Many people depend on a financial advisor to help them achieve their financial goals. Financial advisors have access to a great deal of knowledge about finances as they are trained especially in this area. You can find a financial advisor by searching the Internet (websites), going to a bank or financial institution, or looking in the phone book. Friends and family may also be able to recommend a good financial advisor. Make sure your financial planner is properly qualified and licensed with ASIC (Australian Securities and Investment Commission).

Financial advisors charge in a variety of ways. They may charge a flat fee at an hourly rate, or a percentage of your income/assets. Some financial advisors are free - they get paid a commission on the products they sell. Most people feel this creates a conflict of interest, as they will certainly push those products from which they get the biggest percentage, rather than what is most likely to suit you.

Those financial planners who work for a bank are likely to only push the bank’s products - this is only natural, but remember the banks want to make money first, so their products are not necessarily designed to cater to your own specific needs.