Financial advice is something that we can all benefit from. Even if we’re living comfortably and have little in the way of money worries, it can still be worth having someone that we can talk to who can advise us on savings, investments, or how to be more frugal in the way we live.
We can find financial advice in many places; the difficult thing is knowing which is best. Here are some examples of where you can find financial advice, and an overview of each ones’ merits.
Financial Websites
These are great because they’re instantly accessible and give great advice. While there are some sites that are subscription only, most of them are open to everyone. Another benefit is that you can find financial advice in whatever sector you want.
Whether you’re concerned about your pension, want to know the best way to manage your credit cards to avoid paying hefty fees, or want to consider investments, information is available on every level.
If there’s a downside, it is that it can be difficult to establish which websites are genuinely trying to offer you an unbiased service, and which are the ones trying to coerce you into signing up for a particular financial product. Such sites often feature the opinion of the writer, too, meaning articles can be unbalanced or opinions clouded by personal experiences.
Your Bank
If you’ve been to your local banking branch recently, you probably noticed that everyone in there was rushed off his or her feet. However, if you’re able to make an appointment, an hour or so sitting down with someone in the bank is a great way to take control of your finances and come up with a solid plan for the future.
The downside here is obvious; the bank is going to try to sell you all of their products. Understandable enough, but you don’t necessarily want a whitewash if you’re planning for yours and your families’ future.
An Accountant
Depending on the complexity of your financial affairs, an appointment with an accountant to review things like your tax liabilities as well as monetary opportunities going forward. Friendly Accountants services include completing tax returns, while someone can also come and visit you in person if you need help and advice.
A Life Coach
This might seem like an unusual place to go for financial advice, but it is amazing how often you find the answers whenever you look away from the most obvious solutions.
A life coach isn’t going to tell you how to pay less tax or play the investment markets like a hotshot genius, but they will be able to help you clear your mind and think clearly. An hour with an experienced, motivational coach will show you that you had the answers within you all the time.
Friends & Family
We all know someone who doesn’t earn what we’d consider a fortune, but still manages to live a good life and is never worried about money. Talk to them. Simply asking, “How come you always have money for anything?” will probably see you walk away with some tips and ideas to take into your own life.
Whether you get it in the obvious places or not, sound financial advice can change your life. Even if your finances are in good shape, having some extra ideas won’t do you any harm at all.
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John is a financial consultant who regularly works with individuals looking to brighten their financial outlook for the long term. In his spare time, John loves playing cricket and reading classic novels and poetry.
