Independent Financial Advice - Consumer Guide

When to seek independent advice

Your first job, buying a house, getting married, starting a family, saving for your children and planning for retirement… these are just some of the big stages in your life that put additional pressures on your finances.

It makes sense to take control at each stage and revise your financial plans to match your changing lifestyle. If you are too busy to take the DIY approach, then an independent financial adviser (IFA) can offer a helping hand through the maze of products and financial planning strategies.

An IFA can help clarify your financial priorities and your short, medium and long-term financial goals. He or she asks detailed questions about your financial circumstances, your existing investments, debts, state of health, your future goals, your risk tolerance and what you want from life. Then he or she will advise you on how to develop a budget and make recommendations that will help you manage your finances and allow your money to grow for the future whilst ensuring you and your family are financially protected.

An IFA can also take the pain out of the research required and pinpoint the most appropriate products to meet your aims such as saving for your first home, your children's future or your retirement needs.