Reviewed for
Insurance and Protection ( 1 )
Mortgages ( 5 )
Pensions ( 56 )
Equity Release ( 6 )
Retirement income (annuities, drawdown) ( 33 )
Investments and Savings ( 53 )
Pension Transfers - Non Specialist ( 11 )
Inheritance Planning ( 18 )
Long Term Care ( 4 )
Pension Transfers - Specialist ( 6 )
Financial Planning ( 22 )
Financial Mentoring ( 6 )
Financial Coaching ( 1 )
Reviewers' assets
£500k+ ( 25 )
£200k - £500k ( 5 )
£100k - £200k ( 1 )
£50k - 100k ( 2 )
( 1 )
Up to £50k ( 2 )
Review
by a verified client in London
a month ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
I inherited the investments of my late husband and was in need of a financial advisor. John has been recommended to me by a friend.
How has John Pickles helped you?
Since our first meeting John has continued to be extremely helpful in building up my portfolio. His knowledgeable advice has enabled me to understand and continue existing investments and choose new investments that best fit my needs.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, John has recommended a good platform where all my investments are now in one place, which makes it easier to manage. I feel my investments are in safe hands.
John:
Thank you so much for the great review you have just given. The investment world can be rather a mystery to anyone who is not familiar with it, and I'm always happy to explain it - how to avoid the mistakes that could be made, and so on. It is understandable why people worry when suddenly investment matters get dropped in their lap due to the loss of the partner they depended on, but it is best to deal with things step by step as you have done. Anyway, we've made great progress and I look forward to helping you and advising you on this kind of thing for years to come! JohnRepeat review
by a verified client in London
3 months ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.
How has John Pickles helped you since your last review?
John has continued to provide pension and investment advice. Also he has been helpful and supportive with advice following the death of my husband.
John:
Dear Clare Thank you for going to the trouble of submitting such a positive Vouchedfor review. Over the years during which we have been dealing with each other I can't think of any financial subject that we've not been able to discuss - even matters that don't necessarily involve specific advice from me. And of course I am now advising your next generation. The estate preservation planning that was put in place in recent years will be very effective! It's been a real pleasure and long may that continue. Very best wishes JohnRepeat review
by a verified client in Middlesex
3 months ago
Overall
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Service
Value
This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.
How has John Pickles helped you since your last review?
Realise money from pensions to help secure mortgage and property
John:
Dear Liz What a great Vouchedfor review! Thanks. We normally get together in January, which I look forward to, and suggest that this time we go through the changes that our Chancellor has made to personal pensions and what to do about them. Another thing that we might discuss, if it is of interest to you both, is the matter of "inter-generational planning" which in English means how to arrange things so as to minimise Inheritance Tax. Very best wishes, JohnRepeat review
by a verified client in Middlesex
3 months ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.
How has John Pickles helped you since your last review?
The position remains very much the same as last time in that i continue to receive approaches from time to time but feel that the advice I received at the beginning of our relationship - and which has been reviewed occasionally since then - remains so suitable and adequate for my purposes that I do not need to trouble my advisers to reconsider or to change it. However, in light of the Budget November 2024 I have decided that once the dust has settled, the Finance Bill has been enacted and the Rules that go with it have been finalised, I should take further advice with a view to taking the 25 % tax free lump sum from two pension funds - neither in payment - arranged by Globe and in respect of the balance of each fund; the reason for this is the Chancellor's proposed imposition of Inheritance Tax on 'untaken' pension funds, the same having been exempt to date so far as this tax is concerned. I have made a note in my diary to contact Mr Pickles in April/May 2025 to enquire if I might then make an appointment to discuss these issues with him.
John:
Dear Stephen Thank you so much for the great review you have just given on Vouchedfor. The changes to how pension plans are going to be treated mean that the Chancellor takes the view that the purpose of a pension plan is to provide an income in retirement. Her view is that their purpose is not to provide a way of passing wealth down the generations free from Inheritance tax. I'd be delighted to see you again to discuss what to do about all this and look forward to being in touch again. Indeed, I'll make a diary note to contact you. JohnRepeat review
by a verified client in West Sussex
3 months ago
Overall
Advice
Service
Value
This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.
How has John Pickles helped you since your last review?
On-going
John:
Dear Clive Many thanks for the great review you have just left on Vouchedfor. Amongst everything else we have discussed in th past, it might be time to have a chat about the efefect of the recent Budget Statement and how that has eliminated the possibility of your pension fund going to the next generation. I look forward to seeing you again soon when we can discuss that. Very best wishes, John