Choosing a good Financial Advisor is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your financial future. Here are some steps you can take to find a suitable Advisor for your needs:

• Define your goals and needs - What kind of advice are you looking for? Do you need help with investing, retirement, mortgages, insurance or something else? How much money do you have to invest or borrow? How often do you want to meet with your Advisor?

• Understand the types of Advisors - There are different types of Advisors who offer different levels of service, qualifications and fees. For example, some Advisors are independent, meaning they can recommend products from any provider, while others are restricted, meaning they can only recommend products from a limited range of providers. Some Advisors are chartered, meaning they have the highest level of qualification and experience in the industry, while others are not. Some Advisors charge a fixed fee, a percentage of your assets or a commission from the product provider, while others offer free initial consultations or ongoing reviews.

• Ask for recommendations - You can ask your friends, family, colleagues or other trusted sources if they have used a Financial Advisor and were happy with their service. You can also use online directories or websites that list and review Advisors in your area.

• Check their qualifications and reputation - You should always check that the Advisor you are considering is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is the UK’s financial watchdog. You can do this by searching their name or firm on the FCA register. You should also check their qualifications, experience, specialisations and professional memberships. You can ask them for proof of these or look them up on their website or profile. You should also check their reputation by reading online reviews, testimonials or feedback from previous or current clients.

• Compare fees and services - You should always ask the Advisor how much they charge for their advice and what services they offer in return. You should also ask them how they are paid, whether it is by you or by the product provider. You should compare different Advisors based on their fees, services, performance and value for money. You should also ask them for a written agreement that outlines their terms and conditions, scope of advice, fees and charges, complaints procedure and cancellation policy.

• Evaluate communication and rapport - You should always meet with the Advisor before hiring them to see if you feel comfortable and confident with them. You should ask them questions about their approach, philosophy, strategy and recommendations. You should also see how well they listen to you, understand your goals and needs, explain things clearly and answer your queries. You should also check how often they will communicate with you, how they will keep you updated on your progress and how they will review your plan.

At FFP, we believe in building long term relationships with our clients so we will ensure that the comprehensive service we provide is both right and financially feasible for them and us.