Alex Couling

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

I was looking to change my advisor

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex has been most helpful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most certainly

What could they have done better?

I have no complaints in all actions so far

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

Upon retirement we sought financial advice regarding investments.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex has provided excellent advice regarding our investments and the annual review of our finances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - our investments have been rebalanced from time to time to take account of changes in returns on investments.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - Fully satisfied.

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

I needed help with investing my savings appropriately.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex takes the time to explain things in a manner that is understandable for me and does not rush things. I have my savings spread across investments rather than just in my savings account.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, overall he's done well with my ISA's and I'm happy with the decisions he's helped me make for my investments.

What could they have done better?

I don't think so. I trust his judgement

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

Buy to Let Mortgages

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex has been extremely helpful in providing excellent recommendations

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

When we returned from a period living abroad we needed to review our finances and to rationalise various investment portfolios. Initially we worked with Ian Couling and have now moved to Alex following Ian's retirement. The continuity in advice and support has been important to us.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

We have a regular review of our finances once a year which helps to identfy any changes we should make. In addition Lifetime Financial Services regularly review our investments and recommend changes as the markets fluctuate. He has also helped identify from where we should draw down funds when needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

There is risk associated with all investments and Alex monitors our attitude to risk and changes our investments accordingly. This gives us confidence that we avoid dramatic fluctuations in the value of our savings.

What could they have done better?

Alex and his team are very efficient at responding to queries and we always feel valued as clients. It would be hard to find an area where their service could be improved.

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

To move from my previous pension advisor where I felt the investments were not appropriate and fees too high

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex clearly explained the investment portfolio that he could set up for me, how it worked, the fee structure. I felt more at ease in his customer approach and with the investment details he provided

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, my investments have performed better than if I had left them with my previous investment company

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

Looking for financial advice more local to ourselves.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Given us advice in a way we can easily understand, without being pretentious. Always happy to keep us up to date with a relaxed friendly meeting.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are happy with Alex’s advice bearing in mind the financial climate we are going through at present.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

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

After having experienced two previous advisors with poor results, we found Ian Couling through his excellent reviews

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex has proved a very worthy successor to his father and has given us excellent advice for our investments and future planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so. Although the last year has been very turbulent, we came off quite lightly thanks to Alex’s very well researched advice

What could they have done better?

Considering the current climate I don’t believe Alex could have done any better.

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

Reaching retirement age and wanted advice on future planning

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex quickly understood our circumstances and offered good financial advice in a clear and friendly way.

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?

Preparing for our retirements

How has Alex Couling helped you?

He’s approachable, friendly, willing to help and gives us expert advice.

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?

Financial advice and future planning.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex has been a constant support to our family for several years, nothing is too much trouble, annual meetings and regular updates ensure that you are kept up to date at all times.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and this is on going, as markets change so does Alex’s advice and recommendations for your financial planning.

What could they have done better?

Simply continue as they are.

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

Our mortgage was coming up for renewal

How has Alex Couling helped you?

He has found the best mortgage to suit our requirements

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

I wanted to begin my journey in investments and savings and was recommended Alex at Lifetime Financial Solutions by family.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex has supported me in my financial journey thus far, he has taken time to understand my personal circumstances and my financial goals, whilst aligning his knowledge to advise on the best course of investment. Alex takes time to thoroughly explains all of his proposed plans so I feel confident in my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I'm pleased with the outcome of my investments so far and look forward to a fruitful investment journey.

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

way back in 2003 I met with Ian Couling as he was starting out independently. The advice he gave me was outstanding and proved to me that it was worth driving 100 miles from London where live to see him in Norfolk. The relationship has endured for over 20 years and now I see his son Alex who handles my affairs and the company is called Lifetime Financial Solutions

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Ian / Alex have over time condensed my investments organized them and channeled them into proper investment vehicles.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have in much more effective investments and I have become substantially wealthier

What could they have done better?

nothing

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

I needed some advice about topping up our equity release which Alex had arranged for us some years ago.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

He has guided us through the process in a thoroughly professional manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - they did exactly what we asked of them.

