Choosing advice
Can you get a second opinion from another financial adviser?
When a second financial-advice opinion may be useful and what to take to another adviser for a meaningful comparison.
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Practical explanations for the decisions ahead. Search by question or explore a topic.
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Choosing advice
Financial advice vs guidance: what is the difference?
The difference between regulated financial advice and general financial guidance, and when each may be useful.
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Choosing advice
When should you get a financial adviser?
Common points when financial advice may become useful, from retirement and inheritance to business sales and more complex investment decisions.
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When might you not need a financial adviser?
Situations where paid regulated advice may add little and free guidance or self-directed decisions may be enough.
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What does a financial adviser actually do?
What a UK financial adviser can do beyond choosing investments, from financial planning and pensions to protection and ongoing reviews.
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Is a financial adviser worth it?
A practical framework for deciding whether the benefit of financial advice is likely to justify the fee.
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Choosing advice
Can a financial adviser save you money?
Where financial advice may reduce avoidable costs or poor decisions, and why an adviser cannot promise that the fee will pay for itself.
Read guideFees and value
Financial adviser fee tiers: worked examples
See how tiered financial adviser fees work. Compare a rate on each band with a rate on the whole portfolio, and calculate the effective percentage.
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Financial adviser minimum fees: the real percentage cost
A minimum adviser fee can raise the effective percentage you pay. See worked examples and distinguish minimum annual fees from minimum investment amounts.
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Fees and value
Financial advice, platform and fund fees: total cost explained
Separate adviser, platform and fund charges with a worked example. Understand which costs to add together and how to avoid counting a charge twice.
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Saving and investing
Is a financial adviser worth it for £50k?
When financial advice may be useful with around £50,000 and why minimum fees can matter more at lower asset levels.
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Managing investments yourself
Explore the work involved and when personal advice may be useful.
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