Martin Stone

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Purchasing my first property

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin provided excellent advice on what I would need to achieve to secure a mortgage and in time we managed to secure a low interest mortgage. Additionally provided great advice when remortgaging within the cost of living crises.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I secured my first mortgage and successfully remortgaged this year.

Martin's reply

Thank you for your kind words, your business is greatly appreciated.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Myself and my husband wanted to find the best deal for our first mortgage.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin has really helped us , in securing the best mortgage deal for buying our first home . With internet rates so high , Martin even managed to get us a cheaper fix deal before we completed in April 2023. He worked so quick to secure this cheaper deal for us , which was amazing . This saved us quite a-bit of money monthly :)

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is definitely the outcome we hoped for , without Martin we would not have bought our first home in these uncertain times .From beginning to end he has been absolutely brilliant and given great advise along the way.I would say the services Martin provide us was professional and outstanding and would definitely recommend him to all my friends and family in need of a advisor .

What could they have done better?

N/A

Martin's reply

Thank you for the very kind words, your business is greatly appreciated.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

I had sold a large property with Land to downsize and needed help to invest wisely

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin and Miles were extremely good and patient in explaining and helping me to understand how the financial vice Martin gave me having never dealt with anything like it previously

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have so far

What could they have done better?

I don't see how they could improve their service

Martin's reply

Thank you for your kind words, your business is greatly appreciated.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Needed advise with pensions

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martins advise is exceptional. Every detail is explained and answers all questions in easy to understand language.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely

Martin's reply

Thank you for your very kind words, your business is greatly appreciated.

Review from verified client

June, 2023

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

Mortgage, Insurances, Pension

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin has helped me with multiple mortgages, insurance and also pension plans. Each time I have received excellent advice and service, particularly most recently when needing a mortgage in some fairly difficult economic times. I find Martin and his team extremely knowledgeable , responsive and helpful. I wouldn't use anybody else for financial services I require in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very pleased with all outcomes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Martin's reply

Thank you for the kind words and for your ongoing business which is greatly appreciated.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Martin

Clear and honest explanation about the options available to me.

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

We were recommended to fcs

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin has secured us the funding needed on many projects over the past 20 years

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes the outcome was exceptional

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Martin's reply

Thank you very much for your continued support and business, hopefully we can work together for the next twenty years.

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

We were looking to sign up to our next mortgage to purchase our next home

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin and his team helped us to choose the best mortgage allowing us to buy our next home

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely, we are very happy with our mortgage now and Martin worked hard to get us the best rate possible

What could they have done better?

Martin and his team were always extremely helpful throughout, they always replied to calls and emails within the same day and were always more then happy to help us with any queries we had. They made the process very easy!

Martin's reply

Thank you Hollie for your kind comments, all the very best.

Review from verified client

March, 2022

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

I decided to look for an IFA to plan for retirement.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin has helped me in Pension, Mortgage and Life Assurance planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I would be no where near in the position I am if it wasn't for Martin.

What could they have done better?

Nothing! He is superb and makes you feel like you are his only client!

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

I wanted a buy to let mortgage at the best rate

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin compared buy to let mortgages by a lot of Different lenders and was able to offer me a mortgage at the best rate

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes exceeded my expectations

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

I had my first meeting with Martin around 2 years ago through recommendation when I needed financial advice following paying off my mortgage.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

From the outset Martin put me totally at ease and assured my I was on the right track for a secure future which gave me great confidence and to contact him again when I was ready to take things to the next step thus putting no pressure on me with aggressive selling techniques. December 2020 I was offered voluntary redundancy as a result of covid-19 which terrified me as my workplace pensions seemed poor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Martin again instantly put me at ease , reviewed all my finances then gave me the uplifting quote "I have good news for you!" He applied his expertise and explained the principles of a drawdown pension with every detail described in full, he made sure I fully understood details as opposed to baffling me with jargon.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, the end result is I can take early retirement, my wife can also join me in enjoying this new adventure by way of her early retirement . In conclusion my closing statement is "I can't recommend Martin Stone and his company highly enough".

Martin's reply

Thank you , it's a pleasure to work with the two of you.

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

My husband took voluntary redundancy, due to the pandemic. I have been furloughed, flexi-furloughed and placed on the Job Support Scheme since March 2020, due to the pandemic. Martin came highly recommended by someone who has used his services for years and continues to do so.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

I felt anxious about our finances and future and have never used a Financial Adviser. Martin took time to get to know us, understand our concerns and dreams for our future, prior to giving advice. He never made us feel pressured to make decisions, he has always had time for us and never made us feel an inconvenience. I have had years of workplace pension reviews, only to leave them more confused than when I went in. Martin has allowed me to understand my pension for the first time ever. I had beneficial options available to me that I never knew existed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have got more out of Martin's service than I ever thought possible. I started the process scared for my future, but have ended up taking early retirement with my husband. Martin is now fondly known in our home as our Guardian Angel, he has impacted our lives, for the better.

What could they have done better?

I my opinion, nothing - Martin and Miles (Office Manager) have been a pleasure to deal with, they are fun and very approachable. If they advise a document will arrive on a certain date is does. If they advise a transaction will take place on a certain date, id does. I now have a future to look forward to, not one to be scared of. I can't recommend them enough - Outstanding service!

Martin's reply

Thank you for your amazing feedback, it is a pleasure to work with the two of you. Stay safe and talk soon.