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

Originally I was freelancer so needed help with my accounting. Since then Alex has help me with mortgage and investment advice.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Originally I was freelancer so needed help with my accounting. Since then Alex has help me with mortgage and investment advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely. No question is too small or ignorant for Alex. He's a great listener and always helps me to make choices with confidence about my finances.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Im completely happy with the services provided.

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

Buying our first home

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex went above and beyond in every area possible, he helped us find the perfect mortgage and insurances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

We were happy with everything Alex had to offer

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

Wanted to know exactly what equity release was.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex explained everything in detail and answered any questions we had.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing all was good

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

Moving to a larger house

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex held our hand through the whole process, he helped us achieve our ambition of obtaining a larger home. His advice has been invaluable. His knowledge of the whole process was second to none and we could not have been happier with the friendly personal service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, Alex has managed to get us exceptional rates on our mortgage and insurances.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing, I could not reccomend alex higher.

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

I'm not a financial expert and I need advice on what best to do with my savings and pension choices.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

By being very professional, listening to the issues and plans and making appropriate suggestions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes!

What could they have done better?

Nothing. I think they all work with the very best in mind for the client.

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

Advice on a drawdown pension.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Sorted al the financial matters regarding the drawdown lump sum.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

No.

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

In 2017 my wife and I needed some advice on a various financial matters including mortgage, pensions, insurance and protection. I had had some dealings with Lifetime Financial Solutions before and found them to be very proactive so I contact Alex for a meeting.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Following a complete financial review of our circumstances Alex was able to help us with a re-mortgage, pension planning and various insurance and protection personally and for our business.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we very pleased with the outcome so far and look forward to working with Alex going forward as we plan for our retirement.

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

My partner and I were looking to buy our first house so we were clueless on everything from being accepted for a mortgage to life insurance.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex helped find the perfect mortgage offer for us. Especially at a time during the pandemic when it’s was very difficult to find anything for first time buyers, Alex talked us through every option we had and found the best one for us. We also needed life insurance and Alex has helped us through the process every step of the way whether it was phone/video call or a meeting. He made the experience very smooth and as easy as it could have been for us. He always gets back to us quickly and is happy to answer any question no matter how small.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we’ve happily moved into our home knowing we have the best mortgage repayments and rates for us. As well as being covered for everything we need with life insurance.

What could they have done better?

N/A

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

I was looking to release some equity from my home, and Alex was recommended as a local, well respected adviser.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

He researched the market and came up with a product that perfectly suited my requirements. Alex took the time and trouble to explain everything fully, to listen to my own suggested options for what I was looking for, and to make appropriate recommendations accordingly. He was also very approachable by phone and email.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, thank you!

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. Alex and his assistant Jade were both very helpful, professional and friendly.

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

We wanted to become a cash buyer in order to secure the purchase of a house of our dreams.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex is very professional and has taken great care and considerable time in preparing a suitable Equity release mortgage to meet our needs. By getting to know us and explaining what an Equity Release mortgage is, the different choices we have, and just how flexible we wanted the Equity Release to be. If for example we wanted to pay off any of the loan or interest whilst we are alive or pay off the Equity Release from our estate sometime in the future. We wanted to take advantage of the low interest rates with a fixed interest rate for the whole term. But we required a very flexible agreement which would allow us to make the choices in the future either to pay off some, all, or none of the loan or interest, for who knows what the future may bring, or simply spend it on such things as house improvements etc. By shopping around for quotes from different companies we believe Alex has achieved and provided us with an excellent Equity Release that meets all off our requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are currently waiting to complete the purchase.

What could they have done better?

Alex provided us at our request detail of just how much it would cost to make early repayments to help us consider our options for the future, so I don't believe there was anything else he could of done.

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

Funding of a extension to our home

How has Alex Couling helped you?

gave us the right advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

not as yet as it's still being built

What could they have done better?

northing all good

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

My wife and I have retired and approached Alex for advise regarding pensions and investments.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex looked at various options and took us through all the options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Alex had his colleagues have done a first class job for us in these circumstances

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

We had an interest only mortgage and we are now retired and wanted to pay off this mortgage and to raise some extra capital.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

We contacted Alex after a recommendation, to explore the possibility of equity release. He explained to us that he would need details of our circumstances, which was fine and understandable. After explaining the ins and outs of equity release, we realised that was a good way to go. He then gave us details of how much we could raise and the rates that were available. We very surprised by the rates that were available and much lower than the interest only mortgage we currently had. The whole procedure was surprisingly easy and we were kept fully informed throughout. We also have to mention that Alex's team were also very friendly and professional, as was Alex , and a pleasure to deal with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. The mortgage is complete and we have no more monthly payments and the rate is much lower than before.

