Beginner’s Guide to Personal Finance: How to Find the Best Independent Financial Adviser for Your Future

Are you a young professional looking to start investing, saving for retirement, or improving your financial security? These four practical steps will help you lay strong foundations for your financial journey.

Starting to invest can feel daunting, particularly early in your career when you are still building financial stability. However, with a structured approach and guidance from a financial adviser, you can confidently move toward a secure and prosperous future.

1. Define Your Goals and Assess Your Financial Situation

Before you begin investing, take time to clarify your objectives. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve with my money? What are my short- and long-term priorities?

Think about your long-term aspirations, such as the lifestyle you want in retirement or the legacy you’d like to leave. These reflections will help you set clear financial goals.

An independent adviser can help you balance current needs with future aspirations, ensuring your goals align with practical steps around savings, pension planning, and protection.

👉 Ready to take the first step? Book a meeting with an adviser today.

2. Build an Emergency Fund Before Investing

Before committing to investments, ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least six months of essential expenses. This safety net provides financial protection during unexpected events, giving you the confidence to invest without fear of sudden setbacks.

It’s also sensible to put legal and insurance arrangements in place. Wills, powers of attorney, and suitable life and disability cover should be considered as part of a comprehensive financial plan. A certified adviser will help you identify the best solutions and services to protect both your income and your family’s future.

3. Create a Realistic Monthly and Annual Budget

Budgeting is a cornerstone of effective financial management. Start by identifying your income sources and dividing expenses into three categories:

Fixed expenses – recurring monthly commitments.

Necessary variable expenses – essential but fluctuating costs.

Discretionary expenses – non-essential spending.

A clear budget ensures you remain in control of your finances, helping you allocate resources effectively across everyday needs, savings, and pension contributions. A financial advisor offering tailored service can show you how to balance these areas to achieve your long-term goals.

👉 Looking for the best way to manage your finances? Book a meeting with an adviser now.

4. Investment Planning and Strategies

Once you have an emergency fund and a budget in place, it’s time to consider investment planning. Start with an annual financial review and set up contributions to retirement funds, adjusting them to keep pace with inflation.

With a long-term investment horizon, you can diversify into higher-risk assets that may offer greater returns. However, remember that while higher risk can lead to higher rewards, it can also mean greater potential losses. An independent adviser can help you find the top strategies that suit your personal circumstances, ensuring you strike the right balance between growth and protection.

It’s also vital to manage the emotional side of investing. Fear and greed often lead to poor decision-making, which is why having the guidance of a trusted financial advisor can help keep you on track.

Other Investment Tips

Start early – time allows compound interest to work in your favour.

Diversify your portfolio – spread investments across different asset classes.

Avoid market timing – focus on long-term strategy instead of short-term guesses.

Keep learning – financial knowledge builds confidence and resilience.

Ultimately, managing personal finances and investments is about creating a stable and secure future. The best outcomes come when you combine discipline, clear goals, and professional guidance.

👉 Ready to secure your financial future? Book a meeting with an adviser today.

Founded in 2017, Fintuity has fast become one of the only digital Independent Financial Advisers (IFA) in the United Kingdom.  Fintuity offers a wide range of financial advisory services including pensions, protection, investments and mortgage advice. The key difference is that as an exclusively digital service, we can offer significant savings and a service that is direct to you and on demand.