There is a common misconception that financial advice is only for the wealthiest in society which is not necessarily the case. Many people could benefit from some degree of financial advice, be it just a brief conversation, but few people can or are willing to pay the fees of a regulated financial adviser.
When to use a financial adviser?
It could make sense to consider consulting a financial adviser if you have experienced any of the following events or they are on the horizon:
- You have inherited money or received an unexpected lump sum
- You are planning for your children's future
- You are planning to pass on money to family and/or friends
- You are going through a divorce
- A spouse or loved one has passed away
- You are acting as a trustee, executor or power of attorney for someone else
- You are planning to invest your pension
- You are considering whether to consolidate your pension pots
- You are deciding whether to transfer your pension from one scheme to another
- You wish to consolidate legacy ISAs
- You are planning to retire and want to plan how and when to take benefits from your pensions
If you have little in the way of savings and no private pension, then it potentially may not make sense to seek professional financial advice, particularly when you consider the fees involved.
How to find a good financial adviser?
One of the simplest and quickest ways to find a good financial adviser is to ask friends and family if they can recommend a financial adviser that they have used recently and that they still trust.
There are also a number of online services dedicated to helping people finding a good financial adviser in their local area. These include VouchedFor*, Unbiased*, Financiable or the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment’s WayFinder. An adviser who is either Chartered or Certified is considered well qualified and you can check an adviser's qualifications before deciding to use them on the Chartered Insurance Institute’s website.
Get a free financial consultation
Money to the Masses readers can claim a free 30-60 minute consultation with a 5* rated Vouchedfor financial adviser. Simply complete this short form* to get started.
Alternatively, Money to the Masses readers can get a free financial review with Unbiased, including a £50 discount on any further paid advice. Click here to check out the offer
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