What could they have done better?

We don't know of anything that could have been done better. An exceptional service, Thank you.

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

Moving house to another county required a transfer of my Equity Release.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex advised me to close down my current ER (which his father had organised for me over 10 years ago), he advised me that things had changed over those 10 or so years and there was more competition now. He and his staff looked for and found a better, lower cost ER with Aviva. He spent most of an afternoon with me advising me of all that should be known about the ER, further, perhaps because of my earlier custom, would not charge me for this extra, complicated and extensive work.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES! And I am delighted with my new situation.

What could they have done better?

Really can't think of anything more he could have done.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Alex

Alex was a lovely chap very easy to talk too and one of the nicest people i have ever met, we all felt at ease with him i would highly recommend him to family and friends.

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

Approaching retirement age.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex understood our aims and concerns in planning for our retirement and gave advice which best suited our needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are very happy with the return on the money invested. Whist the cost of independent financial advice may initially seem high the level of advice, ability to tailor to individual requirements and the better rate of return that has resulted make it very good value for money.

What could they have done better?

Initially we were offered a postal review but Alex subsequently arranged to see us in person.

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

Long term plans for moving abroad and want to be in the best possible financial position for that.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

To understand our current position with savings etc and if there is anything else we should be doing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Possibly a bit early for that but every confidence that our expectations will be met.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Very satisfied.

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

We looked for a financial advisor in order to help us through the mortgage process.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex helped us to talk through any professional jargon and advise us on the different options available to us. He was very helpful and available for any questions we had throughout the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we have a mortgage that we are very happy with and we feel we understand the procedures much better than when we started.

What could they have done better?

Not applicable.

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

Me and my partner were purchasing our first home.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

He helped us with our mortgage and even found the appropriate life insurances that we requested, all without any hassle or inconvenience to us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No. I couldn’t have dreamed of being able to afford the home we ended up with let alone the location. Mr Couling advised us well and has set us up for a secure life, no matter the outcomes.

What could they have done better?

The only criticism I could say would be that Mr Couling being the busy man that he is, might benefit from cloning himself so one could meet and speak with more clients a day.

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

Buying a first time house.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex provided us with all of the information required to purchase our first home and ensure our financial situation was secure for the future. This helped to put our minds at ease and enabled us to get the best deals. We are confident that the services provided to us will allow us to live a comfortable life in our new home with little stress about mortgage, insurance and pensions. Overall Alex’s service was professional, efficient and eloquent.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we have been over the moon with the service provided to us.

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

My wife and I were looking to move into our second home, to suit our expanding family.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex researched and found the best deal for our additional mortgage. Alex took care of all aspects surrounding additional insurance and cover, ensuring we have the highest level of cover for the best price.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Alex is extremely professional and patient, taking the time to explain every step of the process to my wife and I.

What could they have done better?

Honestly can not think of anything Alex and his team could have done better. Thanks all.

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

We recently bought a house and wanted to consider insurance and protection.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex provided great advise about what might be the best protection, the various options and what he would recommend.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we've signed up for great protection for the future and understand how it benefits us.

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

To help the family

How has Alex Couling helped you?

In every aspect most helpful

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 wanted to take some equity from my as an emergency fund

How has Alex Couling helped you?

He suggested the best deal and Tom me through every detail.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I am very pleased with the iutcome

What could they have done better?

I cannot fault his service

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

Didn’t been a long term customer

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Satisfied with service received

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

Equity Release mortgage

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex carried out a thorough review of our circumstances, he then identified all our options, not just his own product. He talked through all our options with us and at no time did he pressure us to take his product. We are very happy with Alex and his professional approach and have no hesitation in recommending him to other people.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Alex arranged a product that was perfect for our needs. Alex has excellent support from his coleauge Jade Carter who provided excellent support through to completion.

What could they have done better?

