Financial planner?

[Muffster]

A bit of advise please folks. Could be a rather obvious question but what does a financial planner do as opposed to a financial adviser?
Has anyone used one, if so what sort of questions should i be asking.

Thanks.

[Ginge R]

'Financial Adviser' refers to the lawful definition, 'planner' refers more, to how an adviser may decide to practice. As a description, it doesn't have legal standing. In ye olde bad olde days, advisers had a bit of a reputation, so in some ways, these days it's a way of distancing oneself from that.

Planners (and I consider myself one) look at things more strategically. Some clients don't want, need or like that. Planners, these days, prefer to focus on fewer clients who warrant/need that more involved service. In the old days, advisers were more transactional and some clients, these days, are still quite happy with that.

So, it's horses for courses.

In terms of what questions you should look for, it's the same for both. Prepare a few paragraphs about yourself, let them know your needs, wishes, feelings - send it to a few practitioners, ask them for their thoughts. If your needs are simple, don't pay silly money. If your needs are complex, don't pay silly money. Cheap isn't always the best, but neither is expensive.