Can you pay a financial adviser by the hour?
Yes. Hourly charging exists in UK financial advice, although not every firm offers it and a quoted hourly rate does not tell you how many hours the work will take.
What does MoneyHelper say about hourly fees?
MoneyHelper currently says typical hourly financial advice fees are often between £100 and £350 an hour. The final cost depends on the work and complexity.
Ask for an estimated total, not only the hourly rate
A £150 hourly rate can cost more than a £250 rate if the scope or time required is very different. Ask how many hours the adviser expects the work to take and what would trigger extra charges.
Hourly advice can suit defined questions
It can be attractive when you want professional input on a specific planning problem rather than an indefinite percentage-based service. Availability varies by firm.
Compare outcome and scope
Check what you receive at the end of the engagement, whether a personal recommendation is included and whether implementation is separate.