Financial planning for what's ahead
A financial adviser can look at your whole situation, from your savings and investments to your plans for the future, and give you advice that suits you. Not sure where to start? Answer a few quick questions and we'll connect you with one.
- Investing, retirement and big goals
- Connected with a financial adviser
- Our service is free, no obligation
Financial planning at a glance
What an adviser does
A financial adviser looks at your goals and finances and gives you personal advice, set out in a Statement of Advice. They must act in your best interests.
What it costs
You usually pay for financial advice, as a one-off or an ongoing fee. The adviser must tell you their fees, in writing, before you go ahead.
Things to know
All investments carry risk, and past returns don't guarantee future ones. A good adviser explains the risks as well as the upside.
What an adviser can help with
People commonly see a financial adviser about:
- Starting to invest, or reviewing investments they already have
- Planning for retirement and how long their money might last
- Saving for a big goal, such as a home deposit or school fees
- A plan for their money overall, from debts and savings to insurance
- A big change, such as a new job, a separation or an inheritance
The adviser looks at your situation before recommending anything.
Documents you'll see
Financial Services Guide
Tells you who the adviser is, the licence they work under, how they're paid and how to complain.
Statement of Advice
Sets out the adviser's personal advice to you, the reasons for it and what it will cost.
Ongoing fee agreement
If you pay an ongoing fee, the adviser needs your written agreement, which has to be renewed each year.
Product Disclosure Statements
Explain any financial product the adviser recommends, such as an investment.
Is it worth seeing an adviser?
General points only. The adviser looks at your situation before suggesting anything.
An adviser can help you
- Set clear goals and a plan to reach them
- Understand the risks of different investments
- Plan for retirement, including how the Age Pension may fit in
- Bring your money decisions together in one plan
Worth keeping in mind
- Advice costs money, so ask about fees first
- Check the adviser on ASIC's Financial Advisers Register
- All investments carry risk
- Free help with Age Pension questions is also available from Services Australia's Financial Information Service
General information only. It isn't credit, financial product or tax advice.
Three simple steps
Answer a few quick questions
Your home, income and super as rough ranges. It takes about 2 minutes.
We pass it on
With your consent, we send your request to a financial adviser in our network, who contacts you within 3 business days.
You decide
Talk it through, ask questions and decide whether to go ahead. There's no obligation.
Financial planning FAQs
How much does financial advice cost?
It depends on the adviser and how much help you need. Advisers set out their fees in their Financial Services Guide and Statement of Advice, so ask before you go ahead.
How do I check a financial adviser?
Every financial adviser who gives personal advice to everyday clients must be on ASIC's Financial Advisers Register, which you can search on Moneysmart.
Do advisers have to act in my best interests?
Yes. When an adviser gives you personal advice, they must act in your best interests and put your interests ahead of their own.
Do I need a lot of money to see an adviser?
No. People see advisers at many stages of life. Ask about their fees and whether their service suits your situation.
Is there free help for retirement questions?
Yes. Services Australia's Financial Information Service gives free, general information about the Age Pension and planning for retirement.
Other ways we can help
Get the right help in your corner
Not sure where to start? Answer a few quick questions. It takes about 2 minutes, and our service is free.
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