Colin Bates

Review from verified client

May, 2024

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

We previously had a FA who was restricted and charged an annual fee of assets under management, so with the previous FA there was an incentive to advise us to liquidate certain assets and invest the money with them (as they would get a larger fee). We wanted a flat fee for the time spent with us. I vetted 150 FA's on VouchedFor and only found 3 that were happy to work on a Flat Fee basis. Colin was one of those. We approached all three, had an initial meeting with all 3 and Colin stood head and shoulders above everyone else.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Estate management, inheritance tax planning, lifestyle planning, pension drawdown strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are now invested with Colin with our pensions and an ISA. We are invested in a low-cost, global index fund which tracks the global stock market (a financial philosophy we strongly wanted to pursue with our investments).

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Communication is clear. Our meetings with him are clear and succinct.

Colin's reply

Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience. It's great to know that our flat fee approach and commitment to unbiased advice stood out during your search. We're delighted that Colin could assist you with estate management, inheritance tax planning, lifestyle planning, and pension drawdown strategy, and that you're satisfied with your investments in low-cost, global index funds. Clear and effective communication is always our goal. Thank you for trusting us with your financial future!

Review from verified client

May, 2024

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

We had savings in our company and personal account so wanted to make the most of it

How has Colin Bates helped you?

He has set up pension schemes an investment account for our business and personal and business financial plans. We had nothing in place prior to meeting colin.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, we now have everything set up and feel comfortable with the allocation of our funds. Colin has been professional, super communicative and clear in giving advice. I would definitely recommend Colin's services to friends and family.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Colin's reply

Hey Tom, Thank you so much for your review. We're truly delighted to hear your positive feedback and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with others. We are thrilled that you found our advisors approachable and well-informed, making it easy to discuss your financial affairs. It's great to know that our website's simplicity and regular updates are meeting your needs and that you value the opportunities we offer for sustainable investments. Your kind words affirm our commitment to providing accessible and expert financial advice. We're especially pleased to hear that the pension schemes and investment accounts we set up for your business and personal finances have helped you feel more comfortable and secure. Our goal is always to ensure our clients are confident and well-prepared for the future, and it's fantastic to know we've achieved this with you. Based in Manchester, we strive to offer a personalised and professional service, and your satisfaction is a testament to our dedication. We're honoured to have earned your recommendation to friends and family and look forward to continuing to support you on your financial journey. Thank you again, Tom, for your heartfelt endorsement. Warm regards, Colin

Review from verified client

May, 2024

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

Our parents have been mulling over retirement for some time now, but felt great uncertainty as to whether it was possible. We sought an advisor who had experience working with retirees to address thier concerns.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin took the time to get to know our parents. He genuinely invested his time into doing so and our parents felt seen, with thier goals and concerns heard. This meant a lot to them. Colin then put together a tailored financial plan for them. Our parents have a host of options & paths available for them to take in retirement, Colin was attentive in modeling out all these scenarios for them and answering all thier questions. Our parents now have much greater confidence going into thier golden years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Colin has a wonderful ability to communicate challenging financial concepts with clarity and patience. Colin is an advocate of passive, index investing. Colin's pricing is exceedingly fair, unlike traditional AUM fee structures that attempt to justify itself via fear-mongering (with some variant of "this is too complex for you to do without us"). We did not take the choice of our parents financial planner lightly and having interviewing every UK based fixed fee financial planner we could find online and having worked with Colin, we are delighted that we chose to entrust our parents financial affairs to Chapter 3 Financial Planning.

Colin's reply

Thank you for your thoughtful review! It was a pleasure working with your parents to create a tailored financial plan that instilled confidence in their retirement journey. I'm glad to hear that my approach resonated with your family, and I look forward to continuing to support them in the years ahead.

