How to get help with your personal finance questions in the UK
Navigating the world of finance can often be complicated or daunting, especially when trying to manage personal finances effectively without breaking the bank. Some financial advisers charge a fee for an initial meeting.
Fortunately, there are multiple places available in the UK that offer valuable financial advice at no cost. Whether you're looking to optimise your savings, looking for the best mortgage deal, or planning for retirement, financial advice can help set you on the right path and help you make more informed decisions. From government-backed services to charities and independent organisations, financial advice covers everything from debt management to investments.
This article explores the best places in the UK to get financial advice online and in your local area, ensuring that no matter your situation, you can access reliable support from a professional without worrying about extra costs. By knowing where to turn, you can take control of your financial well-being, avoid costly mistakes, and make the most of your money.
Continue reading to discover the best places for financial advice in the UK and learn the pros and cons of each. We also explore common questions about financial advisers, including the types of advisers and how to choose the right one.
FinancialAdvisers.co.uk is an online platform that connects individuals with a database of 60,000 FCA-approved financial advisers and 15,000 firms across the UK. Whether you need advice on pensions, investments, mortgages, or general financial planning, the site helps users find professionals who can meet their specific needs.
The platform simplifies the process of finding a financial adviser by allowing users to search for advisers based on location, ensuring they receive tailored financial advice. One key feature of the website is its user-friendly interface, which helps users quickly locate financial advisers in their area. By entering a postcode, users can discover a list of nearby financial professionals, along with their addresses, areas of expertise, and FCA registration numbers.
Pros
● Free to search a huge database of firms and professions, and free to 'get matched' with a financial adviser
● Easy-to-use search tool to find financial advisers nearby
● Nearly all advisers will offer a free initial consultation
Cons
● You have to make contact with advisers unless you use the 'get matched' service
● You may need to seek review data from elsewhere (TrustPilot, for example)
● Limited data about each adviser
Website: https://financialadvisers.co.uk/
2. MoneySavingExpert
MoneySavingExpert.com is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking financial advice online in the UK. Launched in 2003 by financial journalist Martin Lewis, the site has grown to become one of the most popular and trusted financial advice platforms nationwide. Its primary aim is to help individuals save money in all aspects of their daily lives, from reducing electricity bills to finding the best credit card deals.
The website is structured to facilitate easy navigation and offers specific sections on savings, banking, insurance, and more. One of its standout features is the forum, where users can share advice, tips, and strategies. This fosters a community-driven approach to handling personal finance matters. Additionally, MoneySavingExpert regularly updates its content to reflect the latest changes in financial regulations and market conditions, ensuring that the advice remains current and relevant.
Pros
● Free to use
● Comprehensive and up-to-date financial guidance
● Access to a community forum for support
Cons
● Guidance is not personalised and might not suit specific individual needs
● Some deals may not apply to all users
● Information overload can be overwhelming for new users
Website: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
3. Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is a renowned network of independent charities across the UK that offers free, confidential information and advice to assist people with legal, financial, consumer, and other problems. Established in 1939, it has become a cornerstone of community support, addressing issues from housing and employment to debt and finance.
The organisation’s strength lies in its accessibility with services available online, over the phone, or through face-to-face meetings at local branches. The website serves as a comprehensive resource, providing advice on a wide range of subjects such as coping financially during life changes, starting a pension and dealing with debt.
Pros
● Free advice is accessible online, by phone, or in person
● Covers a broad range of financial issues
● Expert staff and well-trained volunteers
Cons
● Long waiting times due to high demand
● Advice is general and might not suit specific individual needs
● Experience can depend on local branch resources and staff
Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
4. MoneyHelper
MoneyHelper is another valuable resource for anyone seeking free financial advice in the UK. Officially backed by the government, this website provides comprehensive assistance on a wide range of financial matters, from everyday budgeting tips to in-depth guidance on investments, pensions, and mortgages.
Established as part of the Money and Pensions Service, MoneyHelper aims to provide impartial advice to help people make informed decisions about managing their finances. One of its standout features is the extensive range of tools and calculators it offers. These resources can help users with tasks such as setting a budget, calculating mortgage payments, or understanding the impact of borrowing on their finances.
Additionally, MoneyHelper offers support through various means. Users can access guidance online, over the phone, or face-to-face, ensuring that help is available in whatever format best suits their needs. The website also features articles and guides covering different life stages and financial challenges, making it an inclusive tool for demystifying financial concepts and promoting financial literacy.
Pros
● Government-backed service
● Free, comprehensive tools
● Access guidance online, over the phone, or in person
Cons
● Advice is general and might not suit specific individual needs
● Users may have to sift through a lot of information to find relevant advice
● Information overload can be overwhelming for new users
Website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
5. Unbiased
Unbiased.co.uk is a UK-based online platform designed to connect individuals and businesses with financial and accounting professionals. The website offers a comprehensive directory of 27,000 qualified advisers across various fields, including financial advisers, mortgage brokers, insurance brokers and accountants. This service aims to simplify the process of finding qualified and trustworthy professionals who can provide tailored advice suited to your needs.
The platform operates by allowing users to search for professionals based on what they need advice on, total assets and location. Once a user finds a potential match, they can view the adviser’s profile, which includes a description of services offered and contact details. Unbiased.co.uk also provides a wealth of useful tools and articles, helping users to make informed decisions about their financial matters.
