[Dave]

With the old money purschase pension at work being some what inadequate vs a final salary pension, I thought it might be time to look for alternate methods of financial saving for the future.

Have never used a Financial Adviser before, so what are peoples experience on here ? Are they worth the money they charge ? Have the independent ones , really been independent ? Have you used them for Pensions, Savings, Mortgages loans etc ?

All too confusing for me

[Dabhand16]

What a minefield!

Check out this really good financial web-site

Motley Fool

Their attitude is that you can do anything a Financial advisor can do yourself, with just a little knowledge.

I used to work with a bloke who eventually formed his own insurance consultancy, and also deals with investments etc. One of my Sons got his pension through him on the grounds that as I knew him, he would not have us over. My Son ended up with the same scheme that my friend has got.

Whether he would be better than a local advisor, I don't know, but I could give you his number and you could have a chat with him if you like.

[Steve]

I have never used one myself but my parents used a firm that was highly recommended to them by close friends.

My father was forced to take early retirement due to illness and they invested quite a lot of money. They got regular returns and their investments also increased year on year. Overall they seemed very happy with the help and advice they received and my mother still consults with them for her financial investments.

Like most areas though there seem to be good and bad firms/advisors. If you get a good one you’ll be very happy but if you get a bad one you not only be unhappy, but most likely broke as well

The best advice is either do some research yourself and if you feel able to manage your own do so, otherwise go of the personal recommendation of people that you trust.

[Suicide Reject]

I personally have never used an FA but then again in my current job well that is part of my job. Although I'm not a Financial Advisor, we do have a qualified FA in my office. Although he is not independant, in his favoure his service is free and he would never investyour money in something that was a risk to you or something you didn't want. He only ever does what's right for that particular customer. even if that is to turn away the business.....I'm not going to mention the company as it prob already sounds like i'm plugging them...lol.

My advice is shop around, see many different organisations. There a lot of FA's out there they don't all charge fees. I've seen so many people diddled out of their money by most of it going on the fees alone. Just cause they charge a fee doesn't always mean they're giving you the right advice for you. The right FA should be able to build a relationship with you and work towards your needs. At the end of the day it comes down to service.

[tomeradv]

I agree with steve! its definalty worth it to do some research in order to find a good advisor. Dealing with a good advisor is extremely important to the financial progress of your investments and portfolio. Welcome to Leadsco! - Financial Advisor and Investment Leads and Prospects for Marketing is helping people to ensure that they find the right financial advisor for them. Welcome to Leadsco! - Financial Advisor and Investment Leads and Prospects for Marketing matches clients who are open to a review with financial advisors with many years of experience and service. Its a great avenue to explore advisors with different aproaches in the hope of avoiding bad experiences regarding your investments.

[stepheno]

Hi tomerady - welcome to Pixalo. I can't help Dave but I do think that what they make you is relative to what they charge you

[Stevie B]

my advice is spend your money today you might be dead tomorrow

[Helena]

I've used a couple. I did use a completely free one that claimed to be independant. He did give very good general guidance and spent time helping me to understand various things like terminology etc, and I felt under no pressure to take it any further. However because all of his money is made from commission I wasn't 100% convinced that the companies he was recommending was because they were truly the best or not.

I'm now with one where I paid a one time fee and then I can call him and use him anytime. Of course, he does still get commission but it has been much more transparent about what commission for what company and quite clear that some of the things he has shown me do not get him the best deal so I've got much more trust.

Yes, you probably can get a lot of the information yourself on the internet etc and without one. But I'd say depending on what you want to know then at the very least getting one to spend a bit of time looking things up for you saves you a lot of time and effort! Just don't be tricked or pressured into taking up the advice if you don't want to, but why not use them for the leg work!