Get advice about money
Independent financial advice
A specialist independent financial adviser can help you think about your funding options. This is especially useful if you are thinking about paying for long-term care and support.
You could find independent financial advice helpful if you:
- already live in a care home and pay for your care from your income and savings
- want to talk to someone about your financial situation and the options available to you
- are acting as an attorney or deputy and looking after someone else’s financial affairs
- think you are likely to need care and support in the future, for example, due to a long-term health condition
Choosing an independent financial adviser
There are lots of independent financial advisers, and it may seem difficult to work out who is right for you. Make sure that you use someone who is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
You might want to consider the following:
- Someone accredited with the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA). SOLLA-registered financial advisers go through a training and accreditation process. They are specialists in planning ahead for later life, even if you are still regarded as young. Visit the SOLLA website to find an adviser.
- An adviser who specialises in care fees may be able to offer more tailored advice. Most financial advisers will state if they have any specialist areas of knowledge. You can also check this with SOLLA.
Restricted or unrestricted financial advisors
Restricted financial advisers are usually tied to an institution – for example, a bank. This limits the range of products they could offer you, and you may not get the best offer out there. You might still want this if you trust a certain bank, for example.
Unrestricted financial advisers will look at all products that are available across the market. This gives you a wider choice.
Beware of anything that seems too good to be true
Some financial advisers work on the basis of protecting or transferring your assets. Government regulations call this ‘deliberate deprivation of assets’. Loopholes that seem to offer a way for you to save your money may cause you problems later down the line.
Equity release schemes
This is the name given to a range of products that let you access the equity (cash) tied up in your home if you are over 55. Money Helper has a useful guide which explains your options and what to look out for.
What to do next
Get in touch with us if:
- you would like an assessment of your care and support needs
- you look after someone else and would like support
You can also contact us if you are worried about an adult:
If you have particular questions about your situation, a good start is to contact your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) in East Sussex:
- For the Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, Lewes, Seaford and Uckfield areas call 0344 411 1444
- For the Rother area call 01424 215 055
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