From ‘piggy-bank’ type accounts for children, to personal retirement planning, an independent financial adviser (IFA) is the best person to ask for advice about personal finances – at every step of life’s journey.

There are many different types of financial products on the market.  Choosing the right one for you and your situation is really important, especially as your life changes and evolves.  Mortgages, protection policies, investments, pensions, savings – each type of financial product has different features and benefits.  They’re best explained by someone who can help you to really make the most of your money:  a qualified IFA.

As an overview, there are three main types of adviser:  tied advisers, who can only offer products and services from the providers they work for; multi-tied advisers, who advise on products from a restricted range of providers; and IFAs.  Only an IFA can give you unbiased advice across all financial products and mortgages, whatever company provides them.  We think that being impartial is important, so we ask all of the IFAs you can find using our search tool to make a declaration that they’re truly independent and not restricted in choice.

It’s also reassuring to know that, in the UK, IFAs are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).  This means that they are bound to give you suitable financial advice; understanding all of your relevant circumstances and needs before recommending a product or service.  After 31 December 2012, the FSA will apply a number of changes to improve the way you receive advice from a financial services professional.  The changes apply to charging fees, providing services and their ongoing qualifications and accreditation.

Read more about the future of financial advice.

When you meet an IFA…

Your IFA will ask you to complete a ‘fact find’.  This may start out as a general conversation, in which you talk about your needs and aims, generally using a questionnaire.  All your information remains private and confidential.  After 31 December 2012, your financial adviser is required to clearly state if they are authorised to provide independent or restricted advice.  Also, before they do any work for you they must agree with you the amount you are expected to pay for their services.

Talking about your plans is a good way to explore options that you may not have considered, and the more details you provide about your goals and aims, the better advice you’ll get.