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

An uptick in my business revenue prompted me to seek specialist advice around tax and pension planning.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Listened to the needs of my situation, provided good advice around tax planning and pension provision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I am very pleased to have Colin in my corner.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Colin's reply

Hi there, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on our services. It's awesome to hear that you're happy with the tax planning and pension advice, both for your personal and business needs. We're glad we could assist with your personal and business tax concerns, as well as setting up the SSAS pension for your company. Your support and willingness to recommend us mean a lot. If you need anything else or have questions down the line, just give us a shout. Cheers, Colin

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Inheritance planning.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Advising on a long term strategy

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

From the recent discussions itemising all the options available it has made the long term approach more palatable.

What could they have done better?

Non known

Colin's reply

Thanks a lot for your kind review! It's great to hear you're satisfied with our services. Inheritance planning can be complex, but we're glad we could help you with a long-term strategy that fits your needs. Making those options clearer and more manageable is always our goal. Regards Colin

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Inheritance tax planning

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Yes, as well as providing strategies for IHT planning we have also done a financial plan which has given me the confidence to make informed decisions about spending, saving and investing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I'm happy with the service Colin has provided.

Colin's reply

Thanks a lot for the very kind review on VouchedFor! We're thrilled to hear you're happy with our services. Glad you found our retirement planning process helpful—it's all about tailoring strategies to fit your goals. And we're all about keeping things clear and open in our communication, so you're never left in the dark. Thanks again for your kind words, and we're here whenever you need us.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Recommendation

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Consolidated several pensions into one sensible one. Advice and information of how best to maximise savings for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I’m sure we will in time - everything has been consolidated which is a great start!

What could they have done better?

Everything has been done well thus far so no improvement needed.

Colin's reply

Thank you for your kind words and the positive feedback! I am really happy to hear that you're feeling more positive about your financial future with our help. At Chapter3, we're all about making financial planning less of a guessing game and more of a straightforward journey. Your trust in what we do means a lot to us, and we're committed to keeping you on track with confidence. If you ever need anything else from us, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here for you, and we appreciate you choosing us as your advisor. Best regards, Colin

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

We needed advice consolidating pensions

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin is really approachable, patient and helpful in his explanations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are looking forward to working with Cllin

Colin's reply

Hi I want to express my gratitude for your positive feedback and continued trust in our services. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're dedicated to simplifying your financial journey. Your confidence in Chapter3 is a testament to our commitment to providing practical guidance, and we look forward to assisting you further. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out anytime. Thank you for choosing us as your financial advisor. Warm regards, Colin

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

Long term finacial planning

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Given me sensible advise

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Feel much more postiive about my financiel future , we are not just guessing

What could they have done better?

nothing

Colin's reply

Thank you so much for your kind words and positive feedback! I'm thrilled to hear that you're feeling more positive about your financial future. At Chapter3, we strive to provide sensible advice that takes the guesswork out of long-term financial planning. Your trust in our services means the world to us, and we're committed to continuing to help you navigate your financial journey with confidence. If there's ever anything more we can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for choosing us as your adviser. Regards Colin

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

I run my business on my own, which can be lonely, and I often thought I was not seeing the bigger picture. Colin actually approached me and was very patient waiting until I had the time to explore. Once I got to a place where I could look at developing my long term plan, Colin was there.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Educated me greatly on pensions, long term investment and planning. Colin also introduced me to an insurance broker who immediately saved my business what I believe to be significant money. He also has taken a keen interest in some of my business ventures and has been a great vice in those projects.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are relatively early in the investment journey, so I can't say I've seen the long term outcome yet. I have however seen more immediate wins across insurance support and general advice.

What could they have done better?

Not a lot really at this stage, I'm really happy with the service.

Colin's reply

Thanks for your fantastic review! I'm glad I could provide valuable advice on pensions, investments, and planning for your business. It's been a pleasure working with you and supporting some immediate wins. Your confidence in my advice and the clarity of our communication means a lot. I'm committed to helping you achieve your goals and addressing any questions you may have. Let's continue our collaboration and keep moving forward on this investment journey together. Thanks again for your trust and positive feedback!

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Our business needed Key Person policies.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin has advised and recommended the best product for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Colin's reply

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I'm delighted to hear you're satisfied with the advice and service provided. Your kind words mean a lot to us. We always aim to deliver the best solutions for our clients and it's wonderful to know we achieved that with you. Looking forward to our continued collaboration. Warm regards.

