me.

How has Daniel Smith helped you?

No nonsense, clear, practical advice with a good dollop of sensible assessment of my attitude to risk and my relationship with money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I feel secure in the knowledge my savings and investments are working hard for me as I get on with bringing in the dosh!

What could they have done better?

More cake! No, seriously, Dan is what I would want an IFA to be - friendly, not out to grab money from me and in touch on a regular enough basis for me to feel reassured.