FIVE THINGS TO ASK YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER

1)     Are you an Independent or Restricted adviser?

Independent financial planners are able to advise you on all investment products and all investment managers giving you the widest possible choice.  Restricted advisers cannot.

2)    Are you a Chartered Financial Planner?

Chartered Financial Planners have reached the pinnacle of their careers through a series of advanced examinations?  This means that they can advise you on range financial matters, from the simple areas such as family protection, to the more advanced areas such as retirement and estate planning?

3)    How are you remunerated and what services do you provide?

All financial planners are required to offer a fee only service from January 2013.  If you have an existing investment portfolio these may be on an ‘old’ commission based model.  It is important to review these arrangements to ensure you are receiving the service you are paying for.  In addition a fee only service could be less expensive to you.

4)    What is your investment proposition and how do you monitor investments?

The management of your investments is one of the most important aspects of a financial planner’s role.  Making sure your investment strategy remains suitable to your risk profile is essential in achieving your financial objectives.

5)    What is your approach to financial planning?

Many advisers focus purely on arranging investments and other financial products.  Others will help you understand your wealth through a detailed financial planning process.  This will allow you to ensure your financial objectives are consistent with the investment decisions appropriate to your plan.

At Expert Wealth Management we are Independent Advisers, Chartered Financial Planners, Provide a Fee Only service, Run Bespoke client portfolio’s and Financial Planning is at the centre of what we do.  We believe that this combination provides our clients with an unbiased and highly qualified advice.