David Wilson

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

David contacted us suggesting we should have a review as we are contemplating some change of life plans. Following the illness of one of our children, were are consdiering a potential house move when the fragile rural housing market starts to uplift. It made sense to ensure we had given our financial position a health check before we embark upon any major projects!

How has David Wilson helped you?

David was hugely helpful, giving us an insight to considerations that we should consider. He also gave us a useful review of how our accounts have been performing in recent years. Particulary useful was the projection model that could demonstrably build in the introduction or each of our State pensions. It gave both my wife and myself a good level of comfort and reassurred us that the decision we made back in 2017 was the right one for us!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Through the advice received I was able to achieve 'early retirement' at the age of 54. My 'pot' was not as big as some, having had a credit removed from my original pension through a divorce some 20+ years ago. I do not live an elaborate lifestyle but I am mortgage free, I can afford my bills and I have time to do things that give me pleasure. My review with David, confirms that I can continue to lead my life in this way.

What could they have done better?

I really cannot think of what could be done better. David is both personable and professional. His explanations are clear and both my wife and I have a better understadning of what the professionals do as David explains in a level that is easier for us to digest. I have recommended David and his team to a number of my old colleagues who ask me curiously "how did you manage to give up work?"

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

Coming up to retirement I had a number disperate savings accounts, investments and pensions from former employees. Speaking David showed me how I could combine these to provide me with a flexible pension income better than my very good company pension. I took a while to consider my options and decided to go with David's advice. I have not looked back. Despite take a comfortable income and various lump sums for house improvement projects and buying a new car I now have the same value in my pension account as when I started. David is a nice fellow who I now read as personal friend. I would recommend his services to anyone.

How has David Wilson helped you?

GDavid has given me me great advice regarding my pension as well as inheritance advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Perhaps the only thing that could be improved is a regular annual review. Having said that David will review at any time I request it.

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

Difficult illness

How has David Wilson helped you?

Provided excellent advice and also referred me to other external organisations that can provide advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

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

I was unhappy with my then financial adviser, and wanted someone that would provide sound and unbiased advice

How has David Wilson helped you?

He has helped me manage my savings and grow my portfolio, as well as manage my pension under one umbrella (rather than having several pension pots)

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely

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

I have had an IFA for many years and David has taken the lead in more recent times

How has David Wilson helped you?

David helped us adjust our finances when we moved house to ensure we have a regular income in retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not sure anything could be done better

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

We consider financial advice is an essential part of life if you are lucky enough to own a business, a house and a pension plan.

How has David Wilson helped you?

David has gone the extra mile to get to know us and to understand what make makes us tick. Coupled with his finance and tax knowledge , this makes him the ideal financial advisor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

The relationship is working very well and we have no particular issues

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

Pension cetv

How has David Wilson helped you?

Set up and managed SIPP. ISAs. Help with legal issues re wills.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Better control of advisors referral to will writer.

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

I was introduced to bespoke Financial advisers by a colleague of mine. I was looking to exit the commercial working world and changing my lifestyle. I was curious as to whether it could be done utilising my Pension Fund and other savings. the advice I received was very helpful and gave me the confidence to make the change in my life, that I had hoped for. This was in 2017when I was 54 years of age. Seven years later, I have no regrets.

How has David Wilson helped you?

David has been the consumate professional. I first noted that David would always return a call or answer an email in an acceptable time frame. This I found reassurring and a confidence booster. Each engagement, David has always listened carefully to my wants and needs and offered salient advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have been able to enjoy a better lifesyle as a result of my decision to use Bespoke Independent Financial Advisors. Whilst the future is not 'worry free' for me, I am confident that I am in good hands.

What could they have done better?

I think a recap of the process we are in and some illustrations of the 'long game' would be useful, especially for my wife. I fully understand that my investments are a long term involvment and find the Nucleus Platform a useful way of looking at the investment performance without the need to micro manage my account. I would point out that both my wife and I could request this at any time but have been dealing with some family issues for the last 18 months. perhaps a review in early 2025 would be in order?

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

I needed pension and financial advice.

How has David Wilson helped you?

David gave me much needed clarity on my pensions and investments.

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?

Initially I looked for an adviser that could help with a defined benefit pension transfer

How has David Wilson helped you?

David had taken over from Paul Francis on my account and the switch has been seamless. The advice has been clear and thorough, covering many aspects I hadn’t considered fully.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Not much but perhaps following through with including my wife’s pension that could provide a more full picture of retirement outcomes.

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

Early retirement and required financial planning.

How has David Wilson helped you?

Consolidation of pension funds, financial planning and retirement income.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Excellent results.

What could they have done better?

Nothing of any note.

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

Initially needed advice on investment of inherited money and money from sale of business. Recently more focus on strategies for minimising IHT

How has David Wilson helped you?

David evaluated options for IHT planning including pros and cons. After selection of best way forward implemented agreed plan. Recently advising on potential revisions in light of latest budget

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

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

I have multiple work pensions and needed advice on how best to manage them.

How has David Wilson helped you?

I have regular reviews with David that cover all aspects of my pensions and retirement planning. Outside of the regular reviews, David is always available via phone or email.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. I have been delighted both with the performance of my portfolio and the clear advice and guidance I have received.

What could they have done better?

Honestly, nothing that I can think of.

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

Pension advice

How has David Wilson helped you?

Transferred small pensions into one, and general financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Fees for Bespoke's services are paid as a percentage of pension money invested, so are quite high therefore, and would prefer a lower flat rate fee, which I think would be fairer.

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

I was in the lucky position to have a defined benefit scheme but had maxed out the inputs and had received a tax bill . I wanted to retire early to spend time with my wife who was not so well and wanted the flexibility of a drawdown pension and yet it was very difficult to find a team willing to use a CETV to transfer out of a maxed DB pension into something flexible.

How has David Wilson helped you?

Bespoke were recommended by colleagues that had done similar and finding someone absolutely trustworthy with our lifetime of pension savings is such an enormous relief and willing to match our risk appetite was vital.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has been an amazing journey over the last 5 years with regular reviews , Covid, the Boris years, the Truss omnishambles all in the mix .. and yet I am drawing down more than planned and have built up more wealth than when I started . Could not have done it without Bespoke .

What could they have done better?

Predicted Covid’s arrival ?