Once you decide you need a financial advisor, you then have the problem of locating one that is right for you and part of this is in the location. You need to be able to get to your financial advisor without too much hassle or a long trip, so choose one that is in a convenient location to you.

You could always ask your friends or family for their recommendations, but remember that their financial circumstances and goals may not be the same as yours, so their financial advisor may not suit your needs. Picking one at random from a phone book is your next option. You won’t always know if the one you pick will suit you, but you can go in for the first consultation and find out. At least you should know whether they are conveniently located by the address given.

Or you could go online and do some research. The Financial Planning Association (FPA) website makes it easier to wade through the array of financial advisors. You just need to type in your postcode to bring up all those that are close to your location. Seeking a financial advisor who is also a member of a financial organization such as the FPA will ensure that you get someone who must not only undertake extra development and training all the time, but is committed to a code of behaviour and ethics beyond that required by the law.

The financial advisor you choose can only work with what you tell him or her, therefore it is important that you are honest about all your financial dealings. Only then will they be able to produce a statement of financial advice that will be of use to you. And by the way, they are required by law to give you a written statement of advice, not just tell you verbally.

An important question to ask your financial advisor is whether another company owns their business. If it does, this might have some bearing on what products you will be offered, since they will always be interested is selling products from which their company will gain commission. Once you have your financial advice all sorted out, you’ll find that it gives you peace of mind to know that you are doing all you can do financially to get a better life. By following the advice of a professional financial advisor you will be making the best decisions possible.