How to Spot a Good or Bad Financial Adviser

How to Spot a Good or Bad Financial Adviser

Author: Pete Matthew February 18, 2026 Duration: 49:06

Pete and Roger reveal how to spot a good financial adviser from a bad one. Learn the red and green flags—from transparent fees to pressure tactics—and the key questions to ask before committing. Essential listening for anyone considering financial advice.

 

Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/session609 

 

Everything You Need To Know

04:00 - life vs product

05:18 - listens vs talks

06:40 - behaviour vs numbers

08:25 - clear vs vague

09:38 - plain English vs jargon

11:21 - transparent fees vs evasive costs

13:12 - probabilities vs certainties

14:48 - evidence based vs secret 'sauce'

16:15 - calm vs urgent

17:46 - facts first vs opinions first

19:50 - "I don't know" vs blagging

20:44 - written rationale vs 'trust me'

21:41 - respects advisers vs criticises advisers

23:40 - growth & protections vs chasing returns

25:31 - professional vs sloppy

 

Cheatsheet: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/adviser-checklist 

 

Everything You Need To Do

29:18 - ignore unsolicited approaches

31:58 - verify they're legit

33:48 - get fees and scope in writing before committing

36:36 - first meeting questions

43:40 - pressure test

 


Money doesn't have to be a source of stress or confusion. On The Meaningful Money Personal Finance Podcast, host Pete Matthew cuts through the industry jargon to talk about your financial life in clear, practical terms. This isn't about get-rich-quick schemes; it's about building lasting security and understanding. Pete tackles the topics many find intimidating-like investing for the future, navigating pensions, choosing the right insurance, or finding trustworthy financial advice-and breaks them down into manageable concepts. What makes this podcast particularly useful is its consistent structure. Every episode is thoughtfully divided into two parts: first, laying out the essential knowledge you need to understand a topic, and then providing the concrete, actionable steps you can take to apply that knowledge directly to your own situation. You'll come away from each conversation not just informed, but equipped with a clear direction. Whether you're just starting to organize your finances or looking to refine a long-term plan, Pete Matthew offers a steady, educational voice in the often noisy world of personal finance. Tune in for straightforward guidance that translates complex ideas into your everyday language, helping you build confidence and take control of your money journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Meaningful Money Personal Finance Podcast
Podcast Episodes
QA46 - Listener Questions, Episode 46 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this Meaningful Money Q&A episode (QA46), Pete Matthew and Roger Weeks answer six listener questions on the financial decisions many UK households are wrestling with right now. We cover bridging the gap to the State P…
QA45 - Listener Questions, Episode 45 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode of the MeaningfulMoney Q&A, Pete and Roger answer six listener questions covering a wide range of personal finance topics. We tackle a tricky inheritance tax situation involving a property bought in child…
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From April 2027, many unused pension funds are set to be brought into the IHT net, changing how pensions work for legacy planning. Pete and Roger explain what's changing, what still remains exempt, where "double tax" can…
QA44 - Listener Questions, Episode 44 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:27
In this Meaningful Money Q&A episode, Pete Matthew and Roger Weeks answer six listener questions on UK personal finance, pensions and investing. We cover inheritance tax (IHT) and who actually pays it, a defined benefit…
QA43 - Listener Questions, Episode 43 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:22
If you're a UK beginner and you're not sure where to start investing in 2026, Pete and Roger talk you through a calm, step-by-step investing order to follow. They cover when to build a buffer, tackle expensive debt and u…
QA42 - Listener Questions, Episode 42 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:23
Pete Matthew and Roger Weeks cover self-employed saving rates, inheritance tax and estate planning, and how dividends are treated inside pension drawdown (including SIPPs). They also discuss salary sacrifice and contribu…
QA41 - Listener Questions, Episode 41 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:21
In this Meaningful Money Q&A, Pete Matthew and Roger Weeks answer listener questions on UK personal finance, focusing on pensions, tax, and planning ahead. Topics include SIPP vs Lifetime ISA, retirement drawdown and whi…
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Duration: 34:57
Pete is joined by Andy Hart to cut through the noise and talk about Andy's new book No Bullsh*t Money Advice, sharing straight-talking, practical personal finance insights for UK savers and investors. Shownotes: https://…
QA40 - Listener Questions, Episode 40 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:30
In this episode we answer listener questions covering emergency funds for higher and additional rate taxpayers, and inheritance tax considerations around beneficiary SIPPs. We also discuss whether couples should rebalanc…
QA39 Listener Questions, Episode 39 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:12
Pete and Roger answer six listener questions covering Coast FIRE strategies with GIAs, US 401(k) tax implications in the UK, record keeping for IHT-exempt gifts, Australian pension taxation for UK residents, pension cont…