Member Advice on Independent Financial Advisers

I am not a financial adviser, & have never been, but, I have worked on the administration side within the Financial Services Sector for 25 years. Working with 3 substantial product providers, and 3 Independent Financial Advisers (IFA’s). I have therefore ‘seen and experienced both sides’. Even though there are now strict regulations imposed on the Financial Services, it is my opinion that not all IFA’s religiously do what is best for the client. However, there are reputable and very trustworthy IFA’s. How do you find one that won’t have their own interests ... more

The start of a new year is traditionally the time for spring-cleaning - including sorting out your finances. I'm sure there are a lot of people who see the word "financial" and just switch off, assuming it will either be boring or irrelevant as they are rich enough for such matters. But, if you are careful with financial management, you can end up with more money working harder for you, which will leave you better off. That has surely got to be worth a little effort now, hasn't it? After all, we need to know how to look after all these many pounds that ciao are throwing our way. ;-) The ... more

This is an opinion to show you how to manage your own finances and save a bit of money into the process. My own personal way of saving is this – Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. I know that sometimes the amount that you have available to save doesn't seem very much, but it really does mount up over time. Saving money and spending it for that matter are a matter of personal choice the same as most things in life. I happen to think that the way I manage my money is pretty good, but you may think it’s a load of rubbish! I have already done a few ... more

This is a review on how to get your business plan approved... After the invasion of Internet, in the last 7 years or so, lots of investment companies have turned themselves in to Angel’s who put heavy money on a good idea. The other factor is that most of the heavy funding have don’t lot of flacks in the current technology market. Its very important, that these VC’s have become now more rigid in their policies. Some of the VC’s no doubt have done some bad investments but again it is not their fault, it is the people who have taken money and used it for personal purposes ... more

i can quite honestly say that a lot of people, even those with some degree of understanding in finance, are puzzled by financial 'jargon',the variety of products and services that are on offer. Most of us need information that is clear and to the point, this is not often the case. Most IFA'S(INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS) are in the position to offer you variety of products and services from different institutions, this should be a good thing , as you would expect to get best deal. The IFA is there to give provide you the best deal available based on your financial circumstances and ... more