Testimonials
Of all the services that were made available to me, one stands out above the rest. Through one of the webinars my wife and I were introduced to the team at John Stokes Financial. John’s team did an outstanding job of helping us understand the logistics of managing our various retirement accounts. They helped us create a budget to project our spending needs as we enter retirement, and where we currently stand against those needs. They took the time to answer all of our questions about Social Security and investment strategies so that we could pick the options that fit our needs.
At this point, we’ve only experienced the onboarding process, which was fabulous. For example, they led us down a path where we were able to save hundreds on our annual healthcare premiums.
By working with the wonderful team at John Stokes Financial we now feel like we have a better handle on our financial situation than ever before.
- T. J., JSF Client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
John Stokes and the incredible John Stokes Financial team have been handling our investments for over 8 years, and to say that my wife and I are thrilled with the results would be an understatement.
I met John at a financial seminar after I took a severance package from Pfizer, my employer of over 20 years. John’s presentation got my attention right away for his thoroughness and ability to take complex ideas and make them understandable. After meeting with him and further discussing what his firm offered and what my goals were, I knew I had found my financial adviser. I handed my 401-K and other investments over to John and right away I could see the positive difference in my portfolio’s returns.
A year later my wife also took a severance from her longtime employer, Merck, and added her 401-K to our portfolio. In addition to handling our investments, John, Tom Krebs and the rest of his wonderful, professional and patient staff have also helped us to navigate other uncharted waters: including refinancing our house (right before the rates went up), properly handling my wife’s stock options, maximizing our current 401-Ks, proper budgeting, tax strategies and handling my father’s estate. My wife and I know that John and his team are always there for us and that is very comforting.
Our central goal had always been a comfortable, active retirement at 58. Because of John’s attention to detail, innovative market strategies and forecasting we could retire right now at 52 and 54!
-Chris and Tania, JSF Clients
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
Many thanks again for the generous amount of time you spent with me today. It was a gentle, yet highly informative initiation/introduction to JSF. This may be one of the smartest steps I’ve ever taken.
-Susan, JSF Client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
John has been our financial advisor for over 10 years. He manages our funds well, allowing us to enjoy our retirement without worrying…at least our finances! Thanks, John. Keep up the good work.
-Lindy, JSF client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
I first connected with the JSF team during a “Critical Financial Decisions During a Job Search” webinar hosted by an Outplacement Firm. Having just been laid off after many years at my job, I was seeking guidance on my next financial steps. As a busy professional woman, I immediately appreciated John Stokes' straightforward and approachable style. I felt confident in his expertise and trustworthiness from the start. Now, after working with John and his team for over three years, I can say it was one of the best decisions I've made… the JSF team is always there for guidance, regular check-ins, and any questions I have along the way. I wholeheartedly recommend the JSF team for all your financial and retirement planning needs.
-Beth, JSF Client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
I met John Stokes during a difficult time in my life in 2009. I was just laid off from my local government job and John was invited to speak to me and the 30 people who were also laid off regarding financial planning to weather the storm. I was so impressed with John’s compassion towards the group and his financial wisdom that I immediately hired him as my financial advisor. This choice was the best financial decision I have ever made.
John continues to be my financial advisor after 15 successful and profitable years. John has helped me immensely with my investment choices, retirement planning, buying a house, investing in a 401K plan, investing in a 529 plan for my daughter, setting up a living trust, providing assistance with my parents’ financing, strategizing how to maximize CDs and my safety funds, and how to best diversify my financial resources. My financial situation has greatly benefited from John’s professional and personal advice and guidance. John always has my best interest in mind and is very trustworthy. I consider John a financial advisor, a friend, and a mentor.
I highly recommend John Stokes as a financial advisor and fiduciary.
-Richard
Client of John Stokes Financial since 2009
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
I have been a client of John Stokes Financial (JSF) for over 15+ years and trust this firm with my finances due to their high integrity, professionalism and consistent track record. Their customer support is prompt and responsive. The company holds an annual team meeting to review my performance, answer questions and periodically realigns my portfolio to the desired target allocation. They use software tools to instantly model and graphically illustrate future performance due to hypothetical changes (e.g. change 401K contributions, finance kids college, change retirement date and etc.). From my experience JSF has demonstrated consistent performance and sound decision making regarding my finances. I recommend contacting them and see if a good match for peace of mind of your most important asset - your retirement fund.
