Specialised companies usually offer different types of advisory services:

• Investment management
• Risk management
• Retirement planning
• Estate planning
• Financial planning

• A financial advisor provides financial advice or guidance to customers for compensation.
• A financial advisor can be a useful profile to contact in case you need advice about how to reach your financial goals, or simply need support to manage your finances. 
• An advisor can also inform about financial products, tax advantages, and insurance options.
• When looking for an advisor, it is important to make sure that he/she carries certified licences to conduct business with the public. Check for information about licences and certifications in your country!

• The role of a financial planner is slightly different from the one of the financial advisor.
• The financial planner is one particular type of financial advisor who specializes in helping companies and individuals create a program to meet long-term financial goals (Investopedia).

The main areas of expertise of a financial planner are: retirement, allocations, investments, estate planning and taxes. Also in this case, you should check that the planner has the right certifications.

There are 2 main kinds of financial advisors:

• independent financial advisors give unbiased advice about the whole range of financial products from all the different companies available;
• restricted advisors give advice on a limited range of products. They may specialise in one area, for example pensions, or they may only offer advice on products offered by a limited number of companies (Citizens Advice).

Tips to understand if the services that the advisor recommends you are suitable for you:

• First think about your resources and then choose the product that is affordable for you.
• Take account of whether you want to save for the long or short term; planning in advance helps you to have realistic objectives.
• You should think about the risks linked to the financial operation you are going to choose, if you will be able to overcome them.
• Take account of whether you pay tax.

• Is he/she a registered advisor qualified to provide financial advice?
• How much is the price for his/her service? Is there an hourly fee? Or does he/she take a percentage of your total assets? Does he/she receive additional commission on your investments? Or is he/she a fee-only advisor?

• What services does he/she include? Only investments management or also more advices on your finances? 
• How often will he/she be in touch and how?
• What is his/her typical client?
• What is his/her investment approach? Does he/she take risks to get a bigger gain? Or is he/she rather prudent?

• Make sure that the advisor you contacted carries the necessary certifications.
• Take notes so that you have a clear record of what was said at the meeting.
• Prepare your meeting by writing down your questions.
• Take time to think about any decisions or to compare products with another advisor before signing any document.
• Answer all the questions honestly.
• Check that your personal information is kept confidential.
• Ask people around you (friends and family) if they have an advisor to recommend.

Financial advising
A number of financial services provided by qualified professionals.

Types of advisor
There are different advisors with different specializations. You should choose one that matches your needs.

How to choose
Before choosing an advisor you should ask yourself a range of questions.

Financial advisor
A qualified professional providing guidance about financial products, tax advantages, and insurance options. 

Meet your advisor
It is important to carefully prepare the first meeting with the financial advisor.