Five essential questions to ask before choosing a financial planner

At Carbon, we often welcome a wave of new clients early in the year as people find the right moment to reflect on their life and finances.

If you’re thinking about speaking to a financial planner, here are five questions worth asking.

1). Do you work with people like me - and can you help?

Whether you’re a business owner planning a sale, a new professional partner mapping out the future, recently widowed, or navigating separation or divorce, you need someone who understands your world.

An initial meeting should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. A good planner will spend most of it listening - really listening - so they can understand your situation before suggesting anything. If they leap straight into telling you what they can do, take that as a red flag. This is the start of a relationship, take the time to see if it feels right.

2). What is your advice process?

You’re looking for a clear, well-thought-through way of working, not something improvised. A strong advice process should be tried, tested, and easy to explain. Your planner should be able to walk you through how it works and how it benefits you.

3). What is your investment approach?

Sometimes called an “investment philosophy,” you want to know that there is a disciplined, consistent way your money will be invested. You want confidence that decisions are grounded in experience and evidence, not guesswork.

4). What are the charges and fees?

While exact figures may come later, you should receive a clear outline of costs early on, and everything must be confirmed in writing and be clear to you before you commit.

There are typically three costs:

• Advice fees.
• Product costs, such as the pension or ISA structure, which hold the investments.
• Fund or investment costs.

5). Can I work with this person?

This one is for you. Financial planning is personal and long-term. Meetings should feel comfortable and constructive, more like a coffee conversation than a dental appointment. Are they clear? Do you feel heard? Can you imagine building trust over time?

A good financial planner can make a meaningful difference in your life. Finding the right one takes a little time. Speak to a few planners, ask for recommendations, and above all, ask questions.

If you’re considering working with a financial planner, we’re here to make that first step easy. Get in touch for a relaxed, no‑obligation conversation about your goals and how we can help. Email Enquiries@carbonfinancial.co.uk or call 0131 220 0000.

The value of investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest. This communication is for general information only and is not intended to be individual advice. It represents our understanding of law and HM Revenue & Customs practice. You are recommended to seek competent professional advice before taking any action. Tax and Estate Planning Services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future.