-David, JSF Client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
Several years ago I had the pleasure of attending one of John’s seminars. After the seminar I spoke to my wife and we decided to transition our investment accounts from a large commercial wealth management institution to John Stokes Financial. Our decision was driven by the fact that the commercial institution was under performing the market and a lack of attention to our personal needs. We were impressed by the in-depth knowledge and continued personal customer service that John and team provide.
We shared our personal goals with John and his team that our desire was to retire in our early 60s. As the world changed around us with Covid, along achieving our financial goals Pam and I decided we wanted to retire at 60 and spend more time with our family, friends and travel. We have to thank John and his team for making this happen.
- Mark and Pam, JSF Client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
I first met John Stokes through my work with the State of California. John generously donated his time and knowledge and became part of our team to help individuals that were affected by a layoff or company closure. John and his team shared vital information needed regarding the employees retirement plans and health benefits which helped ease their minds and left them one less thing to worry about. After several years of working with John Stokes Financial Services and because of their work ethics and commitment to helping others, I felt comfortable entrusting them with my personal financial planning. Throughout the years, I have been thoroughly pleased with the handling of my retirement portfolio. John Stokes has been “hands on”, watching the market and making adjustments to maximize my investments, which has allowed me to retire and live comfortably. Even in retirement, John Stokes Financial still is making adjustments with the market to optimize my funds. Who could ask for more?
- Catherine, JSF Client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
I had worked for a printing company for 25 years when the company merged with a larger company. We were given a severance package for those that did not relocate. John was invited to talk with affected employees about our retirement package. That was over 20 years ago.
I have enjoyed JSF for over 20 years! John has worked with me for the proper investments needed to secure a bright horizon and his company has (and continues) been there for me as I transitioned from another job to retirement.
Through all aspects of my financial future, and beyond, I know JSF will be with me every step of the way.
I strongly recommend JSF for those wanting a solid company to guide them from today, to the golden years of life. I don’t expect to get rich but know I will be comfortable with his guidance throughout the rest of my years.
-Mark and Paula, JSF Client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
John Stokes has been handling our investments for over 14 years now, and we could not be more pleased. Somehow, even though we are retired and "conservative" in our ways, John has a magic touch. He makes us a lot of money when the market is up or neutral and loses very little when the market is down.
As a result, we have been able to enjoy these recent years traveling, renovating our houses, and doing all the things that we’ve always wanted to do while still seeing our initial nest egg grow. In addition, we have gone through a number of "life transitions" during this time, and John has helped us deal with the government, taxes, and so on, while making adjustments to our investments as needed.
He and his staff are always just a phone call away and are patient and clear in helping us understand whatever it is that we are trying to figure out. Frankly, I cannot think of a reason why any investor would want anyone else to help handle their financial affairs.
-Warren, JSF Client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
As always, we appreciate the time you set aside for our check-in call. Before each call, I tell Jim 'I feel so nervous' but I have no idea why I feel that way. Our calls are always fun; confirming where we are and where we want to go. Thank you for (always) having our back and making decisions that help our assets grow. We are so deeply grateful to you and your team for all you do for us. We are enjoying a blessed retirement and are so glad to have been referred to your firm!
-Mary, JSF Client
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.
I had the good fortune to meet John Stokes over a decade ago after I was part of a senior management “consolidation”. After 35+ years as an executive in the entertainment industry, the company I worked for offered John Stokes Financial services as a valuable resource for my professional transition.
John and his team worked with me every step of the way, helping to navigate my next opportunity into the work force as well as securing my financial future. They are a highly professional company with tremendous integrity and excellent resources that provide inventive ways to build and protect your monetary foundation.
John Stokes Financial is more than a financial services company—when my husband unexpectedly passed away, John was by my side to advise and consult on retirement planning, budgeting, investment opportunities, tax planning strategies and estate planning.
- Delilah, TV and Film Personality
Non-compensated client testimonial; may not be representative of all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.