How to find the right financial adviser and take control of your money
Published 30 September 2025
Feeling overwhelmed by finances? You are not alone
Ever feel like your finances are more confusing than they should be? You are not the only one.
Managing your money can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when balancing a career, personal life, and future goals. The good news? You do not have to navigate it alone. A financial adviser can help simplify your financial decisions, whether you’re saving for a dream home, planning for retirement, or looking to grow your wealth.
In this guide, we will break down what financial advisers do, why they matter, and how to find the right one for your needs. I have also included real-life stories of how I have helped women in Liverpool take control of their financial future.
Before we continue, I must clarify that I refer to myself as a financial adviser and a Chartered Financial Planner. This is because most people do not know what a financial planner is, but have heard of a financial adviser. But there are key differences. Read more about it in my earlier blog here.
What does a financial adviser actually do?
A financial adviser helps you create a personalised financial plan, offering expert advice on investing, saving, and wealth management. They can assist in:
✅ Investment planning: Helping you build a portfolio that matches your risk tolerance and goals.
✅ Retirement planning: Ensuring you have a secure financial future with pensions, ISAs, and savings strategies.
✅ Tax and estate planning: Minimising tax liabilities and protecting your assets for the future.
✅ Wealth management: Helping you manage and grow your assets effectively.
✅ Budgeting & financial goal setting: Creating a step-by-step plan to achieve your short- and long-term financial goals.
This can all sound a bit overwhelming, but trust me, it does not have to be. My main goal as a financial adviser is to make looking after your money simple, accessible, and stress-free. Here is an example of how I helped one of my lovely clients:
Lucy (name changed for her privacy), a 35-year-old entrepreneur, was struggling with managing her business finances and personal investments. She did not know where to start and was not sure if she was ‘the right kind of person’ to reach out to a financial adviser.
We started by creating her Money Map, using fancy software that visually showed her what her future looked like with her current savings and what it could look like with a financial plan in place. She loved this! Most of my clients do. It is important to start with your dreams and then work back from there, making them tangible and achievable. And not guesswork!
Checklist: Do you need a financial adviser?
Do you have financial goals but no clear plan to achieve them?
Do you struggle with budgeting or making investment decisions?
Are you worried about retirement and whether you wil have enough savings?
Do tax rules and investment options feel confusing?
Are you self-employed or running a business and unsure how to manage your finances efficiently?
If you answered yes to any of these, it might be time to have an initial chat with a financial adviser.
Think of a financial adviser as your financial coach. They can help you stay on track and avoid costly mistakes future you will pay for.
Why do you need a financial adviser?
Many people assume financial advisers are only for the wealthy, but that is just not the case. Whether you are just starting your career, growing your business, or preparing for retirement, a financial adviser can help you:
🔹 Avoid common financial mistakes: A wrong investment or poor tax planning can cost you thousands. A financial adviser helps you make informed decisions.
🔹 Plan for life’s big milestones: From buying a home to funding your children’s education or preparing for early retirement, financial advisers create a roadmap for your goals.
🔹 Grow your wealth faster: With expert advice, you can make smarter investments and maximise returns while managing risks.
🔹 Stay ahead of inflation and tax changes: The financial landscape constantly evolves. An adviser keeps you updated on tax laws, inflation trends, and investment opportunities.
For example, a client of mine wanted to retire early but was not sure if she had enough savings. We sat down and looked at the data. Because when it comes to finances, there is nothing more powerful than facts. Without this, it is just guesswork.
After reviewing her pensions and savings, I recommended some adjustments to what they were invested in, how much she was saving each month to plan for early retirement, and how she should spread her savings across pensions and non pension investments. With a new strategy in place, she now has a clear path to early retirement, confident that she will have enough money to support her lifestyle. Happy days!
How to find the right financial adviser
Not all financial advisers are created equal, so here is what to look for:
✔ Certifications & experience: Look for qualifications like Chartered Financial Planner with experience in advising clients that are like you.
✔ Specialisation: Some advisers specialise in divorce advice, inheritance advice, business owners, retirement planning, or tax strategies. Choose one that aligns with your needs.
✔ Fee structure: Understand how they charge to ensure it aligns with your budget.
✔ Client testimonials & reviews: Research their reviews and reputation.
✔ Compatibility: This one is the most important. Your financial adviser should align with your values, communication style, and long-term goals. You need to feel like they get YOU and what is important to YOU.
A good adviser will ask you a lot of questions about your future goals, so you need to feel comfortable opening up. My meetings have involved discussing egg freezing to menopause and I am grateful that my clients feel comfortable to talk to me about things that matter to them.
Questions to ask before hiring a financial adviser
To ensure you are making the right choice, ask potential advisers these key questions:
What are your qualifications and experience? Check for credentials.
What are your areas of expertise? Ensure they align with your financial goals.
How do you charge for your services? Transparency is crucial. Know whether they charge fees or work on commission.
What is your investment philosophy? Ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Can you provide references or client testimonials? A reputable adviser should have a proven track record.
Can you share an example of when you helped someone in a similar situation to mine? This is key!
What is your process? Understand how they will guide you through financial planning.
If you are feeling the nudge to take control of your finances, you are not alone. Many women discover this desire in their 30s and 40s, and I want to assure you, it is absolutely never too late. The best time to start was yesterday, but the second best time is right now. My goal is to demystify wealth-building and make it feel achievable, especially for women. Remember, it is about consistent progress, not fleeting trends.
Let's discuss your financial goals. Book a no-obligation clarity call today, and I'll help you create a personalised roadmap to your financial future. Here’s the link to book:
Your Wealth Wingwoman, Shalini
The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.
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