A good financial adviser gets to know you. They work with you to set your financial goals and make a plan to help you achieve them. Before you decide to get financial advice, learn about:

• The difference between general and personal advice, as well as financial information you can get for free.
• Decide what you want from the advice. Do you want help with investing money, budgeting or planning for retirement? That will help you in choosing a financial adviser.
• Make sure your financial adviser has an Australian financial services (AFS) licence or is an authorised representative. Check they are authorised and registered to give personal financial advice and review their qualifications on the financial advisers register.
• What to expect when you work with a financial adviser, and how you can get the most from the experience. 
• Compare the fees charged by different advisers, to make sure you're getting a good deal.
• Talk to your adviser if you're unhappy with their advice, and what you can do if you have problems with their service.