The products are out there, but how do you find the right one for you?

Published on Friday 16 May 2008 21:18

IT'S never the wrong time to review your finances to ensure they're on track. After all, your financial well-being plays a part in nearly everything you do.

Whether you're looking for the best pension plan, mortgage, investment scheme or life assurance policy, the most suitable product for you is almost certainly out there.

However, with a pool of more than 30,000 financial products on the market, tracking down the right one can be time-consuming and costly.

Some financial products are simpler than others. Most people understand, for instance, how home insurance , works and can check the terms, levels of cover and conditions of the policy themselves.

However, when it comes to long-term savings products, such as investments, pensions and other areas like protection, it's not so easy.

Most of us have received only the merest hint of education about personal finances and, therefore, don't have the knowledge required to make these judgments alone. So in the same way as you would turn to a doctor if you have health problems you should seek a professional's help when it comes to your finances.

There are many places you can turn to for advice – friends and family, your bank, or a professional adviser – but only an independent financial adviser (IFA) is able to offer you unbiased advice on products across the whole market.

Finding the right IFA is simple and easy. IFA Promotion has a "Find an IFA" service for advisers in your area who are best matched to your individual financial needs. The search facility is free and easy to use and allows you to choose an IFA based on selected criteria, including the product area for which you need advice; the type of adviser you would prefer to see, for example male or female; the payment method that would suit you best; and even the type of specialist qualification you would like the adviser to have. The search is free and confidential. Visit www.unbiased.co.uk or call free on 0800 085 3250.

• David Elms is chief executive of IFA Promotion