IT'S all very well saying you should see an Independent Financial

Adviser, but how do you go about finding one that is right for you?

After all, talking about money and private financial affairs can feel

almost as personal as talking about your health.

A gruff deskside manner could be as off-putting as a poor bedside one,

lessening one of the advantages of using an IFA; the ability to discuss

all aspects of your personal finances.

Personal recommendation by a friend or colleague whose opinion you

trust is the best start. As a substitute or as a supplement to this you

can use the IFA Promotion hotline service on 0483 461 461.

More than 200,000 people have already called the number. Callers

receive an information pack with brief profiles of three IFAs in their

area. Also in the pack are a ''Money Detector'' booklet on how to locate

money you are wasting and three consumer guides, including questions to

ask a financial adviser.

The first question, of course, is: ''Are you independent?'' All

members of IFA Promotion are, and only they use the blue-disc symbol

with the pound sign.

Many IFAs specialise and, to ensure any particular adviser has the

skills to match your requirements, you need to establish what areas you

will need advice in -- such as investment, pensions, inheritance or

tax-planning -- and ask if he or she has those skills.

Of course, you might need to discuss your circumstances with the

adviser first to establish the kind of advice you will need, but if you

do need specialist advice he can either refer you on or call in a

specialist.

Larger firms will have specialists within the practice but you may

feel more at ease dealing with a small firm.

Though technical expertise is essential, the personal element is

important too. As well as finding someone you can talk to easily, you

want someone you fell confident is keen to handle your affairs.

A key concern you will have is the cost and this should be discussed

at the start. You get what you pay for and no financial advice is really

free: you either pay for it indirectly in commission or directly in

fees.

Commission is paid to the adviser by the company you invest in or

whose insurance policy or other financial product you buy. The amount of

the commission will vary according to the product, but the independent

adviser is duty bound to advise on the best product for you, regardless

of the commission it pays.

If the adviser works on a fee basis, the fee will be discussed with

you and agreed in advance so you will know the cost. In that case

commission which would have been payable to the adviser will be returned

to you or added to your investment.

The right adviser will be with you for years, able to counsel you at

different -- often crucial -- stages of your life.