How long have you been working for them?

I'll second that. We can smell the bullshit you're emanating from a mile off.

Nope, I'm just happy with the service I received. I had a really bad experience with other financial companies, which cost me a lot of money. I was forced to look for someone to transfer my pension, as it was in trouble back in the UK. I was cold called by UK company who connected me with AES. On booking the meeting they attached the following videoURL removed)

Cold called? Always a bad sign...

I get ****ing loads of these because one twat in the office gave them everybody elses number.

I especially like telling them that you're not interested very politely. Then a week later get another call of 'Gareth' to set up a meeting with 'Quentin Huffingdon-Witherall' who is a senior Wealth Prick.

The best bit is, the follow up call ALWAYS contains a bare faced lie; "I remember you were really interested in saving for that holiday and setting up a pension"...um, no you ****tard, I was interested in you leaving me alone. I even consider my job to be above yours you ****ing peasant.

Rant over.

Quentin Huffingdon-Witherall? That's a new twist! I got Squadron Leader Hardleigh-Worthit!

bbc1, panorama: 'who took my pension?' - youtube.com/watch?v=gajTHiHW8iA - that's the video I was referring to. Just out of interest, has anyone had a bad experience with a financial firm and which one was it? Whenever received a lot of cold calls or got done with a 25 year friends provident or zurich saving plan...

Or maybe received PMs on this forum touting for business?

Isn't that against forum rules?

Out of interest......... what does Goldust do?

Some colleagues fell into the '25 year plan' trap. Unlikely they will see their money unless they live in UAE (or tax free country) until 2032.

Out of interest, what's the trap?

Exaclty that? 25yrs being non-dom and you get an average pension?

It annoys the hell out of me that so many salespeople flog these plans. The terms are far too long and they do it as they receive far more commission than on more suitable shorter term plans.

The plans themselves are suitable for many but for shorter terms, with providers with more fund choices and regular reviews with someone who understands risk.

If anyone has such a plan, there are some options. Premiums can be suspended, reduced and you can get out earlier, subject to penalties. Best to get it reviewed by a proper adviser.

Non-dom? You mean non-resident. Non-dom is entirely different. These plans should be encashed or mature before you return to the UK or you will be taxed on the proceeds.

They are sold for commission, not for suitability for clients. There are other options but the salespeople probably don't understand them.

They went for a high monthly amount, tied into that for 25 years. If they leave they have to continue the payment or each month lose a percentage of what they saved. They never checked the policy properly, and some of these are in average paid jobs so moving back to countries with tax means they likely can't keep up payments.

There was three or four people did it, had meetings with other IFAs and a lawyer, looks like no way out.

Funnily enough calls to me from DV have started up again, they just don't when to give up.

Thanks Meow / NorthernLad.

Haven't been looking at pensions but assume it's probably a good idea.

What's the alternative to those long term non-resident options flogged by half-wits?