A clearer starting point
Retirement decisions often connect: how you take income, where your pension is invested, what tax may be due, and what happens to money left in your pension. Independent advice is designed to consider the full range of relevant retail investment products and providers, rather than being limited to a particular provider, product range or area of advice. For a broader overview, read what a pension adviser can help with.
That does not mean every option will be right for you. A regulated adviser should explain their recommendation, costs and risks in a way you can understand. Your Pension Choices does not give advice or recommend a product. We help you request an introduction to an adviser; any advice is provided by the adviser you decide to engage.
Our Expert Adviser Network
All of the advisers we work with are FCA-authorised and regulated.
The important distinction
The labels tell you about the scope of an adviser's service. They are an important question to ask, but they are only one part of choosing who to work with.
An independent financial adviser must consider a comprehensive and fair analysis of the relevant market and provide unbiased, unrestricted advice. In practice, ask what this means for your particular pension question and whether the adviser can advise on the options you want to explore. You can also learn how a whole-of-market pension review works.
A restricted adviser may focus on certain products, providers or types of advice. Restricted does not automatically mean unsuitable or poor quality. The adviser should make the nature of any restriction clear, so you can decide whether their service fits the help you need.
Whichever route you consider, ask about the adviser's permissions, experience with your type of pension, the range of options they will assess, their fees, and what you will receive in writing. MoneyHelper has useful independent guidance on choosing a financial adviser.
A simple introduction service, with no advice from Your Pension Choices
Share the pension topic you want to discuss and where you live.
We use your details to help identify a relevant adviser connection.
Confirm the adviser firm and its permissions on the FCA Register before proceeding.
Ask questions, understand the scope and costs, then choose whether to engage them.
An introduction is not a recommendation, and you are under no obligation to take advice or proceed with any service.
Your first meeting
A good adviser should welcome clear questions. Keep the answers with your paperwork so you can compare services calmly.
Guidance and regulated financial advice are different. Guidance can help you understand your choices, while regulated advice is personal to your circumstances and may include a recommendation. Read our guide to finding a pension adviser, then use MoneyHelper's guidance on finding a retirement adviser and choosing a financial adviser before you speak to anyone.
Frequently asked questions
