If you're going to get professional advice, check it's from an IFA. This is best if you're starting out with financial advice, as it's often difficult to identify why restricted advisers are restricted. Some will be restricted by products they advise on (not always bad), and some by provider (often bad, as other providers may have better deals). When choosing your independent financial adviser, I tick all the right boxes: Independent Financial Adviser - Directly authorised by the FCA Independent Mortgage Broker - Reviewing the whole market for you Top 100 IFA - Independently reviewed as one of the top 100 IFAs in the UK Clear on Fees - No hidden charges Fully Qualified for investments, pensions, mortgages and equity release  Local Business No call centres and I'm based in Milton Keynes