Financial services are invaluable in helping you plan for the inevitabilities and uncertainties of life. There are certain points in our life when we need sound advice to deal with issues that crop up for many, if not all of us, such as mortgages and estate planning. But there are also events that may take us by surprise, from the washing machine breaking to losing a loved one.

So, how can you be prepared for the unpreparable when it comes to your future finances? One of the best places to start is by sourcing an experienced and reliable financial advisor.

What to Look For in a Financial Advisor

If you’ve already come to the realization that a little financial advice could go a long way, you’ll want to know how to find the best financial advisors. It can seem like a daunting task if you’ve never worked with a financial advisor before; but ultimately, it’s no different from hiring anyone else who provides a service.

One of the most important things to look for is what past clients say about them. Quality work builds up a quality reputation. If you can find a company or individual who has a great track record, you’re halfway there. Make sure they have worked with similar clients before. For example, buying a gummy maker machine to start a new business requires different advice to someone looking to boost personal savings and pay off debt.

The second most important thing to find out when you’re looking for financial advice is the qualifications that they have. Keep an eye out for Chartered Financial Planning qualifications; it is a widely accepted gold standard qualification that will reassure you that you’re in good hands.

Once you’ve found a financial advisor that you want to work with, it’s time to find out how you can plan for your future. The majority of us are very good at getting paid and spending every penny of it. We rarely save for the future or foresee what can go wrong. For instance, how much do you know about your pension? It may seem like a long way off; but the more informed you are now, then the more control you’ll have when the time comes. So what can you get from financial services? What specific services may help you sleep more soundly at night?

Why Look For an IFA?

In layman’s terms, an IFA means an independent financial advisor. Seeking advice from an advisor who is independent is the ideal option for many people. It means your advisor isn’t tied to any given bank, investor or products, so they’re able to offer you more options. For example, if you were to use an independent financial advisor for a mortgage, it’s likely you’ll get better value for money. Your advisor will analyse your personal situation and then use that to search all the options for the best deal for you as an individual.

Getting financial advice can be advantageous in other scenarios too. Some of them include estate planning and inheritance tax, business protection and life insurance cover. It can seem like independent financial advisors only want to discuss the worst-case scenarios. But isn’t it best to be covered just in case? No one wants to think about losing a spouse or parent or leaving their family behind with nothing. That’s why it’s best to let a financial advisor help you set up a plan B, in effect. This way, if you ever are faced with tragedy, you and your family are taken care of. It’s also good to know that you can get everything sorted in one place.