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

As an independent contractor / sole director of an LTD, I was looking for financial advice and guidance in how to plan for the future and create the most efficient strategy for investment and tax.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Excellent quality of advice, he took the time to really understand my needs and tailored specific and relevant material to my situation. His knowledge on the complexities of the topic are top tier, and he provided a lot of valuable options to consider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Unfortunately my personal situation changed, and so we had to adapt the strategy. But Colin stopped at no end to find opportunities to provide value, both on his expert knowledge and referals on to other very useful people within his network.

Colin's reply

Hey, Thank you for sharing your amazing feedback and giving me such high ratings. I'm thrilled that I could provide you with excellent quality advice and tailor it to your specific needs as an independent contractor. It's important to me to understand your situation deeply and provide relevant material that truly adds value. While your personal situation changed, I'm glad we were able to adapt the strategy and find opportunities to provide ongoing value. My goal is always to offer top-tier knowledge and options to consider, ensuring that you're well-equipped to make informed decisions. I appreciate your trust in me and your willingness to be a passionate advocate for my services. It means a lot to me. Remember, I'm here to support you, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any urgent or important questions. Thanks again for your feedback, and I look forward to our continued collaboration. Take care, Colin

Review from verified client

July, 2023

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

Spent too many years thinking I could do it myself!

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Helped me with a strategy to make my finances more efficient. Encouraged me with future career choices and introduced me to some helpful people

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more

Colin's reply

Hey, Thanks for sharing your great experience with me and giving such great ratings. I'm glad I could help you make your finances more efficient and provide guidance on future career choices. I totally get it when you say that "you thought" you could handle everything yourself. Having a strategic partner can be a game-changer. It's all about collaboration and sharing ideas to develop better solutions. With a financial planner by your side, you can tap into their expertise and experience, gaining insights and seeing through some personal biases you may have that can make a real difference in achieving your financial goals. I'm thrilled to hear that you've seen the outcomes you hoped for and even more. Helping my clients succeed and surpass their expectations is what drives me. Your positive feedback means a lot to me. Thanks again.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

My husband's income is flexible and had a particularly positive year, which we wanted to maximise on

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Long term financial planning balanced with short term decisions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Precisely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Colin's reply

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and for giving me the opportunity to assist you with your financial planning. I'm delighted to hear that I have been able to provide you with valuable advice and a balanced approach to long-term financial planning while considering short-term decisions. It's great to know that you have achieved the outcome you were hoping for. I appreciate your kind words and the trust you have placed in me. As for improving my services, I'm glad to hear that there is nothing you think could have been done better. It's wonderful to know that you find my correspondence clear and engaging. Clear communication is crucial, and I'm pleased to hear that it couldn't be clearer for you. I'm also glad that you feel confident in achieving your goals and understanding the potential disadvantages of my recommendations. As we continue our professional relationship, please know that I'm here to address any urgent or important questions you may have between our scheduled meetings. Thank you for your confidence and trust in me. If there is anything else I can assist you with, please feel free to reach out. Best regards

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

We received a lump sum of cash and needed advise on financial planning

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin helped us go through our options, set up investment accounts for us and pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

n/a

Colin's reply

Thank you for sharing your experience of working with us. I truly appreciate your feedback and I'm glad to hear that I was able to assist you in understanding your financial options and setting up investment accounts and pensions. It means a lot that you would consider recommending me to anyone in need of financial advice. I strive to be accessible and responsive to my clients, so I'm glad we have had regular communication throughout the year. I'm also pleased to hear that you feel confident in achieving your goals and that my correspondence has been clear and easy to understand. Clear communication is a priority for us, and I'm glad it has been effective for you. Once again, I appreciate your time in providing this review. If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. Best regards

Repeat review from verified client

April, 2023

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

How has Colin Bates helped you since your last review?

Colin understood our requirements and explained fully how we could achieve our standard of living throughout our retirement.

