Independent financial advice

Independent financial advice

In all circumstances where you need to financially contribute to your care and support needs, we recommend that you seek independent financial advice as it is important to make sure your money goes as far as possible and allows you to plan and make choices for the future.

It is also essential to ensure that you are receiving the correct welfare benefit entitlements to help you pay for your care and support.  

Please see the independent financial advice fact sheet for further information.   

Finding a independent financial adviser

Our local directory lists a number of advisers and organisations that can offer independent financial advice.

The following organisations can also help you:

  • Money Advice Service was set up by Government and offers free and impartial money advice:. Telephone 0300 500 5000 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm; Saturday 9am to 1pm).
  • FirstStop Advice is an independent, impartial and free service provided by the nation charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC). Telephone 0800 377 7070.
  • Citizens Advice provides information about getting financial advice and where to find an advisor.
  • Age UK provide information about claiming benefits and advice on debts, a pension calculator, money-saving tips and information on making a will and power of attorney

There are lots of independent financial advisers out there, and it may seem difficult to work out who is right for you. As well as making sure that you use someone who is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, you might want to consider:

  • Someone accredited with the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA). SOLLA-registered financial advisers go through a training and accreditation process, and are specialists in planning ahead for later life – even if you're still young. Find a SOLLA adviser online.
  • Independent financial advice covers lots of different areas, and an adviser who specialises in care fees may understand more about the situation that you're in, and will be able to offer more tailored advice. Most financial advisers will state if they have any specialist areas of knowledge, and you can check this with SOLLA as well.