John Findlay

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

i had a personal pension that was reaching maturity and needed to transfer to another pension

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has been really helpful with our joint financial and retirement planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

John acted on our wishes

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

We wanted to plan for the future

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has helped us set up a retirement plan that is annually reviewed and we have developed a good combination of planning for the future and spending in the present.

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 initially looked for an advisor when I started my pension many years ago.

How has John Findlay helped you?

He has looked after my money extremely well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My pension exceeded my expectations so I can look forward to a secure retirement.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I am very pleased with how things have turned out.

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

Inheritance

How has John Findlay helped you?

Clear plan which was well communicated. Understood our long-term needs, objectives and attitude to risk. Has kept to agreed timeline of moving products across etc.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say! But looking good thus far.

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

John took over my account from previous adviser when he retired.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John took over from previous adviser who retired. When it came to retirement planning johns advice and subsequent expertise has enabled me to be very comfortable. When interest rates rose he offered further advice on annuities and subsequently I bought an annuity which I find very satisfactory. I have an annual face to face review and if I have any questions during the year John always rEspinosa.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so

What could they have done better?

Cannot bring anything to mind

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

Wanted help with investments.

How has John Findlay helped you?

In all aspects of financial planning for the future.

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?

We had too much sash and our investments were not performing thet well.We also needed help with inheritance Tax planning.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has reinvested our savings and has changed ownership to reduce any future inheritance tax.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes although it is early days

What could they have done better?

Everyone involved has helped .We have no complaints

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

To plan for our futures

How has John Findlay helped you?

With Pension advice, and investments and long term planning

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?

Retirement

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has been a good listener and has helped us achieve the retirement we wanted.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes… despite the turmoil of the political/financial landscape.

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

Manage my income and investments as I progress through retirement, and to live comfortably but limit IHT

How has John Findlay helped you?

with all of the above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Ongoing , but so far going well

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

I had various pensions invested and wanted to know if I was receiving the best returns on my investments.

How has John Findlay helped you?

He advised me which were performing well and which ones were not doing so well. John helped me to consolidate all my investments under one platform and I can now check on there performance as and when I wish to.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not really, but it’s still early to say as I haven’t had the investment that long.

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?

planning for the future

How has John Findlay helped you?

With sound advice, preceded by a thorough understanding of our situation an plans, as well as offering alternatives ideas, and thins we hadn't hough of

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

largely yes, although recent financial circumstances have been challenging

What could they have done better?

nothing really he has been most helpful

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

Not happy with the advisor I was with at the time

How has John Findlay helped you?

Definitely

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, John and his team have always been available when needed, explained in a way that I could understand and acted quickly and efficiently on how I wanted to proceed

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

Very helpful

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

Retirement and financial planning

How has John Findlay helped you?

Excellent advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have

What could they have done better?

I have no complaints

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

To ensure that money was invested correctly to enable me to enjoy retirement.

How has John Findlay helped you?

To be confident about my financial situation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

The need to consider a secure financial future with someone I could trust.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has advised me and provided me with the information I have required at the time. He has also made himself available at any time for any issues and questions I may have regarding my financial affairs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The advice and guidance is definitely what I hoped for from John. As far as financial return on investments, this is so dependent on market forces out of the control of any advisor.

What could they have done better?

Nothing further.

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

We have been a long term client of Bray Wealth management

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has advised us on retirement planning including AVC's, and my company pension and also my wife's pensions. He has also given us advice on inheritance for our children and the importance of making a will.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

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

Help planning for my future and managing my finances.

How has John Findlay helped you?

By providing financial guidance tailored to my personal circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

I was left some money and decided to use it to start a pension.

How has John Findlay helped you?

Looking after my finances well in challenging times.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes it worked out better than I had expected.

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?

Interest rates were low and I didn't know what to do with my savings and pension

How has John Findlay helped you?

Advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has been less than a year

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

Recommended to look over our pension funds

How has John Findlay helped you?

John explained our current situation and recommended moving to other 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?

I KNEW THAT MY STATE PENSION WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH TO LIVE ON

How has John Findlay helped you?

