We live in an age of information overload with the world at our fingertips. But not all information is accurate and not everyone’s “expert” opinions are dependable. This is also true regarding financial planning and investment research. Google is not always your friend, especially when it comes to our hard-earned income, so we want to ensure we rely on advice that we can trust.
We want to encourage our clients and readers to only make use of a reputable financial planners / advisors when thinking of their investments and financial portfolio. There are so many “fly-by-night” “here-today-and-gone-tomorrow” experts who would be all too happy to take your money and invest it for you, however, one should always be cautious of the service provider selected. One very important consideration is that if something were to go wrong with your investment or financial product, do you have the recourse to lodge a complaint with the relevant Ombudsman (click here to see our blog ‘Who is the Ombudsman and how does he help me’).
Trustworthy and reliable financial advisors will always be an Authorized Financial Services (FSP) Provider with a practice number issued by the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA). (click here to see our blog ‘What is meant by an Authorised Financial Services Provider’).
A little time spent researching reputable and authorised advisors can save you a lifetime of regret and financial loss.
More traditional investments are advisable, if what the Financial Advisor is offering you sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
We have found this website very helpful indeed in our research: www.findanadvisor.co.za
