Impartial financial advice

[Siko]

I know this is kind of a stupid question (well, duh), but where can I get proper impartial financial advice from? I've used IFAs in the past but my impression was that they were just out to sell me whatever product they were getting the most commission from. There's several of these 'wealth management' type places around me, but I'm kind of put off by the shiny facades and the fees. As you can probably tell I'm not particularly astute or aware of the best way to go about this and if I'm honest, I find it all really intimidating.

What I'm looking for is some sensible honest advice on mortgage overpayments vs investments, remortgaging and financial planning (not pensions) for a 15-20 year period that will take me upto retirement. I'm possibly looking to invest £500-1000 per month over that period and am really unsure of the best way to use that money. I'd be happy to pay someone for their time if that's the best way to go about it.

Any sensible advice appreciated would be warmly received

[Ginge R]

Siko,

The most stupid question was the one never asked. If you go onto unbiased.co.uk and tap in your post code, you'll find lists of advisers there. They pay to be there but it at least allows you to sift.

When you do a beauty parade, ask them what they'll charge (if anything) to sit down with you and discuss your needs. Ask them what their charging bias is; some advisers still rely on new business to make a living, I prefer to charge very little upfront and establish good relationships with fewer clients over the long term to justify my service and my keep. I have fewer clients now. They will tell you, I'm not shiny.

If you have simple needs, if your needs are modest and straightforward, please feel free to drop me a line. I'm an IFA (many call it wealth manager/financial life manager - generally, you can add your own guff) but the name doesn't matter. I can give you basic info which might help you to go and find out detail for yourself which you can then then use to ask for more info here.

Edit: I'm as busy as hell at the moment, so if you do want to message me, include a number and I'll call you back from the car.

Edited by Ginge R on Monday 23 March 14:38

[Siko]

Thanks for the advice Ginge.....much appreciated.

I've looked at unbiased.co.uk and found somewhere local which I may pop into tomorrow for a chat, but if you're local to the Midlands (I'm in West Shropshire) I would also be happy to discuss face to face with you. I wouldn't want you driving a long way to chat to some dullard like me

[Ginge R]

I doubt that you're a dullard if you've survived 133 months here! I'm away for most of the next couple of weeks Miko, the end of the financial tax year is vicious.

Good luck with your plan though, please don't hesitate to pipe up here if you want a steer or a sounding board.

[ringram]

http://monevator.com/

HTH

[Claudia Skies]

Has anyone on here used Towry? It looks as though they've taken over an outfit I used to know. Although my enquiries to date suggest Towry are pretty serious players in the game it would be good to hear of any personal experiences.