Do I need a financial adviser?
Financial advice isn't just about choosing investments. It involves looking at all your financial options to achieve your short, medium and long term goals.
What services do financial advisers provide?
Most advisers tailor their services to your individual financial circumstances, but generally these include:
- Retirement planning
- Investment planning
- Tax-effective investing
- Superannuation
- Planning for business owners
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- Insurance
- Estate planning
- Centrelink benefits
- Cash management and budgeting
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People often go to financial advisers because they don't have the time, knowledge or self-motivation to do it all themselves. And keeping up with constant changes to tax and superannuation regulations, as well as interpreting market movements can be a bit of a minefield. It's something financial advisers do every day.
How much does a financial adviser cost?
This generally depends on how complex your plan needs to be and how much money you have to invest. These charges are usually made through upfront commissions or a fee for service. Whatever the charges, the financial adviser will explain them clearly when they take you through the Financial Services Guide (FSG).
How do you find one?
The Financial Planning Association has a section on their website, 'Find an Adviser', where you can search for an adviser in your postcode area. They also have a very useful booklet called Getting Advice - a personal guide to getting personal financial advice, which provides some useful information and a checklist of questions you can ask your potential adviser. You can download this and other booklets by visiting fpa.asn.au/consumers/publications or call them on 1800 337 301.
What to consider next
Speak to your financial adviser or choose an option here:
The information contained in this document is based on the understanding Colonial First State Investments Limited ABN 98 002 348 352 AFS Licence 232468 has of the relevant Australian laws as at 1 July 2009. This document is not advice and is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account your individual needs, objectives or personal circumstances. You should assess whether the information is appropriate for you and consider talking to a financial adviser before making an investment decision. Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) for products offered by Colonial First State are available from colonialfirststate.com.au or by contacting us on 13 13 36. You should read the relevant PDS and consider whether the product is right for you. Past performance and awards are no indication of future performance.