Navigating the complexities of personal finance can often feel like sailing in uncharted waters, and this includes finding a financial adviser. From managing daily budgets to planning for long-term goals like retirement, the journey is fraught with decisions that can have a lasting impact on your financial well-being. In Australia, the financial landscape is further shaped by a dynamic regulatory environment and a fluctuating number of professionals available to offer guidance. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to finding a good financial adviser, demystifying their role, and empowering you to make an informed choice that aligns with your personal financial journey.
The Shifting Tides of Financial Advice in Australia
The Australian financial advice industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Following the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, the sector has seen a dramatic shift in regulations and a notable decline in the number of registered advisers.
This makes it more crucial than ever for Australians to be discerning when seeking financial guidance. The remaining advisers are becoming more strategically important, and understanding how to identify a good one is paramount.
What Does a Financial Adviser Actually Do?
A financial adviser is a qualified professional who helps individuals and organisations manage their financial affairs. Their primary role is to help you understand your current financial situation, define your future goals, and create a strategic plan to achieve them. In Australia, anyone providing personal financial advice must hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence or be an authorised representative of a licensee, a regulation enforced by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) [2].
Their services can be broadly categorised into several key areas:
- Financial Planning: This is the cornerstone of what they do. It involves a comprehensive assessment of your income, assets, debts, and goals to create a detailed financial plan. This plan acts as a roadmap, guiding your financial decisions over time.
- Investment Management: Advisers can help you build and manage an investment portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial objectives. This includes providing advice on a wide range of financial products such as shares, bonds, managed funds, and property.
- Retirement Planning: A significant portion of financial advice is dedicated to helping clients prepare for a comfortable retirement. This includes strategies for superannuation, managing retirement income streams, and navigating the complexities of the age pension system.
- Insurance and Risk Management: Advisers can assess your need for personal insurance, such as life insurance, total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance, and income protection, to ensure you and your family are protected from unforeseen events.
- Estate Planning: While they are not lawyers, financial advisers can work with you and your solicitor to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away.
- Tax-Effective Strategies: Advisers can help you structure your finances and investments in a way that minimises your tax obligations, ensuring you are not paying more tax than necessary.
The Value of Good Advice: More Than Just Numbers
The benefits of seeking financial advice extend far beyond simply improving your investment returns. A 2024 study by the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) found that advised Australians experience a significantly higher quality of life, greater financial confidence, and less financial stress [3].
According to the FAAA report, “Nearly 2 in 3 clients of financial advisers are highly satisfied with their wealth versus 1 in 3 unadvised consumers. They enjoy a higher quality of life, more financial confidence and experience less financial stress.” [3]
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
| Benefit | Advised Australians | Unadvised Australians |
|---|---|---|
| High satisfaction with wealth | Nearly 2 in 3 | 1 in 3 |
| Feel financially secure | 9 in 10 | N/A |
| Finances are tangibly better off | 9 in 10 | N/A |
| Living with a strong sense of purpose | More than 4 in 5 | N/A |
| Confident in solving most challenges | More than 4 in 5 | N/A |
The report also highlighted that financial advice is particularly effective in addressing the most common unmet financial needs of Australians, which include building a realistic plan for a comfortable retirement, getting the most out of their current financial situation, and reducing financial stress and worries [3].
The Hallmarks of a Great Financial Adviser
Finding a good financial adviser is about more than just checking their qualifications. It’s about finding someone you can trust to guide you through some of life’s most important decisions. Here are ten key attributes to look for, as identified by investment management firm Dimensional Fund Advisors [4]:
- Purposeful: They have a clear mission to serve their clients and are committed to doing the right thing.
- Empathetic: They take the time to understand your perspective and what truly matters to you.
- Authentic: They are transparent and willing to be vulnerable, which helps to build trust and foster open communication.
- Intellectually Curious: They are lifelong learners who are constantly seeking to improve their knowledge and skills.
- Personally Inquisitive: They ask probing questions to understand your views on money and life before creating a plan.
- A Good Listener: They listen more than they talk, allowing you to express your thoughts and concerns fully.
