What to look out for when choosing a financial advisor

There are different types of financial advisors, offering a range of products and fee structures — make sure you pick one that is suitably qualified and meets your needs, writes Gráinne McGuinness.

'Make sure your financial planner is someone you feel comfortable sharing your goals and ambitions with — someone you feel happy to work alongside,' says Society of Financial Planners of Ireland chairman Brendan Reilly.

When it comes to making decisions about money, one of the most frequently occurring pieces of advice is to speak to a financial advisor. While there is a wealth of information and advice available on every major financial decision people are likely to face in their lives, every situation is different — so what works for one person may not suit another.

But people often don’t know where to start. I spoke to Society of Financial Planners of Ireland chairman Brendan Reilly about why his organisation recommend financial advice, and what people should consider.