There's a difference between information and advice. You are not
usually getting advice when you:
- open a bank account or put money into the
building society
- invest directly in
response to a mail shot advertisement
- invest through information
on the Internet
- buy a stakeholder
pension without the aid of a financial adviser.
In these situations, and others, you are being
given information, rather than advice.
Even if you are not being given advice, the
information on which you base your decision should be accurate.
If the information is inaccurate or misleading then you have the
right to complain and seek compensation.
Shopping around
When buying any item it is sensible to shop around, and the same
is true when buying financial services. To find the best deal take
time to:
- read the money/financial
sections of the weekend newspapers
- do some research on
the Internet
- talk to a variety
of companies that are selling similar products
- Use the FSA register to check that the company is authorised to give financial advice.
To find an independent financial adviser
in your area, visit the IFA
Promotion web site.
To get more detailed information on
your rights when buying financial products and services,
see the FSA
web site.