Colin's reply

Hey , thanks for taking the time to share your experience working with me. It's great to hear that I was able to understand your requirements and provide a clear explanation of how to achieve your retirement goals. I appreciate that you would be a passionate advocate for my services and that we speak more than four times a year. It's important to me that my clients feel comfortable contacting me whenever they have a question. I'm also glad to hear that you feel confident in achieving your goals and that my correspondence is clear and easy to understand. Thank you again for your feedback.

Review from verified client

March, 2023

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

To better understand and better plan for the longer term, and understand the different options.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

A wholistic view of long term financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are far more equipped to make decisions, knowing the implications for the longer term

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Colin's reply

Thanks very much for the review - we really appreciate it. I am glad our lifestyle financial plan gave you that holistic view of your finances and you feel far more equipped for your long-term financial goals and aspirations. Regards Colin

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Need for investment advice

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Financial planning for the rest of our lives as a family of 4.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are long term investors and so the current climate not as much of a concern.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Colin's reply

Hey Ben Thanks for the review - very much appreciated. I know when we first met there was a lot going on between your business growth and making sure we got everything set up correctly from a family perspective. Using the cash flow planning software, you mentioned has given you a great perspective on how things look now and in the future. Really looking forward to continuing our work together as we move forward. Best Regards Colin

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

I wanted to assess my financial situation and plan my future to see if I could retire early.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin helped so much! We first met so I could give him an idea of what I wanted to achieve. He then created a financial plan which was so detailed and gave me an overview of my plan assumptions and key projections, including Cash Flow, Net Worth, and Asset Allocation. This provided me with Insights into achieving my goals and indicated my current financial health. The plan structure allowed me to throw different scenarios at Colin to enable me to work out what was best, he also threw in some scenarios which I hadn't thought of.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I retired at 50!

What could they have done better?

Nothing, the service was so detailed and personal. I have never worked with a financial advisor in such a way before, I felt so calm and relaxed and at no point had that 'sales' pitch to buy products which you get from so many FA's. It was a pleasure being on the journey with Colin.

Colin's reply

Hi Dean Thanks for the review - very much appreciated. I am glad you enjoyed our lifestyle financial planning experience and I am so looking forward to helping you achieve all your goals as we have planned out as we move forward! Best Regards Colin

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

We wanted to plan for retirement

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin projected our finances presented options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

We are happy with the results

Colin's reply

Hi Trevor Thanks for the review - very much appreciated! Glad to have helped with your pension planning and look forward to helping you in the future achieve all the goals you have set out as part of our lifestyle financial planning process. Thanks Colin

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

I wanted to understand what to do with surplus money and savings and how to invest money from the business into other ventures, or investment options.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

He advised me on what to do with the surplus money, helped me with various scenarios to understand my current and future situation and also helped me with the possibility of buying a property overseas.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investments are currently doing ok in this environment, I understand my current and future situation better and I also managed to invest and make decisions more wisely.

Colin's reply

Hi Marcela Thanks very much for the review, much appreciated. As a business owner, we were happy to demonstrate how to invest your excess profits via corporate investing which you were not aware previously was even an option. As holistic lifestyle financial planners, we are always happy to chat through all your investment needs including property. We are really pleased that by working with us you feel that you have invested and made decisions more wisely. We are really looking forward to our continued support and helping you achieve all your lifestyle goals. Best Regards Colin

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Recommended by our accountants

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin has been great in seeing the bigger picture and actually creating a strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Colin's reply

Thanks Tim for your kind words, it’s very much appreciated. I am pleased you appreciated our more holistic approach to financial planning and we were very happy to help you with the 'bigger picture' Looking forward to seeing the strategy play out over the next few years with you and Eileen achieving all the goals you have set out.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Following the sale of a company and receiving a large sum of money, I needed help in how best to invest for both generating income and investing for the future.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin has looked holistically at my particular circumstances and has been invaluable in helping me formulate a plan and signpost to other specialists where necessary. His friendly demeanour and communication style makes complex issues easy to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Colin has advised and made investments on my behalf, plus coached and mentored on other aspects of investments, and implemented a lifestyle plan for me.