Pros
● User-friendly directory
● Access to a wide range of professionals
● Free initial consultation
Cons
● No direct tailored financial advice
● Listed professionals charge a fee
● Limited coverage in geographical areas outside major cities
Website: https://www.unbiased.co.uk/
6. VouchedFor
VouchedFor is the UK's leading review platform for financial advisers, mortgage advisers, solicitors, and accountants. According to Vouchedfor, approximately 2 million people use it each year to find or check advisers. All listed advisers and firms on their site undergo a thorough verification process. Their system allows users to search and browse through adviser profiles based on their specific needs, whether it's financial planning, mortgage advice, or legal assistance. Each profile features their areas of expertise and address, as well as client reviews and ratings, aiding potential clients in making an informed decision.
VouchedFor also helps users find the best adviser nearby to conduct a free Financial Health Check by filling out a short form and arranging a face-to-face call or meeting.
Pros
● Easy-to-use search tool
● Access to verified reviews
● Free Financial Health Check
Cons
● Potential wait times to connect with a preferred adviser
● Not comprehensive, not all advisers in the UK are listed
● Some adviser profiles have more details than others
Website: https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/
7. Financiable.co.uk
Financiable.co.uk is another free online service that allows users to search for thousands of FCA-approved financial advisers across the UK. The site caters to a wide range of financial needs, from mortgages, pensions, and equity release to investments, tax and general financial planning. By entering your postcode and personal details, such as your name and email, Financiable.co.uk can match you with a preferred adviser to meet your specific financial needs.
Pros
● Free initial search
● Easy-to-use
● No hidden fees
Cons
● Limited information on their website
● Have to provide personal details to find advisers
● Limited access to tools or guides
Website: https://www.financiable.co.uk/
8. StepChange
Established in 1993, StepChange is a registered non-profit organisation that provides free, professional financial advice on debt problems. With a mission to help individuals take control of their debt and become debt-free, StepChange offers solutions including debt management plans (DMPs), debt relief orders (DROs), bankruptcy advice, and practical steps towards financial recovery. Their advice is available online or by phone. They also provide information about budgeting, money and life changes.
According to the charity, they have helped more than 7.5 million people across the UK. Their website hosts an array of online resources, such as tools, calculators, and guides, as well as insights on debt research and statistics.
Pros
● Free, impartial debt advice
● FCA-registered
● Access to online resources such as tools and calculators
Cons
● Specialises in debt solutions only
● Limited debt solutions in Scotland
● Don’t offer face-to-face advice
Website: https://www.stepchange.org/
9. National Debtline
National Debtline is a registered debt charity that offers free, expert advice to people dealing with debt issues across the UK. Run by the Money Advice Trust, it helps individuals navigate through their financial troubles. National Debtline provides debt advice through their helpline, webchats, and a free digital tool called Money My Steps®.
Their website includes extensive information on topics ranging from dealing with creditors to credit score problems. The site also offers online tools such as a sample letter library to make the process of drafting letters easier.
Pros
● Free, impartial advice on debt
● Well-trained debt advisers
● Get advice online, through web chats or by phone
Cons
● Specialises in debt solutions only
● Potential wait times
● Don’t offer face-to-face meetings
Website: https://nationaldebtline.org/
10. Turn2us
Turn2us is a national charity in the UK that helps people struggling with financial insecurity gain access to benefits and charitable grants. The organisation focuses on individuals struggling financially due to various situations, including the cost of living, unemployment, low income, debt, health issues, or unforeseen life events like bereavement.
Through its website, the charity provides free online tools such as the Benefits Calculator to help users identify what benefits they can claim and the PIP (Personal Independent Payment) Helper to guide users through their PIP application. The Grants Search tool also connects individuals with potential funding and support from a database of registered charitable organisations.
Pros
● Free online tools
● Access to benefits and grants that you may be eligible for
● Provides information about a wide range of benefits and grants
Cons
● Specialises in financial insecurity only
● Limited reviews
● Potential waiting times
Website: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/
Accessing financial advice online or in your local area is both achievable and beneficial, especially for those seeking to manage their finances more wisely without facing additional costs. From government-backed services like MoneyHelper to online platforms such as FinancialAdvisers.co.uk, there are plenty of places and sources that provide free, invaluable advice on budgeting, saving, investments, retirement planning and more. These places can vary if you are based in Scotland or Wales. For instance, Citizen Advice Scotland and Money Advice Scotland are better options for people living in Scotland.
If you can’t find any relevant advice, financial forums and blogs also offer a wealth of information and community support. Leveraging these resources can not only help individuals make informed financial decisions but also empower them to build a more secure and brighter financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the Difference Between Financial Guidance and Financial Advice?
Typically, financial guidance is general information to help you understand your options, but does not recommend specific products or actions. Financial advice is given by professionals and often includes personalised recommendations tailored to your financial situation.
2. What Are the Different Types of Financial Advisers?
In the UK, there are two main types of financial advisers: independent financial advisers (IFAs) and restricted advisers. IFAs have access to the entire financial market and provide unbiased advice across a wide range of financial products and providers, while restricted advisers such as pension advisers, mortgage advisers and investment advisers can only recommend specific financial products.
3. How Do I Choose the Right Financial Adviser?
Start by identifying your financial needs, whether it’s retirement planning, managing debt, or investing. Check an adviser’s qualifications, experience, and regulatory status through the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register or use an online service like FinancialAdvisers.co.uk, which has filtering options and maps for assistance. It’s also helpful to read reviews, ask about their approach, and ensure they are upfront about fees before agreeing to their services.
4. How Much Do Financial Advisers Charge?
Fees vary depending on the adviser and the service provided. Some charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of assets managed (typically 0.5%–1%). Most advisers offer a free initial consultation, but full services usually come at a cost.