The second most popular advice driver in March was investment and savings, with nearly a third of consumers (29%) searching for an IFA specialising in this area. Demand for independent financial advice on these specialist areas continues to be high as consumers consider their investments and long-term financial planning for the future.
Mortgages came third in the table of advice drivers, with 10% of consumers wanting a specialist in this area, followed by ISAs, OEICS and unit trusts, pensions, taxation planning, personal protection, investment trusts, savings for children and, finally, equity release.
Karen Barrett, chief executive of unbiased.co.uk, commented: "As the Tories' plans to end the default retirement age puts the election focus on pension planning, our figures reveal it is clear that retirement preparation is an ongoing key topic for consumers where they choose to seek independent financial advice from professionals. Consumers continue to see the value of specialist product advice when they are embarking on complex and long-term financial decisions such as pensions and investments, and are searching for an IFA to guide them through their choices.”