BY KEEPING IN TOUCH...........LISTENING TO MY NEEDS.........DOES NOT CONFUSE ME WITH SCIENCE

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 had lots of small and old pension plans, with no idea of how they were performing of if they could contribute to my retirement. I needed someone to review all these arrangements and determine the best course of action for the future.

How has John Findlay helped you?

He has review all my pension plans and made changes where appropriate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I know of.

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

The need to consolidate a number of pensions. To have a clear idea on when I could retire.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has overseen and guided me through both requests.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Both were covered extremely well by John

What could they have done better?

Meeting John sooner

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

We have been John for 5 years but we were originally with Zurich

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has helped us and continues to do so, we have a meeting with him in the new year.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes John has advised us with our pension and invested our inheritance money in the best way.

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

inheritance and future planning of investments

How has John Findlay helped you?

advice on investments and risk particularly helpful, also very adaptable to our changing circumstances and attitude to risk

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

no quite, changing financial circumstances and the current financial situation have meant plans have been altered

What could they have done better?

nothing really

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

Investment advise

How has John Findlay helped you?

Offered options with explanations with expected outcomes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

N/A

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

Having John in charge of my pension has already been a very reassuring experience. He is a personable, extremely competent and professional gentleman. Anyone who wants to be guided in their financial affairs could not be in better hands than John. A good man.

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

I needed help in my retirement planning

How has John Findlay helped you?

In exploring the options that my pension potential allowed me and facilitated my early retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, most definitely

What could they have done better?

To be honest, nothing I can think of.

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

I needed help knowing what my pension options were.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John ah help me with my financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am now confident my pension will provide what I need financially going forward.

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

We had a FA soon after we got married many years ago as my husband found it difficult to plan his income.

How has John Findlay helped you?

He is a steady pair of hands and helps me whenever I need it.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Divorced after 35 years so things are a bit different now.

What could they have done better?

Don't know

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

personal pension

How has John Findlay helped you?

given advise on my pension and how best to utalise it

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

less charges

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

To look at my investments with a view to withdraw some cash and avoid any Tax.

How has John Findlay helped you?

Went through my investments, my income and myview on investments . John recommended a new investment which I am in the process of followingIT

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes although time will tell if the recommended investments prove to be good. I have been able to withdraw funds without any Tax implications

What could they have done better?

Investment is very complicated and John explained things well. He could not have done better in my case.

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

Retiring, John managed my pension fund transfer from my employer to a private fund which is my main income now.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John , with the help of the Bray team ensured I was informed during the pension fund transfer. John has also advised on ISA investments and updating me with a change to pension arrangements due to the changing financial climate.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, most certainly

What could they have done better?

Nothing that comes to mind,

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

I was looking for someone that would be able to transfer my pension as the previous company where not allowing my funds to work as well as they could and had not contacted me to advise.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has helped me and continues to do so if I need any further explanation of any of the products I enquire about or John might feel beneficial. I lo e the fact that I never feel pressured by John.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes John has been a breath of fresh air with his knowledge and simple explanation. John kept me well informed and up to date.

What could they have done better?

My only regret is that I had not met John earlier which was to no fault of his.

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

I thought that some financial advice would be a good idea because I hadn't received any since retiring and I wanted to know whether our finances were in good shape.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has been very thorough in his advice, always listening carefully and comprehensively summarising what he understood were our current needs and future requirements. His advice was well researched and good.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I think so. It is early days yet on my investment so too early to tell properly.

What could they have done better?

nothing really

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

I wished for advice on a company closure which involved merging previous pension saving plans.

How has John Findlay helped you?

He has advised or refocusing my savings investments, and given good advice as the target retirement age nears. Also advice on claiming benefits from the government resulting from my health issues.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen my pension savings increase, which is what I wished for.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything.

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

To create an income from my pension pot.

How has John Findlay helped you?

See previous answer.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have an income derived from my pension pot, so yes. The pot has been invested across high and low risk investments in a way that I had wished for.

What could they have done better?

