The Minefield of Choosing an Independent Financial Advisor

· 2 min read
The Minefield of Choosing an Independent Financial Advisor

We have all heard scare stories with regards to choosing an Independent Financial Advisor. Most of these anecdotes derive from years past once the whole industry had not been correctly policed. Nowadays you can find so many different ways in which you can choose an IFA who is both reputable and right for you personally. Choosing an IFA is arguably one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make so taking time and energy to research and compare providers is to be encouraged.

There are generally considered to be three different kinds of financial advisor - independent financial advisers who search the complete market for his or her clients, tied advisers who operate solely with respect to a particular company, for instance a bank. Additionally, there are advisers who are multi-tied and who sell products supplied by a fairly limited range of companies.



Benefits

The true and outstanding benefit of consulting an IFA is that they will act on behalf of you the client instead of within their own interests or the people of the organisation they are selling financial loans for. The IFA will search the entire market and will actively seek out and offer tailored solutions that may suit you the customers needs.

So what should you do?

One of the first steps you need to take when looking for an IFA would be to select a couple of providers which look likeliest to suit your needs. Speak with family, friends and colleagues and have for personal recommendations. Check out internet review and comparison sites. The local press can even be a starting point.

So when you have narrowed your search down to a few individuals, contact the IFAs of your choosing. Call them for an informal chat and to observe how you feel. You should be confident and more comfortable with whoever you choose to advise you on your finances. Remember that you're the one in charge and not the other way around!

When you are talking to the IFAs of one's choice, ensure that they're completely independent. Ask about qualifications - don't be scared. Try to find an adviser who has the Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning or who is a certified or chartered financial planner. If you are in doubt and are looking for a testimonial it isn't unfair to ask to be placed in touch with other current clients. Remember that is your dollars we are talking about.

Ask about fees. Do  https://redfynn.com/partner/">dual pricing merchant services  charge per hour or do they take a commission? Perhaps this is a mixture of the two? You need your IFA to be completely transparent. If they're not then do not get involved.

The crucial thing is that you the client feel comfortable with regards to the arrangement. Ensure that all dealings and conversations are transparent and that you realize just what the IFA is doing for you constantly. This works both ways, always be honest about your situation and you may not go wrong.