- Passionate: They have a strong conviction to do right by their clients, which drives them to constantly improve.
- Entrepreneurial: They run their practice like a business, applying the same high standards of financial responsibility that they encourage in their clients.
- Honest: They set realistic expectations and are not afraid to tell you the essential truths about money and investing.
- Disciplined: They help you navigate market volatility and avoid making impulsive decisions driven by fear or greed.
Your Pre-Meeting Checklist: Questions to Ask a Potential Adviser
The initial meeting with a financial adviser is a crucial opportunity for you to assess their suitability. Most advisers offer a complimentary initial consultation, so it’s wise to meet with a few before making a decision. Here is a comprehensive list of questions to ask, compiled from guidance from ASIC’s Moneysmart service [5]:
- Qualifications and Experience:
- What are your qualifications and what do they mean?
- How long have you been a financial adviser?
- What are your areas of specialty?
- Who is your typical client?
- Services and Process:
- What services do you offer?
- How will you manage my money?
- How often will we meet?
- What information will I receive from you and how often?
- How will you consult me on decisions?
- Fees and Charges:
- How do you charge for your services? (e.g., fee-for-service, asset-based fee, commission)
- Can you provide a written quote of all fees?
- Are there any ongoing fees?
- What commissions or incentives do you receive from financial products?
- Licensing and Independence:
- Who is your AFS licensee?
- Are you owned by a larger financial institution?
- Do you have any links to product providers?
- How do you choose the products you recommend?
- Client Relationship:
- Who will look after my account when you are away?
- How do you handle complaints?
- How can I end our agreement if I’m not happy?
Red Flags and or Warning Signs to Watch for.
While the majority of financial advisers are honest and professional, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of a bad one. Here are some red flags to watch out for, as highlighted by SuperGuide [6]:
- Cold calling and high-pressure sales tactics: Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails, especially those that create a sense of urgency.
- Lack of a licence: Always check the ASIC Financial Advisers Register to ensure your adviser is licensed.
- Requests for direct payment: Investment money should be paid to the product provider, not directly into the adviser’s personal or business account.
- Poor communication: If an adviser struggles to explain their strategies clearly or avoids answering your questions, it’s a major red flag.
- Guarantees of high returns: All investments carry some level of risk, and any adviser who guarantees high returns is likely being dishonest.
Your Financial Future in Your Hands
Choosing a financial adviser is a significant decision that can shape your financial future. By understanding what they do, the value they can provide, and how to identify a good one, you are well-equipped to make a choice that is right for you. Remember, a good financial adviser is more than just a numbers person; they are a trusted partner who can provide you with the knowledge, confidence, and peace of mind to navigate your financial journey successfully.
If you like what you have read here, please contact us at Approved Financial Planners and give us the opportunity to show you that we have the right adviser for you. We make three promises to you: good advice, good people and good value. Call (08) 6462 0888.
References
[1] Rainmaker Information. (2024, October 16). Australia faces a shrinking pool of financial advisers, with no quick recovery in sight. https://www.rainmaker.com.au/media-release/australia-faces-shrinking-pool-of-financial-advisers
[2] Australian Securities and Investments Commission. (n.d.). Requirements to hold an AFS licence. https://www.asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/financial-services/financial-advice/running-a-financial-advice-business/requirements-to-hold-an-afs-licence/
[3] Financial Advice Association Australia. (2024). Value of Advice 2024 Report. http://faaa.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FAAA-Value-of-Advice-2024-Report.pdf
[4] Dimensional Fund Advisors. (2022, October 28). 10 Attributes of Great Financial Advisors. https://www.dimensional.com/au-en/insights/10-attributes-of-great-financial-advisors
[5] Moneysmart.gov.au. (n.d.). Choosing a financial adviser. https://moneysmart.gov.au/financial-advice/choosing-a-financial-adviser
[6] SuperGuide. (2025, July 25). 8 warning signs of a dodgy financial adviser. https://www.superguide.com.au/retirement-planning/asic-banned-fined-financial-advisers
