Three top tips for finding the right Financial Planner for you

You wouldn’t take on a home renovation project without the right professionals to help safely and stylishly transform your home. You might even hire a contractor with all the right connections to oversee and execute the project.

When it comes to your finances, there are so many elements to manage at once – particularly if you have specific goals you want to achieve. Having a Financial Planner by your side could take your wealth from “DIY” to “dream home”, giving you access to an experienced, regulated professional who can manage every aspect of your finances securely and professionally.

Finding the right person for you, however, can be a challenge. With “financial influencers” offering unregulated advice online and scams on the rise, your trust in financial professionals could understandably have been eroded in recent years.

Based on our 2025 client survey, we’ve identified the most important elements our clients value in their relationship with us. Here are the top three.

1. Find someone who explains your options without jargon

At the heart of any successful professional relationship is trust. Financial planning isn’t just about technical expertise, but rather a feeling of security and confidence and knowing that somebody is acting in your best interests.

The right Financial Planner for you should be able to clearly explain their recommendations in terms you can fully understand. It’s our regulatory duty to be able to illustrate the benefits and drawbacks of any recommendation to any client, no matter their age, circumstances, or level of financial knowledge.

Moreover, your Planner should be reliable and trustworthy, keeping in touch throughout the year – especially during times of market volatility. By gaining jargon-free insights on all the financial matters that are important to your plan, you may maintain better control over your finances with the help of your trusted guide.

2. Search for a long-term professional partner who can help you achieve your goals

Before identifying how much money you want to earn, save, or invest, a good Financial Planner will talk to you about your life goals. These form the basis of every decision you will make together – rather than starting with the numbers, you can begin with what you want to achieve.

For our clients, some of the most important areas of discussion (based on the 2025 survey) were:

• Long-term financial goals. Our clients want to see a clear roadmap for the future.
• Progressing towards their objectives. Regular check-ins and progress reports are vital for staying on track.
• Adapting to changes. Life can shift at the drop of a hat, so your Financial Planner should be agile enough to help you adapt.

This personalised approach is what makes the relationship so valuable, regardless of your goals and aspirations. Whether it is building a sizeable nest egg or finding ways to live the lifestyle you desire in retirement, your Financial Planner aims to be your partner in success.

3. Look for a Financial Planner who provides consistent reassurance

Worrying about money is a common concern. Market turbulence, rising tax burdens, and the ongoing high cost of living could all keep you from enjoying the money you have worked so hard to earn and maintain.

One of the most significant benefits a Financial Planner can offer is peace of mind.

Our recent survey revealed that peace of mind was particularly important for our clients who had not yet retired and were concerned about not having enough money to live their preferred lifestyle in retirement.

So, when looking for a Planner, be sure to consider:

• Their communication style. Do they communicate proactively, especially during times of market volatility or periods of personal worry? Moreover, do they communicate in the way you need them to, whether that’s an in-person visit or a quick email?
• Their availability. Do you feel confident asking questions and reaching out when you need to? This is important for long-term reassurance.

Remember, the right Financial Planner for you will match your communication style and be available to ease your concerns, so you can live your life with as little financial worry as possible.

Finding a Planner who understands your needs can make all the difference

Whether you’re looking for support with retirement planning, managing your investments, or ensuring your family’s long-term financial prosperity, the right Financial Planner will put your goals first.

This is something our clients feel confident in our ability to do. According to our survey:

• 98% of clients believe that working with us has helped or will help them achieve their financial goals.
• 100% of clients feel their Financial Planner explained their recommendations clearly and in terms that they could fully understand.
• 100% of clients feel their Financial Planner was clear in their explanations and that they could ask questions with confidence.
• 97% would recommend us to their friends, family or colleagues.

To learn more about what we do, email us at enquiries@pen-life.co.uk, or call 01904 661140 to book in a no-obligation meeting or call.

You can also learn what our clients have to say by visiting the Client Testimonials page on our website or reading our VouchedFor reviews.

If you’re an existing client here at PenLife, thank you for your ongoing trust in our team. To refer us to a friend, family member, or colleague and receive up to £100 as a thank you, visit our Refer a Friend page.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning or tax planning.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.