The outcome has matched my needs so nothing needed to have been better.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

no one has contacted me

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

John took over from my previous advisor who retired, I retired in 2018 and John managed the transfer of my pension fund from my employer to my private fund as a drawdown pension arrangement.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John managed my pension transfer as stated above, he provides annual reviews and is available during the periods in between, recently he has advised on annuities as he is aware of my attitude to risk. I am following the advice and currently awaiting the completion of the annuity. Thanks John

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes very much so

What could they have done better?

I’m not aware of anything, any delays or issues were, from what I can see, outside of John’s control. I was/am being informed throughout of any issues.

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

Pension lump sum investment and planning for future

How has John Findlay helped you?

Friendly sound advice, always available and thankfully brings a clear head which often counters my initial reasoning!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The plan is very good but short term market forces have been difficult, beyond our control

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

for financial advice on retirement funds and pensions

How has John Findlay helped you?

By giving us a secure long term financial plan for our future

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 was in my mid fifties with different pension which I had accumulated over the years and need advice on how best to invest them.

How has John Findlay helped you?

By putting all my pensions and investments under one portfolio and organising a monthly drawn down

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not at the moment as it’s only been 2 years and investment take 5 years plus to see growth

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

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

I am not a financial expert

How has John Findlay helped you?

Good advice, honest appraisal of investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My savings are secure and performing ok

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can Ty of

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

My Wife's death

How has John Findlay helped you?

John was very understanding and gave sound advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, John and his office have been very efficient and helpful

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

Divorce settlement

How has John Findlay helped you?

He gave me advice regarding my financial affairs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very happy with the outcome

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing. Really pleased, a John and his team were brilliant

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

To take out a private pension

How has John Findlay helped you?

John was able to advise me on the best pension for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I'm very happy with the way my pension was set up

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

Initially as a comparison to my existing services elsewhere

How has John Findlay helped you?

Excellent advice around moving several of my funds / pensions for John to now manage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far I have indeed, tough times with various factors making wealth management very tricky but these discussions and subsequent decisions have helped.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of at this stage, all going very well.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

He was knowledgable and reassuring.

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

I wished to change my pension as I was not happy with the one I had.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John was able to look at my previous pension and advise me on my options and make suggestions of where to invest my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Everything has been handled very professionally and John and his team have gone to great lengths to check we are up to date with information and that we are happy.

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

I wanted to use my saving more efficiently

How has John Findlay helped you?

John was very professional, knowledgeable and helpful in finding the right solution to suit my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

The investments could have clicked in sooner

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

Bray Wealth Management has dealt with my private pensions plan for years, and John Finday has been my financial advised for over 5 years, and I wanted a secured financial future for my retirement years.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John Findlay has been professional and friendly in his dealings with my husband and myself, visiting our home on many occasions, and also with follow up telephone calls, letters and e-mails, he did not forget me during the lockdown. We both appreciated his advice, explanations, financial reviews, and also he answered our many questions. At no time did he ever put pressure on us, or made us feel foolish with our lack of financial knowledge. Thank John for looking after my financial portfolio, please keep up the good work.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I had the outcome I wanted.

What could they have done better?

No

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

Retiring and looking to secure long term financial security for myself and my husband.

How has John Findlay helped you?

Helped us to question and challenge our response to risk management. Helped us to understand the long term picture and gave us confidence that we were in a strong financial position.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not in the short term but it's a long game I know! So this time next year .... we'll be millionaires!

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Helpful and took time with us. Never felt rushed.

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

We were aware we had several Policies and wanted help to sort them out

How has John Findlay helped you?

He looked into each policy and came back to us with advice. Then consolidated our funds

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most definitely

What could they have done better?

Difficult question to answer as we have never had reason to be disappointed or complain

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

Need to review SIPP that had been underperforming and with high charges.

How has John Findlay helped you?

He has looked at the SIPP and reviewed the investments. He has given advice on ways to improve the pension fund

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is a longer term investment, so hard to assess now but pension contributions have been maximised.

What could they have done better?

Not sure there is anything else that could have been done better!

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

To advise on pensions after retirement

How has John Findlay helped you?

Strong sensible advice given based on my situation and requirements .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes . But markets currently not performing as I would of hoped.

What could they have done better?

