How To Choose a Financial Adviser You Can Trust
- Nathan Fradley & Jordan Vaka
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
When stories break about thousands of Australians losing money to poor advice, it’s no wonder people hesitate before speaking to a financial adviser.
The truth is, great advice can transform your life. As independent financial advisers, Nathan and Jordan are wide eyed optimists when it comes to the power of great financial advice to bring massive benefits to the people they work with.
But bad advice can leave you worse off—not just financially, but emotionally too. So how do you know if an adviser is worth trusting?
The Red Flags to Watch Out For
One of the clearest warning signs is how you came across the adviser.
If you clicked on a social media ad promising to “fix your super” or “take control fast,” then pause.
These ads often create a false sense of urgency, presenting super as a problem when, for most people, it isn’t broken at all.
They play on fear, not facts.
Beyond contrived urgency, another red flag is when an adviser suggests moving your super without explaining why.
Lower fees and better service can be valid reasons, but you need to compare like-for-like and understand whether the new option is genuinely better.
Always ask: to whose benefit is this move? If the adviser benefits more than you, walk away.
Another flag - be wary too of anyone claiming they have a “unique” or “exclusive” solution.
This language is designed to make you feel you can’t succeed without them. In reality, good advice isn’t about secret products—it’s about strategies tailored to you.
What Good Advice Looks Like
A good adviser doesn’t start with products.
They start with your situation, your goals, and your values.
They’ll explore questions like:
Should you pay off debt, contribute more to super, or start investing?
How do you balance short-term comfort with long-term growth?
What matters most to you—flexibility, tax efficiency, or peace of mind?
Three people with the same income, assets, and debts might still make completely different choices because their priorities differ.
That’s the essence of quality advice: giving you the space and clarity to decide what’s right for you.
It’s also important to know that tailored advice is not a cheap endeavour - nor should it be. As in all areas of life - truly bespoke work requires expertise and time, with an associated cost.
While fees vary, anything much lower than $5,000 for comprehensive advice should prompt questions about where costs are being made up.
Protecting Yourself
Before engaging an adviser, read their Financial Services Guide—usually linked in their email signature or on their website.
This document explains how they’re paid and what services they provide.
Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions like:
How often do you make the same recommendation for clients like me?
What range of options do you consider before making a recommendation?
How do you get paid for this advice?
These conversations can feel uncomfortable, but they’re essential. A good adviser will welcome them.
The Bottom Line
Financial advice should empower you to make better decisions, not lock you into products or promises. Great financial advice can shift the trajectory of your finances, confidence and clarity.
If you stay alert to red flags and focus on advisers who take time to understand you, you’ll find someone who helps you grow with confidence.
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