What could they have done better?

I actually can't think of anything that Colin could have done better.

Colin's reply

Thanks Marianne for your kind words, it’s very much appreciated. I am pleased you appreciated our more holistic approach to financial planning and we were very happy to help you with the complexities of a post-company sale. It's nice to know your feel confident you are on track and I look forward to seeing the fruits of your lifestyle plan being played out in the coming years.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

I had substantial assets but was unsure how best to make them last through my retirement years, protect/improve my quality of life, allow me to fulfil ambitious travel plans, cover potential long-term care and also provide an adequate inheritance for my non-lineal heirs.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin has perfectly understood these aims from the outset. It has been a delight to be able to talk this through clearly and empathetically. It's also a great relief to approach the next phase of life in such a safe yet exciting way, knowing my finances will be able to cope.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The process, even in its early iterations, has provided me with confidence that all my objectives are being accommodated if not improved upon. In addition, I will have regular reviews and adjustments (as necessary) to ensure I can accommodate the twists and turns of future life.

What could they have done better?

All of Colin's advice and paperwork have been exemplary and easy to understand. Queries have been quickly clarified and adjustments accommodated.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

Having had two health scares in the last 12 months we wanted to get some assistance in ensuring we were set up for retirement and were optimising our investments

How has Colin Bates helped you?

He helped us to develop a Cash Flow forecast until death, optimised our Share portfolio, tax optimisation and given us confidence that we are well set for our retirement but also what steps we need to take to deliver on the plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. We couldn't be happier and have recommended Colin to our friends.

What could they have done better?

Honestly nothing - when we asked "stupid" questions Colin would proactively follow up with more detail or explanations of the topic to ensure we were happy.

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

B2B meeting arranged through LinkedIn to explore mutually beneficial relationship

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Colin has introduced and created a robust structure of wealth management/financial planning arrangements centred around our existing small property business and also through a thorough review of pensions and medium- long term investment opportunities in equities leading to our retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - the planning of our desired retirement goals has been brought in to sharp focus with associated strategies for realistic achievement

What could they have done better?

Contacted me sooner!

Review from verified client

April, 2022

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

I wanted advise on retirement planning .

How has Colin Bates helped you?

He has helped me realise that with the correct planning and using our savings and pensions wisely we can have a comfortable retirement and not worry that we will have a comfortable standard of living in our retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its early days yet but everything seems to be ok.

Repeat review from verified client

December, 2021

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

How has Colin Bates helped you since your last review?

Tax efficiency and financial planning.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Colin

Colin was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. He took the time to understand my goals and personal situation so he could tailor his services to suit my needs. I felt informed and learned a lot from talking to Colin.

Review from verified client

February, 2021

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

Just turned 60 years old and wanted to review retirement options

How has Colin Bates helped you?

General review of all assets/pensions, reviewed inheritance tax concerns, prepared different overviews for retirement planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Work in progress!

What could they have done better?

Not much!

Review from verified client

December, 2020

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

I wanted to plan for my future and optimise my earnings.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

He helped me make a longer-term plan to look into my retirement, how much I needed to save to achieve my goals and maintain my current lifestyle and how to manage my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have implemented a lot of the plan's actions and I have a North to move towards right now so that I can make informed decisions.

What could they have done better?

I am quite pleased with Colin's services as he has helped me with queries and resolve minor issues with transferring my pensions and managing my investments. I think he has gone over and above, which I really appreciate.

Review from verified client

December, 2020

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

I needed help understanding what my options were and how to best financially set myself up.

How has Colin Bates helped you?

He provided in-depth knowledge and advice to show me what my potential could be. He helped me understand how to invest wisely and what plan I need to put in place to reach my goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I’ve have put the plan into action and I’m already seeing how it’s helping me. I have also had my life insurance sorted by Colin to make sure I have the right cover for my circumstances.

What could they have done better?

Colin laid everything out in a clear and easy to understand plan, there’s nothing more I could have asked for.

Review from verified client

December, 2020

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

Tax advice

How has Colin Bates helped you?

Provided financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing