With the rising prices of daily expenses and an increase in job demands and career…
How to choose the right financial planner for you
5 top tips for picking the best professional to protect your money
Choosing a financial adviser to help you improve your financial situation is no simple exercise.
As they are responsible for protecting and maximising your hard-earned money, you want to be sure they are the right person to help secure a better future for you and your family.
So how do you make the right choice to feel confident your money is in safe hands?
First of all, you may be asking yourself, “Do I actually need a financial adviser?”
According to the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report, 48% of Australians have unmet financial advice needs.1
Financial Planning Association of Australia chief executive, Dante De Gori says,
“In its simplest form, a financial planner just helps you achieve your financial goals.”2
But what’s often forgotten about are the emotional and intangible benefits that come with financial advice. As it turns out, financial advice is about much more than just money.
According to a report by Fidelity International, receiving financial advice can improve your social life, your health, your job, and your relationships.3
Plus, no matter what your financial goals are – from investing in property to having enough money to live comfortably in retirement – a financial adviser can help you understand your goals and build a solid plan to reach them.
So back to the tricky part: how to pick the right adviser?
You may have seen the ABC article last year about ‘How to find the right financial adviser for you’ which had some great tips about how you can do just that.
Here are 5 of the most valuable tips from the article, the essential things you should know before you pick your financial planner in Newcastle. Follow these tips and take comfort in knowing that your future is being cared for by the very best person for the job.
5 top tips for choosing a financial planner in Newcastle:
1. First, decide what you want to get out of the advice.
This may depend on what stage you are at in life, your current financial situation, and your goals. You don’t necessarily have to know what your financial goals are – a financial advisor can help with this too.
You may like specific advice on one aspect of your financial life (like investing or superannuation) or you may need more holistic and detailed financial services. No matter what your needs, have this in mind to make sure you are choosing someone who has the experience needed to help you and improve your financial future.
2. Check that they’re registered with ASIC and have a current license to practice.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates Australian financial service companies to make sure they are operating fairly and honestly.
By selecting an adviser that is registered with ASIC, you can feel comfortable knowing your money is being regulated and protected.
You can check the certifications and qualifications of an advice business or professional on the Financial Adviser Register.
3. Consider whether they will provide the best and most personalised advice for you?
It is important to consider any potential conflicts of interest when selecting an adviser to make sure they are going to act in your best interests.
Newcastle Financial Planning Group believes that your financial advice should be wholly about you and your interests. We provide independent, unbiased financial advice in Newcastle to help you achieve your unique goals.
4. Find out what they specialise in?
Different financial planners have expertise in different areas. These areas of specialty may include superannuation, wealth creation, wealth protection, and retirement planning. If you have a specific area you are wanting advice in, make sure you select an advisor that has experience working in this sector.
You can usually check specialties on financial planning websites. As well as reading staff profiles to gain an understanding of their experience and whether or not they are the right fit for your needs. This will ensure your decision is well researched and well-considered.
5. Meet in person (or over Zoom)
Meeting an adviser in person is a great way to ask the kind of questions that will ensure you gain a better understanding of the process and will help you to make an informed decision.
Financial advice is about so much more than simply money, it’s about building a strong relationship with someone you can trust to secure your future.
This first meeting is a great opportunity to find out if the adviser you are considering is going to be a good fit for the long-term!
When selecting the right adviser, it may be necessary to meet with a few different advisers before you find the perfect one for you. Everyone will have different ideas, methods, and personalities. Take the time to invest in a financial advice relationship for the future, someone you can trust and rely on.
Schedule your first meeting now. It’s an opportunity for you to find out how we can help you achieve greater financial prosperity.
Our experienced advisers can help you discover your financial options and achieve your goals. Find out more about our team.
If you are looking to find the perfect adviser, NFPG has extensive experience in wealth management and financial support. Schedule a meeting with one of our friendly advisers. We have offices located in Newcastle – The Junction (NFPG), the Central Coast – Erina, (CCFPG) and Sydney CBD (SWA)
REFERENCES:
1: https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/financial-system/report/financial-system.pdf
3: https://www.fidelity.com.au/insights/investment-articles/the-value-of-advice/
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the author; they are not reflective or indicative of RI Advice Group’s position and are not to be attributed to RI Advice Group. They cannot be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the author. This information (including taxation) is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances or needs. Do not act until you seek professional advice. Newcastle Financial Planning Group, Central Coast Financial Planning Group, Sydney Wealth Advisers, Coastal Advice Port Macquarie and Coastal Advice Ballina Byron are subsidiaries of Coastal Advice Group Pty Ltd which is a Corporate Authorised Representative of RI Advice Group Pty Ltd, ABN 23 001 774 125 AFSL 238429.
Related Posts
