Pensions

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15. Do you need an adviser?

Pensions are complicated and you may need advice.

Several professional and trade bodies offer directories which allow you to search for the right type of independent adviser by area, qualification, specialisation and fee rate:

• The Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers
  Many of APCIM's members provide a full financial planning service. www.apcims.co.uk.
• The Society of Financial Advisers
  Use the 'Find an Adviser' service on www.sofa.org.
• The Institute of Financial Planning
  A multi-disciplinary organisation with a register of fee based planners. No website yet, so phone for the IFP on 0117 930 4434.
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales:
  Many accountants offer a full financial planning service:www.icaew.co.uk
• Solicitors for Independent Financial Advice (SIFA)
  An interactive consumer site is available on www.solicitor-ifa.co.uk. Alternatively, use www.sifa.co.uk
• The Association of Solicitor Investment Managers (ASIM):
  Phone for the directory on 01892 870065 or try www.asim.org.uk.
• Local independent firms:
  For a list of three local independent advisers, contact IFA Promotion on www.ifap.org.uk. For fee based independent advisers contact the Money Management Register on 0870 013 1925.

1. Don't rely on the state scheme! 2. Private pensions: your most tax efficient investment 3. Company pension schemes 4. How to top up your company pension 5. Factors when topping up a company pension 6. What if you change jobs? 7. SSASs for small companies 8. Personal pensions 9. Value for money personal pensions 10. Aim for a balanced pension portfolio 11. How much can you invest in a personal plan? 12. Choosing a fund 13. Personal pensions with greater investment scope 14. Use your plan to get out of S2P 15. Do you need an adviser? 16. Conclusion

• Pension Power