Alex could not have done anything more, he was professional, polite,friendly and gave us clear information that enabled us to make the best choice for our circumstances.

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

The purchase of my first house

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex was brilliant from start to finish through the purchase of mine and my partners first house. We had no idea about what was required of us or what was involved in the process of applying for a mortgage and the completion of purchasing a house. Alex explained everything to us and really put us at ease multiple times during this stressful time. He went above and beyond his duties as our financial advisor and we can’t thank him enough.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

The circumstances that caused me to look for a financial advisor was due to wanting to purchase my first home.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex helped me in many different ways, being a first time buyer I was not aware of any of the processes and procedures needed to successfully purchase a house. Alex helped me and my partner throughout the whole process from start to finish, with contacting the solicitors and estate agents giving us updates daily. He managed to get our finances in order and find us an incredible deal on our mortgage and life insurance policy. He was very helpful and easy to contact! I felt at ease during my time with lifetime finical solutions and would highly recommended Alex and his company to anyone searching for a financial advisor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

First-time buyer of a property

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex helped me find the correct mortgage for my situation

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

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

Extending our property

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Found us the best mortgage deal and reviewed our insurances accordingly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes a lovely big extension!!

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

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

Buying our first house.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

We contacted Alex at the start of the year as we were planning to buy our first home in the near future. Alex was very helpful in firstly assessing our finances, and helping to structure them in a way that allowed us to save more efficiently and reach our deposit sooner. Once we had saved for our deposit we contacted Alex again to arrange and appointment to get some advice on which mortgage was best for us. Alex scoured the market and found the best rates available, tailoring the mortgage package specifically for us and our circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have definitely had the outcome we were hoping for. We are in our first home much quicker than anticipated, and with a fantastic deal on our mortgage.

What could they have done better?

The only negative I can think of would be finding the office in the first place! Other than that, Alex has been a godsend in a world full of jargon and technicalities.

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

As an over 70 years old person all mortgages were denied to me. I had a personal advisor suggest equity release as a way of helping to fund my next project and Alex was suggested as very straight forward =- which he was.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Very efficiently arranged what I needed with the right moderately priced provider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%.

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

To obtain a new mortgage.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

To look for best deal and advise in line with what was best for my personal circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Cannot think of anything

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

Lifetime Financial Solutions have given us Excellent service in the past and it seemed only natural to employ them for this service.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex explained the ins and outs and pros and cons of equity release clearly and in detail. He did so in a manner that was understandable and was able to answer all our questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are now in the position of having the finance th carry out our requirements.

What could they have done better?

The whole journey was better than expected.

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

We needed to renew our mortgage and at the same time review our life insurances considering we were expecting our first child.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex took the time to source the best deal for us. He reviewed all our protection needs to ensure we were fully covered. He was always available for questions and made time for us on the evenings if needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing he meet all our needs.

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

Re mortgage.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Researched the market in line with my requirements and obtained a fixed 5 year mortgage with options to overpay.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

No complaints. Excellent service.

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

Financial reorganisation.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

He sourced the best deals for our situation which was complex and kept on until the right one found.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are happy .

What could they have done better?

He tried very hard for us , as he progresses in his career he will I think be much sort after, as his confidence grows.

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

Firstly we were looking for someone to advise us on company pension schemes. From that we talked to Alex about additional life cover that we needed and various other insurance policies.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex was able to arrange our company pension scheme in a very short period of time which was very helpful. He then arranged a new life policy which we are very happy with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes it has been a very smooth passage with Alex advising us all the way.

What could they have done better?

I cannot fault the service

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

Mortgage was due for renewal and wanted to set up a savings account after the birth of my son.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

Alex was completely in tune with my needs and was very thorough and patient, explaining everything in a way we would understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am extremely happy with the outcome. Alex managed to find a product to suit all of our needs and recommended others that we had not thought of. Our new mortgage is much better value for money and we had not found a deal as good as the one Alex found for us.

What could they have done better?

The service we received from Alex was first class, going above and beyond, even staying late to meet us at a time that was convenient for us.

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

We wanted to apply for a mortgage.

How has Alex Couling helped you?

By finding the best mortgage deal for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes definately.

What could they have done better?

I don't feel he could have done any more for us , he was excellent.