JavaScript is disabled

If possible, please enable JavaScript for an enhanced experience on the CHOICE website.

Financial planning

Need help with managing your money and growing your savings?

If you're planning to buy a house or set long-term financial goals, or if you're just wondering what to do with a lump sum of cash, a financial planner can give you professional advice and help you manage and grow your money. But how do you find a good one? We'll show you what to look for when searching for a trustworthy financial planner, and how to get the most out of their services.

Meet the money experts

Buying guides

Your guide to finding the best financial planner And what to do with them once you find them.

Articles

Consumer advocates earn Queen's Birthday honours Order of Australia awarded to longtime advocates of consumer rights in financial literacy and community health fields.

Another 100k bank customers ripped off by advisers More than $200m to be paid out in compensation, says ASIC

FoFA 'best interests' duty put to the test 10 June 2016 | ASIC takes Melbourne advisers to court in the first case of its kind.

ASIC budget increase means tighter surveillance on banks A much-needed $127 million to prevent further misconduct.

2014 Budget wrap-up The definitive breakdown of how the 2014 Federal Budget will affect consumers.

FoFA financial adviser reforms Will they put an end to conflicted advice?

2014 federal budget winners and losers The 2014 budget will prove painful for many.

2014 budget cuts to health spending Spending cuts to health from the 2014 federal budget are likely to hit anyone who gets sick.

ASIC weighs in on bad financial advice reviews 25 January 2016 | Regulator to set guidelines for banks on review and remediation processes.

Financial advice compensation scorecard Three of the big banks have set up schemes to compensate victims of poor financial advice. So how are they tracking?

Banks push back on fund for financial advice victims 18 August 2015 | As consumer groups call for a 'last resort' compensation fund, big banks are reluctant to pay for it.

DIY will kit reviews "Dying to Know Day" puts the spotlight on writing your will.

ANZ to refund $30m in financial planning fees 16 April 2015 | Customers expected to receive $3500 for services undelivered.

ASIC budget cuts leave consumers less protected 11 February 2016 | A $120 million reduction in the financial regulator's budget has undercut its capabilities.

Call for new financial compensation scheme 15 May 2015 | Consumers are being left out of pocket even when compensation is awarded for bad financial advice.

CHOICE calls for reversal on ASIC funding cuts 20 February 2015 | ASIC's ability to conduct surveillance on financial services is being hampered by a lack of funding.

What's in the Financial System Inquiry for consumers? 10 December 2014 | The good, the bad and the Financial System Inquiry.

Goverment backs calls for a fairer financial system 20 October 2015 | Financial System Inquiry response endorses a stronger ASIC and an end to surcharging.

Show 14 more articles

The money experts

Our money experts know a thing or two about financial planning themselves, so they can spot the difference between a hack and a professional. Our team doesn't receive any commissions or kickbacks, so they'll give you all the pointers you need to find a good financial planner who has your best interests at heart.