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 24 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:55
This week, Pete is rested after his holiday and may even be more tanned than Roger, for once! We answer a mixed bag of questions ranging from financial planning if you're on benefits to tax-free cash recycling and lots b…
Listener Questions Episode 23 - Inheritance Tax [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:37
This week we have a bunch of questions on the subject of inheritance tax, trusts and estate planning. Fair to say, these stretched us quite a bit and we had some surprises as we researched the answers! Shownotes: https:/…
Listener Questions Episode 22: Financial Planning for Children [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:49
This week, Pete and Roger answer your questions about investing and planning for children, including trusts, life insurance and how to keep tax low. Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA22 01:35 Question 1 Hi, A frien…
Listener Questions, Episode 21 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:14
This week, we're covering redundancy sacrifice into a pension, cash ISA allowance reductions, evening up finances between spouses and much more - it's another MM Q&A! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA21 00:55 Ques…
Listener Questions - Episode 20 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:11
It's another full show of questions, ranging from assumed growth rates for investments, to Save As You Earn schemes to retirement cash buffers, and much more besides! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA20 01:21 Ques…
The Soul of Wealth with Dr Daniel Crosby [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:53
I'm delighted to welcome back repeat guest, and one of the worlds leading lights in the field of behavioural finance - Dr Daniel Crosby. Daniel has a new book out, which I highly recommend, called The Soul of Wealth, and…
Listener Questions - Episode 19 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:19
It's another mixed bag of your questions, taking everything from investing in offshore funds to evening up pension funds between spouses and lots more besides! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA19 00:57 Question 1…
Listener Questions 18 - IHT, Trusts and Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:06
We've managed to cobble together another themed Q&A episode, this week dealing with questions around Inheritance Tax, Trusts and Care planning. Lots for Roger and Pete to get stuck into! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmone…
Listener Questions Episode 17 - In Our 30's [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:54
A bit of a themed Q&A this week, with some great questions from folks in their 30's. We cover share save schemes at work, large inheritances and retirement planning - yes, even in your 30's! Shownotes: https://meaningful…