Tips on finding a suitable adviser

The first step in finding the right adviser is to broadly identify your lifestyle and financial goals. Once you've done this you will know what sort of financial advice you are looking for and whether you may need specialist advice.

Check to ensure the adviser is qualified and authorised. Only employees or representatives of organisations that hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) are able to offer financial advice.  You can check whether an adviser is licensed by logging onto the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) website. Click here to visit ASIC’s site to use this service.

Some advisers offer the initial consultation free of charge. This provides a great opportunity for you to get to know the adviser and see if they are the right fit for you in terms of their personality and expertise. A free consultation is a good chance to ask the adviser questions about their:

• service
• organisation
• customers
• experience
• training and qualifications.
  
  Like buying any other service it is worthwhile shopping around to see what options are available before establishing a relationship with an adviser.
  

This has been provided for general information purposes only. It does not purport to recommend any particular adviser or provide you with financial advice. In addition to seeking financial advice, potential investors must always read the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant product before making an investment decision.