Thinking about speaking to a financial adviser? You're not alone. We answer some of the most common questions, including when financial advice is worthwhile, what it costs, and how it could benefit you.
Most people know when they should speak to a doctor, solicitor or accountant. But when it comes to managing money, many people aren't sure whether they need professional financial advice.
The truth is, financial advice isn't just for the wealthy or those approaching retirement. Whether you're buying your first home, investing for the future, planning your retirement or simply looking for reassurance that you're making the right financial decisions, expert advice can help you move forward with confidence.
Here are five of the most common questions we hear at TJD Financial Services.
Financial advice is a personalised recommendation based on your individual circumstances, goals and attitude to risk.
Rather than offering generic information, a financial adviser takes the time to understand your current financial position before recommending solutions that are suitable for you.
For example, you may have:
A financial adviser will assess your options and explain the advantages, risks and potential outcomes, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.
It's important to remember that investments can rise and fall in value, and you may receive back less than you originally invested.
Not everyone needs financial advice all of the time. Many financial decisions can be made independently with a little research.
However, there are occasions where professional advice can be invaluable, particularly when making significant financial decisions that could affect your future.
You may benefit from speaking to an adviser if you're:
If you're ever unsure whether you're making the right decision, seeking advice can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Because financial advice is tailored specifically to you, it usually comes with a fee.
An adviser spends time understanding your circumstances, researching suitable products and preparing personalised recommendations. This professional expertise ensures that the advice you receive is appropriate for your individual needs.
While there are many excellent sources of free financial guidance available online, guidance is different from advice. Guidance provides general information, whereas regulated financial advice gives you recommendations based on your own circumstances.
As with many things, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of anyone claiming to offer "free financial advice", particularly through social media or unsolicited messages.
Many people wait until a major life event before speaking to a financial adviser. In reality, planning ahead often provides the greatest benefit.
You may wish to seek advice when:
Taking advice early can often open up opportunities and help you avoid costly mistakes later on.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
Different advisers have different charging structures. Some charge a fixed fee, others charge hourly rates, while some charge a percentage based on the value of investments or assets under advice.
The important thing is understanding exactly what you're paying for before any work begins. A good financial adviser will explain their fees clearly and transparently, so you know what to expect from the outset.
How TJD Financial Services Can Help
At TJD Financial Services, we believe financial advice should be clear, straightforward and centred around your goals.
Whether you're looking for mortgage advice, investment planning or pension advice, we'll take the time to understand what's important to you before recommending solutions that suit your circumstances.
There's no obligation to proceed after an initial conversation, and we'll always explain how we work and any associated costs before providing advice.
If you'd like to find out how professional financial advice could help you achieve your financial goals, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
An ISA is a medium to long term investment, which aims to increase the value of the money you invest for growth or income or both.
The value of your investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the amount you invested.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
TJD Financial Services Ltd is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 17th July 2026.
TJD Financial Services Ltd is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Membership Number: 1014457
Registered number 13690787