Nothing!

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

I've had a financial advisor since I started my pension many years ago.

How has John Findlay helped you?

I think that he has looked after my money very well and he has shown me how to plan for my financial needs in my retirement which is very useful.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is much better than I expected.

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

Mortgage for a new house

How has John Findlay helped you?

Provided clear advice on the best options available

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

Friendly, patient and knowledgeable

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

Answered my question in a friendly professional manner

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

Needed help investing

How has John Findlay helped you?

Suggested various tax efficient ways of investing our money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's early days, but we're happy.

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

We took out an AVC plan with Bray Wealth back in the 1980's and have had financial advice as part of the package. John has been advising us for a number of years.

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has been a great help in advising us on our pension company plans, plus other investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have the financial security we were hoping for. John has been great in showing us what our retirement income will be once we decide to retire.

What could they have done better?

I don't see anything that could have been improved in our case

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with John

Excellent service and advice as usual

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

Retirement looming and a need to sort out finances for the future

How has John Findlay helped you?

Discussed options wrt how to best utilise pension funds and savings having first identified aims and needs for retirement, together with an element of inheritance planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good - investments are performing well and retirement is comfortable.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure they could

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

investment of inherited monies

How has John Findlay helped you?

Advice was given by Mr Bray, John then became adviser

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 was for many years self employed without savings or a pension plan.

How has John Findlay helped you?

later on John advised where to invest and explained the high/low risk factor. I did not feel rushed into any decisions that had to be made.................he is a very knowledgeable gentleman

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

very pleased

What could they have done better?

nothing

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

Needing professional advice on our mortgage and pensions.

How has John Findlay helped you?

He provided concise information on all our plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. Mortgage now paid off and planning for retirement in place.

What could they have done better?

I'm not sure they could of improved on an already outstanding service.

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

I have been investing with this company for many years and in 2019 John Findlay helped me look through all my investments and let me know I was able to retire early.

How has John Findlay helped you?

In 2019 he visited me several times to explain my financial position. I got the figures from my work pension and he explained all the figures from my investments and went through all my monthly and annual outgoings and was able to set up the drawn down that was required for me to retire. The whole process was well organised. He was very approachable and supportive through the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I have been retired for the last 15 months. I have had a yearly review over video call and everything is on track.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

I was in business, as was my wife and our accountant recommended you. A good move on our part.

How has John Findlay helped you?

With pensions and advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As well as I could expect in our changing times

What could they have done better?

I really do not know enough to comment on this.

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

My husband always used a FA he trusted and when he retired he recommended John Findlay's company to take over our account

How has John Findlay helped you?

John Findlay took over my account after my divorce, approximately 12 years ago.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As far as Covid 19 has allowed.

What could they have done better?

In these strange times, I don't think he could have done anything better, as the economy of the whole country (if not the world), is struggling. He is always at the end of a telephone if I need him.

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

Merging my pensions

How has John Findlay helped you?

He helped me to merge my pensions into a more flexible pension plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

John is very professional whilst also being friendly and approachable

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

Family protection and retirement planning

How has John Findlay helped you?

Explained the steps and then walked through the plan with us without over complicating it. Gave us reassurance that there is a plan that can be simply followed to achieve the financial freedom / protection we wanted.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

not yet

What could they have done better?

I think we are still a little confused on the pension options from our employers, I'm not sure if this is even part of the service but a more in depth look at the 3 pensions we hold and options to maximize the returns.

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

Business doing well, Old pensions needed updating, planning for retirement.

How has John Findlay helped you?

Sorted and advised old pensions, advised us on best returns for our savings and helped us plan for our retirements

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

From inherited trust

How has John Findlay helped you?

John has always been there to help, advise and listen to any questions I have had over the years. Language used is straight forward and no detail is too small to go back over and explain.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

.

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

During my working life I had some money excess to requirements so I sort and took advice from Ken Bray, Johns predecessorL

How has John Findlay helped you?

Sorting and rearranging investments, finding a cheaper rate for equity release, putting money into bonds for my family.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All but one investment have exceeded expectations by a long way

What could they have done better?

Nothing