Beginners' guide to choosing a Financial Adviser

Before your first meeting

• What type of adviser are you? An IFA, multi-tied agent or tied agent?

• Are you regulated by the FSA?

• Do you specialise in the product area/areas I’m interested in?

• How long have you been advising clients?

• Do you often advise people in my earnings bracket?

• Can you show me references from satisfied clients?

• Do you charge a fee for the initial consultation?

• Do you charge fees for advice or take commission from the provider? – How much?

• Where and when will meetings take place?

During your meeting

• What's the potential return on this investment and how long does it run for?

• What are the charges and how do they compare with those of similar products?

• Why is this product the best for me?

• How does it fit in with the other financial products I already have?

• What happens if I need my money earlier than planned?

• What are the risks?

• What is the tax position with this product?

• What if I can't keep the payments up?

• Can I have the Key Features document for this product?

At the end of the meeting

• Don't feel pressurised to sign up for anything if you're not ready to.

• Take as much time as you need to consider or read any proposals and Key Features documents.

• Arrange a follow up meeting