Be prepared and get the most from your meeting
This way they can help you come up with a financial strategy that's tailored to your needs. They may recommend new solutions to you, helping you to see exactly how these could benefit you and fit in with your life plans.
What to expect
- The adviser will take details of your financial situation including your income, expenditure, existing investments and any health cover or insurance you have, as well as any debts. They'll also ask about your work, family situation and your plans and objectives for the future.
- The adviser will discuss your attitude to investment risk. Financial products run from high risk choices with high potential returns through to less risky investments with lower potential returns. Your adviser will talk you through these options.
- Using this information, the adviser can start helping you to put a financial plan into place. They will make recommendations and give you further information about the products you're interested in. They can also provide quotes and illustrations to show you what you might get back from these investments.
What to do first
- Think about your current situation - how efficient are your savings and investments? What would you do if you were unable to work for any reason?
- Think about your goals for the future - what do you want out of life? Are your current investments likely to help you achieve this?
- Get your papers together - make sure you have details of your finances with you. This should include any of the following (if applicable):
- your mortgage or rent details;
- pension arrangements;
- investment plans and stocks & shares;
- credit arrangements or loans; and
- your earnings.
If you're prepared it will help you to get the most out of your meeting.