By Andy Wearing, Director - 3rd February 2026
The start of a New Year has a funny way of doing that thing where it taps you on the shoulder.
New year. Clean slate. Quiet questions you’ve been putting off.
For some people, that question is about money.
Not in a dramatic way. More like: “Am I actually doing the right things?” Or: “Should I be getting some proper help with this?”
If you’re thinking about speaking to a financial adviser for the first time, you’re not alone. And you’re certainly not behind.
In fact, you probably understand more about good financial decision-making than you give yourself credit for.
If you’ve ever:
Spread your bets instead of putting everything on one option
Chosen stability over a higher-risk opportunity
Insured something you hoped you’d never need to claim on
…you’ve already been applying the core principles of investing.
That first meeting with an adviser isn’t a test. It’s the start of a conversation.
And potentially, the start of a relationship that lasts decades.
So here are some smart, grounding questions worth asking — and why they matter.
1. “How do you think about investing?”
This one matters more than almost anything else.
Markets don’t move in straight lines. They wobble. They surprise us. They scare people at exactly the wrong moments.
A good adviser won’t claim to predict the future or promise to “beat the market”. That’s not how investing works.
What you do want to hear is something like:
“We can’t control markets, but we can control how we prepare for them.”
An investment philosophy is a steady hand in turbulent times. It’s what stops short-term noise from derailing long-term plans.
No philosophy usually means reacting. And reacting is expensive.
2. “How do you get paid — and what does that include?”
This isn’t awkward. It’s essential.
You want absolute clarity on:
How your adviser is paid
What services are included
What costs sit beneath the surface
When fees depend on selling products or encouraging frequent changes, interests drift out of alignment.
Transparent advice feels… well, transparent.
The right adviser will happily walk you through:
Their fee structure
Fund costs
Platform or custody charges
When fees change
What ongoing planning and support you actually get
If they can’t explain it clearly, that’s useful information.
3. “Who do you typically work with?”
Not every adviser is right for every person — and that’s a good thing.
Some specialise in:
Business owners
Senior professionals
Families approaching retirement
People dealing with sudden wealth or big life changes
Ask them to describe people like you.
They should be able to talk through real-world situations they’ve helped navigate — without breaching confidentiality — and explain how they typically add value over time.
Experience compounds, just like money.
4. “What do you help with beyond investments?”
Good advice is rarely just about funds and portfolios.
It’s about:
Tax efficiency
Retirement income planning
Estate and inheritance planning
Cashflow and decision-making clarity
Coordinating with accountants and solicitors
Helping families make confident choices during stressful moments
Investments are the engine. Planning is the map.
You want both.
5. “How is my money actually protected?”
This one’s practical — and important.
Your adviser shouldn’t hold your money.
Assets should sit with an independent, regulated custodian. The adviser advises. The custodian safeguards. You stay in control.
Clear separation equals peace of mind.
What a Good First Meeting Feels Like
A strong first meeting often feels surprisingly calm.
There’s more listening than talking. More curiosity than certainty.
You may be asked things like:
What does “enough” look like for you?
What worries you most about money?
What are you hoping life looks like in 10, 20, 30 years?
Because money is never just about numbers.
It’s about family. Freedom. Security. Choice.
And chemistry matters.
This is someone you’ll likely speak to during market turmoil, personal transitions, and moments when headlines are shouting panic.
You want a voice that steadies you. Someone who explains, not exaggerates. Someone you trust enough to follow when it really counts.
A Final Thought
Walking into that first meeting prepared doesn’t make you demanding.
It makes you engaged.
The best advisers welcome thoughtful questions. They know that understanding builds confidence — and confident clients make better long-term decisions.
If you leave that first conversation feeling:
Heard
Understood
Clearer about where you’re heading
…that’s a very good sign.
Because the right adviser isn’t there to impress you with forecasts.
They’re there to become your thinking partner — helping you make sound decisions, stay disciplined, and build a financial life that supports what matters most to you.
And the fact you’re even considering that conversation?
That’s not hesitation. That’s readiness.