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

We used Martin Stone's services as we needed help with several of our financial situations such as remortgaging, and also our home and life insurances.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin looked for the best deals for us and provided them promptly and professionally.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We were very pleased with the outcome of every area in which Martin helped us.

What could they have done better?

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

Review from verified client

January, 2021

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

Initially for income protection. Now for all financial matters

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Always provides clear and positive advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Better than expected!

What could they have done better?

Nothing to my knowledge

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Purchasing property

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Made it easy to understand our options, amounts we could borrow and the affordability of the plans available to us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have used Martin on servers occasions since our first meeting and he has always been a huge help in getting our mortgage arranged with all the information needed for us to understand what our ongoing costs would be.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

October, 2020

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

Looking to re-mortgage and raise equity during a marital separation

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin looked at all the variables and gave me fast and sound advice regarding my best options. I had full confidence in his suggestions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely - the whole process was explained and very clear from the outset, so I knew exactly what to expect.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all - superb from start to finish

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Martin was recommended when we were seeking a new mortgage product.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin helped by offering lots of different options and making the mortgage process quick and easy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are always happy with Martins advice and service.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

My old pension was under-performing. It was arranged by a non independent financial adviser.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin arranged the pension transfer to one of the top performing pension platforms. Since then, we regularly review the platform performance and transfer to another platform if necessary.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I'm now confident that my pension is being properly serviced.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Pension Advice

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Solid clear advice, making sure we understood the risks and what products we investing in, with a personal friendly steer.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Time will tell.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

We needed help to find a suitable mortgage and help us plan for our retirement

How has Martin Stone helped you?

He has been able to find us suitable mortgages, insurance and advise/manage our retirement planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Honestly don't think he could have done anything better

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Our pension was transferred to a company which was not making any money and we were being given bad advice. Martin was recommended to us

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Our pension was transferred into another company and with Martins advice is making money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Pension and business advise

How has Martin Stone helped you?

His advice with regards to our pensions was very clear and concise, he fully explained everything.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are pleased with the outcome so far. However, recently there has been a reduction, but that is inevitable considering the current situation with covid.

What could they have done better?

No. Martin is a true professional, who is always available to help, if we have any questions.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I was recommended to First Class Financial 2 years ago when trying to obtain a new mortgage deal.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin and his team were able to identify my needs and explain options to me including the financial costs and awareness of product fees associated with the mortgage. Martin made sure the product that the firm were able to secure for me was affordable to my current finances so I wasn't taking any unnecessary risks.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definatley, I have since been back to Martin at First Class Financial to review my new mortgage deal and also obtain life insurance which I was a bit unclear on.

What could they have done better?

From my personal opinion, the journey for me in obtaining the financial services was already more than adequtely covered. The communication about my mortgage was received on a regular basis and any queries were dealt with in a swift manner.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

We Wanted advice on investing income and inheritance to build a property portfolio and maximising pension investment return. We also used Martin to provide life insurance to cover the property investments. This was all done in a tax efficient manner.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

We met Martin through an accountant.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We would never be in the position we are in now if it was not met Martin.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. He is always on the ball, proactive and is very personable.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Unaware of what was available and the best use of my money

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Financial advice relating to Investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Except for Covid 19 related falls in the market, generally speaking the advice given has come to fruition according to our targets

What could they have done better?

No complaints here.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Retirement.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Undertook the process of moving my pension assets into into a drawdown vehicle and setting up my whole pension and investment structure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes not withstanding the vagaries of the markets.

What could they have done better?

My financial adviser is the only one I have ever employed so comparisons are not possible , what he has done I am fundamentally happy with.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I had been paying into a private pension and ISA for some years and as I was approaching retirement age needed advice on how to proceed .

How has Martin Stone helped you?

First of all he gained my confidence in him by understanding my worries and and my needs. After that he consolidated my investments and throughout has explained and helped me to understand the moves he has made with my agreement. I feel that a weight has been lifted and am confident he is always working for my benefit.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have although things took a downturn with the pandemic but throughout he has remained in touch and accessible.

What could they have done better?

At this point I am very satisfied with the service I am receiving.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Moving house, hence Mortgage need and my pension was not getting the best yield with former adviser

How has Martin Stone helped you?

obtained a very competitive mortgage that was flexible and met my needs, reassigned my pension to areas of investment that have proven beneficial

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

not sure there is anything more..I have recommended Martin to my business and the employees, he is helping them with man areas of financial advice and planning.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I was looking to remortgage to get a better rate and release some equity

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin found me a mortgage which allowed me to take an advance and reduce my monthly payments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have used Martin and his team over 10 years and have always received amazing deals that you can’t find on the high street

What could they have done better?

NA

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

I wanted to review multiple pensions initially

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin grouped the appropriate pensions to an investment platform. We agreed to leave one alone as it was beneficial

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I’m more than comfortable with the result

What could they have done better?

I don’t have any reservations regarding the service I received so I don’t think he could have done anything better

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

New mortgages & review of existing pensions

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Martin found us great mortgage deals and also reviewed every pension we had. He offered great advice and we never felt under pressure to move our products

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Especially given the current climate we are happy with the results

What could they have done better?

No improvement as the service we receive is exactly what we were looking for

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Divorced needed to sort my own pension

How has Martin Stone helped you?

Explained every thing so I could understand, even if it took a couple of goes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, did every thing I wanted him to do

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Wanted to invest my pension wisely.

How has Martin Stone helped you?

He gave me invaluable advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.