How do I find a good Financial Adviser?

[shinyhappypeople]

Hi, just wondering if there is a good way to find a reliable Financial Adviser, are there any websites I can access that have reviews or anything like that?

Thanks

Have a look at this book. Heard some good things about it. I also flicked through this in the library the other day and it seemed very good. Its good to know for yourself whats going on, even if you do decide to use a financial advisor as well.

If you do decide to use one, make sure they are independant (and can advise on the whole market) and with the FSA. You can find a list of advisors on www.unbiased.co.uk/ I dont know about review sites though.

Depending on what its for, you may wish to contact CAB - they have financial advisors there, but I dont think they deal with investments.

Its for my mum, she has savings in her normal bank account but she has just seen staff from the Halifax in the past to advise her, therefore everything is with the Halifax, she is thinking about new options for her money, such as purchasing a house to rent out to my bro, or stocks and shares?

Thanks for all advise so far

personal recommendation is the best way.

The Halifax are not generally near the top of best buy tables and bank accounts usually pay pathetic levels of interest. If she has a substantial sum there she should move it into several accounts with different BSs or banks for safety. A good financial adviser would ask questions like her age and attitude to risk, tax situation and so on. They need quite a bit of information to give good advice.

If they don't point out the downside of other forms of investment (time delay in selling house, capital gains tax implications, what she would do if your brother didn't pay rent); risks in stock market etc then they wouldn't be a good advisor.