Finding an objective financial advisor

You need to look for an independent financial advisor but they do charge by the hour. They should tell you at the initial meeting how much their fee will be. Perhaps speak to a few different people and ask friends for recommendations.

Just found the following info which should help

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/getting-financial-advice/

I think the way independent financial has changed in recent years. They now have to be up front about any fees when they suggest investments and it is made clear what they get, if anything, from the fund manager.

I use one as I needed help with some complicated pension choices when I was looking into retirement. I was given the choice of paying up front for his advice, rather like you would pay a solicitor, or letting him take his fees from the amount I was investing. I was told exactly what the fees were, a percentage of the amount I was investing, so I decided to pay up front. Each time I get a statement from the fund manager, it states if there is an ongoing fee to my advisor - always zero in my case as that was my choice.

The advantage of using an advisor was that he has access to more funds through his company than I would have as an individual and he also knew about all the tax implications.

I still use this advisor as the funds I have invested through him entitle me to two free update visits a year! I don't tend to make any changes as I'm using the investments to boost my pension but I will in the future when I've spent everything as then I will be downsizing to get another lump sum to spend!

So, ask the advisers what their fees are, if they are not genuinely independent, they have to tell you.

At least that is my understanding!

I also checked out the company first by researching them with Companies House, checking they were members of the various associations they claimed to be, phoning their office to check that it was a real phone number and I even drove there to suss it out! I was so scared of giving a scammer my money!

I would certainly look for help from one of the major charities. They tend to have lists of advisors. Are you still in a Trade Union or similar? Mine offers financial advice.
I would also look around on the internet at sites such as MSE that have sensible articles on these issues. That will give you an idea of what to look for.
Then, whatever advice you get, do not act immediately - say you will think about it, then sleep on it and run it past a trusted friend or relative.
Good luck

I should add, that I don't mean to ask the friend / relative for advice as such, but to get the 'common sense' view.

Most financial advisors will give a free initial consultation. Just be sure to ask them about fees up front. I saw 3 different advisors - with two of them my investment would have to achieve a 10% return just to cover fees!

I was wondering whether it might be better to increase the care he receives at home? With those fees in mind?

It is the trail that feeds money to the advisor, not the hourly rate. Trail is a percentage year on year. I became our own financial advisor, took a bit of courage but can be learnt

Luckygirl you need a specialist finacial advisor. There is a professional association called Society of Later Life Financial Advisors societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk/ . They should be able to help you find a reliable specialist advisor who will be an expert in dealing with the problems you have.

Thank you for that link.

What has happened is that my son-IL, who runs a business and is used to financial stuff, contacted his financial advisor, who recommended someone who is expert in this stuff. She is visiting on Tuesday morning with no charge at that stage. I intend to run my plans past her, see what she says, but not by any products via her.

No FA is completely unbiased IMV.
I use my bank as they aren't allowed to promote or recommend any products.
Inform you - yes, after asking what product you require but they have to be completely impartial when giving information.
They get no kick-backs.