Sponsored: what could a financial adviser do for your finances?

Arranging your finances can be daunting, but a good adviser can help you navigate the rules, explore investment options and understand potential planning pitfalls. Unbiased can help you decide if financial advice is right for you. ​​​​​​​

There are times in life when most of us could use some help with our money.

Perhaps you’ve just received an inheritance and aren’t sure how to invest it, or you want to ensure you’re taking the right steps towards a comfortable retirement.

While speaking to a professional financial adviser can offer benefits, what’s less obvious is how much it will cost you.

For while some advice firms charge a flat fee, others will charge by the hour, or a percentage of the total funds the adviser is helping you with.

This can lead to confusion: our research from March 2026 has highlighted how more than one in five people (21%) who received advice weren't actually sure how they were being charged.

Why are financial advice fees so confusing?

To make matters more complicated, prices aren't always readily available.

The same research highlighted that 70% of financial advisers surveyed didn't publish their fees on their websites.

That can make it difficult to compare advisers or work out whether their services are affordable before making contact.

The good news is that advisers must explain their charges before you agree to proceed, allowing you to ask questions and understand exactly what you're paying for.

And remember, you're entitled to shop around rather than simply accepting the first quote you receive.

How much does financial advice cost?

Because of the different pricing models and the fact that no two people’s finances are the same, there's no single price for financial advice.

For example, you might pay a one-off fixed fee for advice on your retirement options or an hourly rate for help with a specific financial decision.

If you're looking for someone to help manage your investments over the longer term, you could instead pay an ongoing percentage-based fee.

As an illustration, if an adviser charged a 1% annual fee to manage a £100,000 investment portfolio, that would work out to £1,000 a year in charges.

If the fee is calculated as a percentage of the portfolio's value, the amount payable may increase or decrease as the value of the pot increases or decreases.

You should also check whether there are additional charges, such as investment platform fees, fund management charges or initial advice fees.

These can add up, particularly over several years, so it's worth asking for a breakdown of the total cost before committing.

Want to explore your options? Unbiased can help you find a financial adviser suited to your needs based on the information that you provide.

What can a financial adviser do for me?

A qualified financial adviser can look at your wider financial circumstances and help you make decisions based on your goals, attitude to risk and plans.

That could include helping you understand your investment options, planning how to fund your retirement or considering how best to protect your family's finances.

Rather than simply recommending a financial product, a good adviser should explain why a particular approach may be suitable for you and help you understand the potential risks.

They may also identify opportunities or potential problems you hadn't considered.

And if you opt for ongoing advice, they can also review and amend your financial plan as your circumstances change.

Ultimately, you're paying for professional expertise, tailored recommendations and potentially the reassurance that comes from having a clearer financial plan.

Is financial advice right for you?

If your finances are relatively straightforward, comprehensive ongoing advice may not be necessary.

But if you're approaching retirement, managing a lump sum investment or facing some other complex financial decision, it can be worth your while paying to have a professional look over things.

In April 2026, we surveyed more than 1,000 UK consumers who paid for advice and almost seven out of 10 (69%) considered the cost a reasonable or necessary expense.

The benefits aren't necessarily limited to investment performance either.

In the same research, 65% of respondents reported greater peace of mind about their financial future, while 51% said they had a better understanding of their finances and investments.

Another 46% reported having a clearer path towards achieving their financial goals.

Perhaps most strikingly, 85% said they felt more confident about their financial future after speaking with an adviser.

While confidence doesn't guarantee better financial outcomes, it demonstrates why many consumers see professional advice as offering something beyond pounds and pence.

Some things you may want to look for when choosing a financial adviser?

Finding the right adviser isn't just about finding the lowest price.

After all, you're trusting someone to help you make important decisions about your financial future, so expertise and a good working relationship matter.

Look for someone who can explain their fees clearly, demonstrate relevant experience and help you understand exactly what services you'll receive.

You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that the adviser understands what you're trying to achieve.

It's also worth checking whether an adviser is independent or restricted, what areas they specialise in and whether they're authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

How can Unbiased help you find an adviser?

Finding a financial adviser who understands your needs doesn't have to be complicated.

Unbiased offers an adviser-matching service that can help connect you with financial professionals based on the information you provide, whether you’re looking for help with investments, retirement planning or other financial matters.

While Unbiased doesn't provide financial advice itself, it can introduce you to an adviser who can discuss your circumstances and help you explore your options.

Advisers may offer independent or restricted advice, so it's worth understanding the services they provide and any associated charges before proceeding.

Ready to explore what professional financial advice could do for you? Find a financial adviser through Unbiased and take the first step towards a clearer financial future.

Regulatory information

Unbiased Group Services Limited is an Appointed Representative of Richdale Brokers & Financial Services Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our appointment is limited to effecting introductions for regulated mortgages, insurance and investments (excluding pensions). Any regulated financial advice is provided by the adviser or firm to whom you are introduced.

Financial advisers may offer independent or restricted advice. Mortgage brokers may operate on a whole-of-market or limited-panel basis.

We may receive a fee, commission or other commercial benefit in connection with introductions and resulting business.

This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Unbiased. The information provided is for general information purposes only and does not constitute personal financial advice.