How do you find a good independent financial adviser?

[yoyo]

I have tried asking around but most people have used their bank/building society which we don't want to do.

Also, how much is the likely cost of advice?

We have just arranged a mortgage through Jon Charcol. Advice was free, paid £250 when mortgage aranged. They are on the net. Moneysavingexpert.com have forums and give good advice

Best way I am afriad is word of mouth. If you have a solicitor, ask him/her. They should normally have contacts in this field. (I know DH does).

You do not generally pay an IFA upfront. They take their fees from the commission recieved from the product you buy. DH does say however that you can chose to pay upfront - I'm not sure how that works though.

Thanks. It is not really a product that we are looking for just an overhaul of pensions, life assurance, etc. although I suppose that may lead to a product. We have access to an advisor through DH's job but he is just not direct enough - he merely comes up with the choices with very little guidance which you can do just by looking in the financial sections of newspapers.
We are entering "middle-aged worrydom" and feel the need to get our finances in order. Also need to sort out a will..

I use BestInvest www.bestinvest.co.uk/

They will do fees or commission depending on what you require

I would recommend asking a local solicitor for some recommendations for IFAs.