Top 5 Questions to Ask a Financial Adviser Before You Trust Them with Your Money
Thinking about speaking to a financial adviser, but not sure where to start — or if you’re even “the type of woman” who needs one?
You’re not alone.
Many women in their 30s, 40s and 50s are juggling marriages, mortgages, kids, pensions, career changes or divorce — and wondering if they’re too late, too early, or not wealthy enough for financial advice.
Spoiler alert: you’re exactly the kind of person who can benefit from it, if it is affordable for you and you are committed to becoming financially empowered.
But before you choose someone to trust with your money, your goals and your future, here are five essential questions to ask any financial planner. These will help you feel more informed, more confident, and more in control.
1. Are you an independent or restricted financial adviser?
In the UK, financial advisers fall into two categories:
Independent advisers can recommend products from the whole market.
Restricted advisers are limited to a particular provider or a narrow range of options.
Why it matters: Independence means more choice — and more likelihood that what you’re being offered genuinely suits your needs, not the adviser’s sales targets.
Ask: “Are you independent, and if not, what products or providers do you use?”
At Women's Wealth we are independent which means we have access to the entire market to find the best products for you.
2. How much will your advice cost me — now and over time?
Adviser fees can vary widely. Some charge:
A flat one-off fee
A percentage of your investments
An hourly rate
Or a mix of the above
You deserve to understand exactly what you’ll pay — and what you’re paying for.
Tip: Ask for a breakdown over 12 months so you’re not surprised by ongoing fees.
Ask: “What are your total costs over the first year, and are there any ongoing charges?”
Women's Wealth charge £86 per month (£147 pm if you earn over £100k) for a minimum of two years to help make financial planning more accessible for women all over the UK. Need a product setting up?* We charge a one off fee of £661 and do not take any annual management fees (you may see this listed as AUM on some websites).
All figures correct at the time of writing (May 2025). *A product could be a pension, investment, insurance, ISA.
3. How much time do I get to work directly with you?
Some firms offer a one-off consultation, while others build long-term relationships. Some advisers will meet regularly; others offer a more digital or hands-off approach.
Why it matters: If you want someone in your corner over the long haul, make sure they offer that kind of service — not just a quick fix.
Ask: “How many meetings do you offer per year, and will I always be speaking to you directly?”
The onboarding process with Women's Wealth consists of 5 meetings with your Money Mentor (who will always be your main contact) over the first few months, plus annual reviews. The ability to ask questions to your Money Mentor and have access to our education platform, is available the entire time. If you join us as a higher wealth client (£100k+ salary) you also get bi-annual reviews and extended meetings with more specialist advice.
4. Do you take a holistic approach to financial advice?
The best advisers look at your entire life picture — not just your income or investments. That means understanding your values, your family situation, your mental load, your long-term dreams, and your short-term stressors.
Especially important for women: We’re more likely to be caregivers, to live longer, and to take career breaks — so our financial plans need to reflect that.
Ask: “Will you consider my lifestyle, family needs and future goals in your advice?”
At Women's Wealth, we want to build a long-lasting relationship with you and your financial goals, which is why we spend so much time with you at the beginning of the process so we can truly get to know you. It's not just about the figures for us, we want to know about your dreams, your challenges, if aging parents or young children need to be considered, your behaviours, your fears, your vision for life after work; we consider it all.
5. Have you worked with people in a similar life stage or situation to me?
Every client is unique — but it helps if your adviser has experience with women facing similar financial questions.
Whether you’re a queer woman wanting to start a family, trying to balance paying off the mortgage with retirement planning, or just figuring out how to invest without feeling overwhelmed — you want someone who gets it.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask this. The right adviser will welcome it.
Ask: “Have you advised people like me* before — and what kind of support did they need?”
* millenial woman, woman of colour, queer woman, woman not origianlly from the UK, divorced woman, retired woman, woman with inheritence; don't be afraid to ask for what you need.
One of the reasons Women Wealth exists is so women can be in a safe, respectful, non-judgmental space when discussing something so wildly important in their life. No mansplaining, no bro jargon, no question too silly; just expert advice with an aim to help your money work hard for you and for you to become empowered with your finances.
Final thoughts: It’s your money, your life — and your choice
You don’t need to be rich, retired or ‘sorted’ to deserve financial advice. You just need someone who listens, explains things clearly, and helps you make empowered decisions.
The right financial adviser won’t talk down to you or make you feel inadequate. They’ll help you build confidence and clarity — whether you’re starting from scratch or levelling up.
Book a complimentary 15 minute call with me.
Photo by Tracey Parish on Unsplash
