The importance of independent advice
Seeking independent professional advice makes sense when you're unsure
You've spent time on our site, followed the guided journeys, and compared your options. Yet a nagging uncertainty remains. Should you go with Fund A or Fund B? A Retirement Annuity, a Tax-Free Investment account, or both? And what happens if markets turn sour immediately after you invest?
Many first-time investors can find themselves at this crossroad - knowledgeable enough to know they need to invest, but uncertain about making the right decision. This is precisely when professional advice proves its worth.
What do independent financial advisers do?
Think of an independent financial adviser as your personal financial GPS. They don't just point you toward a destination - they help you along the way to make informed choices, avoid pitfalls, and align investments with your long-term financial goals.
Navigate your complete financial journey
- Assess your financial objectives, investment time horizon and tolerance for risk
- Create a realistic plan that adapts to market downturns and changing personal circumstances
Provide comprehensive services
Independent advisers typically offer:
- Investment Planning
- Tax Planning
- Retirement Planning
- Estate Planning
- Risk Management
Act as your financial coach
Markets will rise and fall. Personal circumstances will change. A good adviser helps you:
- Stay calm during market volatility
- Adjust your financial plan when life changes
- Avoid costly emotional decisions
- Maintain focus on long-term goals
What to look for in an independent financial adviser
The following pointers may help you find the right partner for your investment journey:
Essential qualifications
- CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) designation
- FPI (Financial Planning Institute) membership
- Proven track record and references
The right fit for you
- Independence: Has your best interests at heart
- Expertise: Specialised in areas you need (investments, tax, estate planning)
- Communication: Explains complex concepts clearly
- Availability: Meets at your preferred frequency and place that suits your needs
- Transparency: Clear about fees and compensation (see more in our FAQ)
Putting you first
Your adviser should:
- Listen to your needs
- Understand your values and concerns
- Respect your risk tolerance
- Provide emotional support during market stress
- Challenge you when necessary
Taking the next step
Ready to move from uncertainty to action? Finding the right adviser is easier than you think:
Start Your Search
Visit www.fpimoney123.co.za to find qualified, independent advisers in your area
Interview Multiple Advisers
Most offer initial consultations
Ask the Right Questions
About their qualifications, approach, and fees (read more in our FAQ below)
Trust Your Instincts
Choose someone you feel comfortable opening up to
Frequently asked questions
Coronation is a pure fund management business and not licensed to provide financial advice.
Financial advisers therefore operate independently of Coronation, and we do not endorse any one adviser over another. Coronation has a client service team that is available help guide you through the process of opening an investment and to answer any queries you may have.
The fee that you pay for independent financial advice will be determined by the type of service you seek from your adviser and its potential to add value.
To ensure independence from the underlying investment product provider, it’s best practice for the advice fee to be set through a direct negotiation between you and your adviser. Some advisers charge a flat fee or a once-off consultation fee, but more often, fees are set as a percentage of your total investment and can be paid upfront and/or on an ongoing basis.
The typical range for ongoing advice fees is between 0.5% - 1% but can vary depending on the size of your investments and the type of service the financial adviser is providing. Typically, these fees are negotiable with the financial adviser.
Yes. Coronation can pay your advisor an advice fee on your behalf. The fee is deducted from your investment value by selling units in your investment account on a monthly basis and paying the proceeds to your financial adviser.
You can cancel this arrangement at any time by notifying Coronation.
Financial reviews are critical to any successful plan, and the adviser should meet with you at least once a year. At this time, changes to your personal circumstances can be discussed. This is also an opportunity to take stock of the investment environment and economic outlook.
Yes, you can change or remove your IFA if you no longer wish to make use of their services. Please notify us in writing of your decision to remove your financial adviser from your investment account.