Do I need a financial advisor, and where do I find one if so?

[DitaVonCheese]

I'm feeling in the need of a financial spring clean/make-over, as DD is now six months and we haven't really got things in order yet plus in the next couple of weeks I become unemployed rather than just on maternity leave and so lose a load of benefits I would have had before (life insurance etc). Plus I have two company pensions from my last two jobs, so that probably needs some attention.

Trying to think what we need - life insurance for DH if not me, contents insurance, to make our wills - anything else? Should we get a financial advisor to have a look at things or is this something we can do for ourselves? And if speaking to a pro would be preferable, how do you find one?

TIA

We're actually reasonably debt-free - though reasonably income-free too (or will be next month when I become unemployed and DH's contract comes to an end - eek). That's a point actually - he doesn't have a pension at all. Should I be worried about that? I think I probably do need proper advice.

That was what I was thinking. Any suggestions on how I would find one?

I have just started training to be an FA so have been doing a little research on the matter...

I was looking at this site here but I think wom would be a very good way to find a good one.

I think they tend to have references - one I used a few years ago asked me to be a reference.

What is wom ?

Sorry, Word of Mouth

Doh - thought about it for ages and couldn't work it out

I was using a friend of my brother's but my brother reckons he's a bit rubbish! Friend of mine is something a bit financial-advisor-y so might ask her, though she's a bit far north.

I can recommend mine if you live in Lincolnshire, he's an absolute star and never minds me ringing up with odd questions.

Dita. Them blutty senior moments.

Totally agree with LeninGrad, if you are going to see a professional about sorting your finances do it properly and do your homework and stay away from friends of friends/family.

From what I have deduced about becoming an IFA it's about trust and excellent customer service as much as product knowledge - as mrspnut says, being able to call up with a query is invaluable. You need one like that.

Cheers - I'm in Cheshire so Lincolnshire poss a bit far. Thanks ladies, though disappointed to learn I actually need to think - DD has destroyed my mind don'tcha know