It’s much easier to discuss your finances in person with an advisor you can trust. Your local financial adviser will take the time to get to know you over a cup of coffee, listening to your concerns and answering your questions.
Whether you’re thinking of taking out a mortgage, planning for your retirement or investing a lump sum, it can be difficult to decide which financial product would be best for you.
It’s, therefore, a good idea to seek financial advice. This could be from your bank, a large financial services company or a local independent financial adviser (IFA).
Here are the main benefits of contacting a local independent financial adviser when you need some help with a financial matter.
Face-to-Face Meetings
It’s not always easy to talk about money and it can be doubly difficult to discuss your financial situation over the phone with someone you’ve never met.
It’s much easier to discuss your finances in person with an advisor you can trust. Your local financial adviser will take the time to get to know you over a cup of coffee, listening to your concerns and answering your questions.
Free Initial Meeting
If you’re thinking of engaging a local financial adviser, you’ll benefit from a free initial meeting. This allows you to meet the adviser in person and to find out if he or she has the relevant expertise, experience and qualifications to help you.
In-home or In-office Meetings
If you find it difficult to travel to your financial adviser’s office, local independent financial advisers are usually happy to meet you in your own home or in another suitable location, such as your place of work.
Appointments at Convenient Times
Appointments with your local financial adviser can be made at times that suit you. Some local IFAs are very flexible, offering appointments in the evenings and perhaps also on Saturday mornings and other times outside office hours.
Experience of Advising Local People
Local independent financial advisers are used to advising local people. So, if you run a small business, your adviser is almost certain to have worked with other business owners in the local area. He or she will, therefore, understand your exact needs and concerns and will be well-placed to offer advice that is directly relevant to you.
Completely Independent and Impartial Advice
Local independent financial advisers give impartial, unbiased advice. They look at the full range of financial products available before recommending the one(s) best suited to your individual circumstances. This contrasts with banks and other larger organisations, which may only recommend their own products or a limited number of other products.
If you engage a local independent financial adviser, you can be assured that they will have considered the widest range of products possible before making their recommendations.
Providing Clarity and Removing Confusion
The financial services market can be difficult to understand if you’re not an expert. That’s why people who have invested money for years still rely on financial advisers to search the market and recommend the best products for them.
Local financial advisors take the time to explain financial terms, jargon and anything else that’s unclear in plain English.
Personalised Advice
After getting to know you and your circumstances, financial goals and the degree of risk you’re prepared to take, your local financial adviser will offer highly personalised advice that is tailored to your exact requirements.
Depending on your circumstances, your adviser may propose one or more affordable financial products, or they may draw up a personalised financial plan. You can then discuss the products or plan, asking your adviser any questions you may have.
No Pressure and a Cooling-Off Period
A local financial adviser will not put you under pressure to sign up for a product on the spot. They will give you time to go home and think about the options that have been recommended to you, without any obligation.
Even after you’ve signed up for a financial product, you have the right by law to change your mind within a certain time frame, which maybe 14 or 30 days or longer, depending on the product. You’ll be informed of the exact length of the cooling-off period.
Regular Financial Reviews
Local independent financial advisers offer regular face-to-face financial reviews. At these meetings, you’ll discuss whether your current investments are on target to meet your goals and if it would be a good idea to change or fine-tune them.
Confidentiality
Local financial advisers keep your financial and personal details confidential. You can be sure that your personal information won’t be shared with anyone else without your permission.
Peace of Mind
Above all, local independent financial advice gives you the peace of mind that your finances are being well looked after by a local business that is available to discuss your concerns whenever you need to.
