Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Financial Planner in Ireland

If you're thinking about hiring a financial planner in Ireland, you're already on the right path toward making smarter money decisions. Whether you're saving for your first home, planning for retirement, or just want to get your finances in order, a financial planner can help guide you.

But before you commit, it’s important to ask the right questions. This ensures you're choosing someone who understands your goals, offers the right services, and can genuinely help you build a better financial future.

If you're still wondering whether a financial planner is right for you, start by learning about the benefits of hiring a financial planner in Ireland.

Let’s look at the top 10 questions to ask before you hire one.

1. What qualifications and certifications do you hold?

The first thing to find out is whether your financial planner is qualified. In Ireland, many professionals hold titles like QFA (Qualified Financial Adviser) or CFP (Certified Financial Planner). These certifications show that the person has undergone proper training and follows ethical and professional standards.

Don’t be shy about asking—this is your money, after all! A qualified planner will be happy to share their background and explain what those credentials mean.

2. Are you independent or tied to a financial institution?

Some financial planners work independently, while others are tied to banks, insurance companies, or investment firms. Independent planners typically offer a wider range of products and may provide more objective advice. Those tied to institutions may only recommend their company’s financial products.

This doesn’t automatically mean one is better than the other, but it's something you should know before you move forward.

3. What services do you provide?

Financial planners offer a wide range of services—some help with budgeting and saving, while others focus more on investments, retirement planning, or tax strategies. Be clear about what you need help with.

Ask things like:

• Can you help me plan for my child’s education?

• Do you offer pension advice?

• Can you assist with debt management?

  
  

Knowing exactly what they offer will help you determine if they’re the right fit.

4. Who is your ideal client?

This might sound like a strange question, but it’s a great way to understand whether the planner typically works with people like you.

Some planners specialise in high-net-worth individuals, while others work with families, business owners, or young professionals just starting out. You want someone who understands your unique situation and has experience handling similar financial goals.

5. How are you compensated?

There are different ways a financial planner can be paid, and it's important to understand how they earn their income:

Fee-only: You pay a set fee for their advice or services.

Commission-based: They earn money by selling you financial products.

Fee + commission: A combination of both.

Being clear about fees upfront helps avoid surprises later. Ask for a breakdown of how much you’ll be paying and when.

6. How will you tailor the financial plan to my goals?

Financial planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your planner should take the time to understand your life goals, values, and personal situation before recommending anything.

If someone jumps into giving advice without really getting to know you, that’s a red flag. You deserve a plan that’s built for you, not a generic solution.

7. What’s your investment philosophy?

If you’re planning to invest, ask how your planner approaches investing. Are they conservative or aggressive? Do they favour low-risk strategies or prefer to take chances for higher returns?

Also, do they consider ethical or socially responsible investing (sometimes called ESG)? Their investment style should match your comfort level and goals.

8. How often will we review and adjust the plan?

Your financial plan isn’t something you create once and forget. Life changes—maybe you get married, start a family, change jobs, or inherit money. Your planner should be available for regular check-ins to review and adjust your plan when needed.

Ask how often they’ll meet with you—quarterly, annually, or more often if needed.

9. Can you help with tax planning in Ireland?

Tax is a big part of financial planning, especially in Ireland where there are many tax reliefs, allowances, and credits. A good financial planner should help you understand how to make the most of these.

Ask whether they’re familiar with the latest Irish tax regulations and how they can help you reduce your tax burden legally and efficiently.

10. Can you provide references or client testimonials?

A trustworthy financial planner should have happy clients. Don’t hesitate to ask for testimonials or references. Hearing about others’ experiences can give you a better sense of what to expect and help you feel more confident in your decision.

Why Asking These Questions Matters

These questions are about more than just getting answers—they’re about building a relationship based on trust and clarity. A good financial planner won’t be put off by your curiosity. In fact, they’ll appreciate your interest and be happy to walk you through everything.

By the time you finish your first meeting, you should feel confident, not confused. And remember, if something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking until you find the right fit.

When Should You Ask These Questions?

Ideally, you should ask these questions before you formally hire a financial planner—either during a discovery call, consultation, or first meeting. These early conversations are a great way to get to know their style and see if they’re a good match for your needs.

Timing matters too—if you’re unsure when to make the move, check out our guide on when you should hire a financial planner in Ireland.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a financial planner is a big decision—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Asking the right questions puts you in control and helps you make informed choices that align with your goals.

Whether you're just starting out or planning for a major life change, a qualified financial planner can offer support, clarity, and peace of mind.

So, jot these questions down or bookmark this article, and bring it with you to your first meeting. Your future self will thank you.