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
Listener Questions, Episode 33 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:57
Welcome to another show full of questions form you, the audience and hopefully some meaningful questions from Pete & Roger. This week we have questions about paying school fees, becoming a financial adviser, how to inves…
The Retirement You Didn't See Coming, with Dan Haylett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:02
This week I enjoy a brilliant conversation with Dan Haylett, a fellow financial planner and podcaster, and author of The Retirement You Didn't See Coming, a book I highly recommend. Dan Haylett on LinkedIn https://www.li…
Listener Questions Episode 32 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:20
Some excellent questions this week, as always, and with the added bonus of moving the podcast onto YouTube! Join Pete and Rog as they answer questions about finance management apps, investment platform selection and tran…
Listener Questions Episode 31 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:24
A couple of questions this week about having too big a pension fund, plus a great question on platform choice where Rog and Pete discuss their own experiences. Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA31 01:58 Question 1…
Listener Questions, Episode 30 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:33
It's another varied mix of questions, with a couple on catching up after a late start, avoiding the 60% tax trap and lots more. Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA30 01:03 Question 1 Hi, I'm curious if you have advi…
Listener Questions Episode 29 - Retire Soon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:53
In today's Q&A episode, we're answering a bunch of questions from those on the threshold of retirement, getting into the nitty-gritty of age-difference planning, DB scheme reductions and all sorts! Shownotes: https://mea…
Listener Questions Episode 28 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
It's another mixed-bag of questions this week, covering income protection, the local government pension scheme, avoiding the 60% tax trap and much more besides! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/2025/10/08/listener-q…
Listener Questions - Episode 27 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
This week, we have questions about planning property purchases together as a soon-to-be-married couple, investing an inheritance, balancing an age gap between spouses and much more besides! Shownotes: https://meaningfulm…
Listener Questions - Episode 26 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
Some great questions this week about planning for the loss of the personal allowance, investing in GIAs, persuading an aunt to write a will, and much more besides! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA26 01:11 Questio…
Listener Questions - Episode 25 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:59
It's another packed and mixed bag of questions here on Meaningful Money. Today we deal with Seafarer's pension contributions, tax-free cash on DB pension schemes and annual allowance calculations. Plus we give some thoug…