Best way to select an IFA

[A993LAD]

Hi folks,

I'm not getting any useful recommendations from friends, family or colleagues so thought I would also try asking on here.

What is the best way to find a recommended IFA.

Also need some advice around investments, pensions and IHT

Any thoughts gratefully received

[Mr Pointy]

Read the invisible sticky at the top of this sub forum.

[A993LAD]

Mr Pointy said:

Read the invisible sticky at the top of this sub forum.

Thanks for the tip and I've had a quick look through the Intelligent Money thread but quickly came across the following statement in one of their replies.....

"We don't provide advice"

And it's advice that I am specifically seeking hence looking for an independent financial adviser

[mikeiow]

A993LAD said:

Thanks for the tip and I've had a quick look through the Intelligent Money thread but quickly came across the following statement in one of their replies.....

"We don't provide advice"

And it's advice that I am specifically seeking hence looking for an independent financial adviser

Perhaps ping an actual question.....maybe even on the sticky - despite not being 'advisors', I would say that Nik and Julian are seasoned finance pro's with a lot of knowledge to share. Almost feels like advice sometime.....but you do still have to decide things yourself. Oh, & it is for free!

It's a funny thing, 'advice' - usually it comes with a price and a decent wealth of caveats! If you cannot find someone via friends & family that meet your requirements, then you are just as well off posting here to start with.

One thing I have found with PH is that there is a WEALTH of wisdom here, and many are willing to offer it for free! Even if it doesn't answer your questions, it might help shape them so you can spot a "good" IFA from a " *cough* not so good" one!

[chip*]

It's not easy finding an IFA you trust! I know as I have been through this exact process in the last 2 months. Built up a potential list from various sources e.g. recommendation from friends/family, locally based IFA offices, own research via forums/Net etc.. After discussion with several IFA's, a common theme was apparent. Almost all simply ignored my requirements (despite making this explicit at the start of the call), and just promoted their financial products to me. Eventually found a refreshing IFA / financial planning and he's currently crunching through my numbers to assess whether my objectives will be met.
PM me if you want his contact details.

[Derek Chevalier]

mikeiow said:

It's a funny thing, 'advice'

Funny in what way?