Knowing the right questions to ask a financial adviser is one of the most valuable things you can do before you hand anyone your money. A first meeting can feel intimidating, and it’s tempting to just nod along. But you don’t need to be an expert to take control of the conversation – you just need three good questions. Ask them, and you’ll quickly understand what an adviser can offer, what they’ll charge, and how they’ll look after you over time. Here’s how to make your first meeting count.

Do I Need a Financial Adviser in the First Place?

Before booking any meeting, it’s worth asking yourself whether you need advice at all. For everyday budgeting, saving and paying down debt, free education will often get you a long way – and at MoneyMade we always say education comes first. But when your situation gets more complex – a lump sum, a pension decision, an inheritance, or planning for retirement – professional advice can genuinely add value. If you’ve decided a conversation is worth having, the three questions below will help you choose well. And remember, many UK advisers offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation, so you can ask them without committing to anything.

Question 1: What Can You Recommend? (Independent vs Restricted)

Not every adviser can recommend from the same range of products. An independent financial adviser can look across the whole of the market, while a restricted adviser works from a limited range – sometimes a single provider, sometimes one product type. Neither is automatically better; a restricted adviser may be a genuine specialist in exactly the area you need. What matters is that you know which you’re dealing with. Ask what products and providers they can recommend, what influences those choices, and how often they review their list. A clear, confident answer tells you a lot about how transparent they’ll be.

Question 2: How Do You Get Paid? (Financial Adviser Fees in the UK)

This is the question people most often skip – and the one that matters most for value. Ask your adviser to spell out exactly how they get paid and every cost you might face. UK advisers use different structures: a percentage of the money they manage, a flat project fee, or an hourly rate, plus any ongoing service charge. It’s also worth asking whether there are separate product or platform charges on top of the advice fee, as these are easy to miss. None of these is automatically wrong, but they add up very differently over time, so you want the full picture in writing before you commit. A small percentage difference can be worth thousands of pounds over the years, which is exactly why it pays to ask. A good adviser will welcome the question and answer it plainly. If the answer feels vague or evasive, treat that as a red flag.

Question 3: Is This Ongoing Advice or a One-Off?

Advisers offer different servicing models, and it’s important to know which you’re signing up for. Some provide ongoing advice, reviewing your plan every year and adjusting as your life changes – usually for an ongoing fee. Others offer transactional, one-off advice for a specific decision, with no continuing relationship. Neither is better in the abstract; it depends on whether you want a long-term partner or help with a single question. Clarifying this up front means you won’t be surprised by ongoing charges you didn’t expect, or left without support you assumed you’d have.

How to Choose a Financial Adviser You Can Trust

Put the three questions together and you’ll have a clear view of any adviser: what they can recommend, what they charge, and how they’ll support you. Two quick checks round it off. First, confirm the adviser is authorised on the free FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk – every regulated UK adviser should be listed. Second, look at their qualifications: all advisers meet a minimum standard, but designations such as Chartered or Certified Financial Planner signal a higher level of expertise, which is useful if your finances are complex. Do these and you move from feeling uncertain to feeling firmly in control.

Your Next Step

LEARN – Explore our free financial education and get the foundations in plain English, including the free Make It Model on our website.

CHECK – Take our free 5-minute Financial Foundations Check and get your downloadable report. 

ACT – If you would like personalised advice, ask MoneyMade to help you connect for a free initial chat with a regulated, qualified financial adviser, with absolutely no obligation.

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Footer disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. MoneyMade does not provide regulated financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial adviser.