Meeting your adviser 

What you need to know about meeting your financial adviser

Meeting a financial adviser is an opportunity to get advice tailored to your personal goals and circumstances. Before your meeting, it’s important to prepare by deciding what you want advice on and gathering relevant documents, such as pension details, investment records and proof of identity.

During the meeting, you should answer questions honestly, take notes and ask for clarification on anything you do not understand. You should take time to consider any recommendations and never sign documents unless you fully understand the terms. Asking the right questions about risks, charges, tax, protections and long‑term impact can help you make informed decisions about investments, pensions, insurance or mortgages.

How should you prepare for your meeting with a financial adviser?

• Gather any documents your adviser might need, such as pension details, your current investment portfolio and similar records.
• Bring proof of your identity and address. If you're unsure what to bring, contact your adviser in advance.
• If you are unsure what to bring, call your adviser before the meeting.

What should you do during the meeting?

Answer your adviser’s questions fully and honestly to help them understand your situation. Take notes during the meeting so you can refer back to them later. Ask questions about anything you do not understand. Take time to consider any recommendations and do not sign anything unless you have read and understood it fully.

What questions should you ask your financial adviser?

Below we cover getting advice on investments, pensions, insurance or mortgages.

Investments

• How will this investment meet my future needs?
• What are the main risks with this investment? Is my capital or any growth secure?
• Is this investment regulated and am I covered under the investment compensation fund or the Deposit Guarantee Scheme?
• What charges are involved? How do they compare with similar products?
• Are the charges ongoing or once-off?
• What ongoing services will be provided and what will the cost be?
• Do I make regular or once-off payments?
• What happens if I miss a payment on a product?
• What is the minimum recommended term of the investment?
• Will I pay a penalty if I cash in early?
• Do I have to pay tax? How much and when?
• Will the investment affect my tax or social welfare benefits?
• How will I find out how my investment is performing?

 More on investments.

Pensions

• What pension plans are available for my circumstances? For example: Personal Retirement Savings Account, Personal Pension Plan or employer pension scheme.
• What is the difference between a defined benefit and a defined contribution pension?
• Can I pay additional voluntary contributions?
• What charges are involved and how do they compare with similar products on the market?
• Are the charges ongoing or are they a once-off?
• What ongoing services will be provided and what will the cost be?
• How much tax will I have to pay? What tax will I have to pay on my pension income?
• How often will I get information about my pension?
• What are my options when I retire? Is an annuity or an approved retirement fund an option? What are the pros and cons of each of these? Let your adviser know if you have a health condition which may reduce your life expectancy in retirement.
• Will I also be entitled to the state pension?
• Will the pension provide for my dependants when I die?
• What other assets can I use in retirement, such as property or savings?

More on planning for your pension.

Insurance

• What exactly am I covered for and for how long?
• If it’s an annual policy, how and when will I be contacted about renewal?
• Is this cover necessary for me? Are there alternative policies that might suit me better?
• How will my premium be calculated?
• Are there any excesses or exclusions?
• Could the premium increase for any reason?
• Is the policy subject to reviews? If so, how often, and could my premium be increased at reviews?
• What happens if the insurance company goes out of business?
• When and why could my claim be refused?
• What support is offered during a claim?

More on insurance.

Mortgages

• How much can I borrow?
• What deposit do I need? What documents will I need to show how I saved the deposit, for example, statements from savings account?
• What is the best type of mortgage for my needs?
• What are the monthly repayments over different terms, such as 20, 30, 35 years?
• How long will my mortgage approval last?
• What is the annual percentage rate charge (APRC)?
• If I get a discounted rate, what rate applies at the end of the discounted period and what effect will that have on my repayments and the total cost of the loan?
• What cash back offers or incentives are available? When will I receive the money?
• What effect will an increase in interest rates have on my repayments?
• Are there flexible terms available?
• What are the penalties if I change from a fixed to a variable rate?
• What type of insurance do I need with the mortgage?
• Am I eligible for the Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme?
• Will I have to pay  stamp duty? 
• Do you charge a fee if I do not go with your mortgage offer?