FACT SHEET

FINANCIAL ADVISER
CHECKLIST

We’ve developed a checklist that gives you important information to get the most out of
your financial planning meeting and understand how the process works. Make sure that
by the end of the meeting all your questions are fully answered.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MEETING WITH A IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK

FINANCIAL ADVISER On this page, you’ll find a list of questions to ask your
The role of the financial adviser is to help you achieve your financial adviser in your first meeting, so you can be confident
financial and lifestyle goals. When you see a financial adviser, you will receive good advice. How do you determine if
it’s important to make sure you are prepared, so you get the you received the right advice? It should fit your needs and
best result from your meeting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions circumstances. Remember, there’s no one right answer to any
about anything you don’t understand or want to know more question. A good financial adviser may answer the same query
about. Remember, most initial meetings are at no cost and differently for different people, depending on their individual
there is no obligation to proceed. circumstances.

HOW DOES THE FINANCIAL PLANNING YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING CHECKLIST

PROCESS WORK? Before you meet with a financial adviser, take a look at the
‘What you need to bring’ checklist on this page, so you’re fully
There are usually six steps in the financial planning process: prepared for your meeting—and are in the best shape to get
1. Gathering your financial details advice that’s right for you.
Financial planning works best when your financial adviser
has a complete understanding of your overall situation. DON'T FORGET TO ASK
The more detail about your current finances you bring, the
better. (See our ‘What you need to bring’ checklist below.) What qualifications or experience do you have?

2. Identifying your financial needs and goals Can you provide a copy of your Financial Services
Comparing your current financial situation to where you Guide?
would like to be in the future will help determine the type What approach do you take to providing advice, and
of action you’ll need to take. Start thinking about the goals how can I be sure it will continue to satisfy my needs?
you would like to achieve, such as taking an extended
holiday, paying off your mortgage or retiring early. What fees will I be charged and what are they for?
3. Identifying any financial issues and gaps
What can I expect from this meeting?
It’s important to work with your financial adviser to identify
the difference between your current financial position and
Can you give tax advice?
where you would like to be. This will help your financial
adviser develop strategies to fill these gaps so you meet What if I have concerns about the outcome of this
your goals. interview?
4. Preparing a Statement of Advice
Your financial adviser will prepare a Statement of Advice
outlining their recommendations for your financial plan. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
It may also include recommendations on products and
services that will help you fulfil your plan’s requirements. Your latest superannuation benefit statement(s)
5. Implementing the recommendations
Financial advice is only helpful if you act on the A copy of your latest tax return and tax assessment
recommendations you’re given. So it’s important you are
comfortable with what’s listed in your Statement of Advice Details of your current insurance policies
and work with your financial adviser to implement any
Details of your assets and liabilities, particularly
suggestions.
existing investments and any loans
6. Reviewing your advice
You should regularly review the advice you receive to make Details of your household budget
sure it stays up to date with your changing needs and Any other information you think is relevant to your
objectives. How frequently you review your advice depends financial affairs
on your personal needs and circumstances.

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 Important! Feedback
We encourage you to consider the information Sometimes a relationship with a financial
outlined in our checklist before meeting with a adviser won’t work out, regardless of how
financial adviser. careful the selection process has been. If you
think one of our suggested financial advisers
This information has been compiled by the
does not meet your expectations, please let
Russell Investments Master Trust and every
us know. By continually monitoring feedback
care has been taken to investigate any financial
from members, we can ensure the calibre of the
planning organisation that we may suggest
financial advisers we recommend is as high as
could assist you. Even so, we cannot guarantee
possible.
the financial adviser representative at any
particular location will completely satisfy your To provide feedback on a financial adviser,
expectations about the quality of advice and please write to:
service provided. So, it’s important for you to Russell Investments’ Super Advice Service
consider this information in the context of your Locked Bag A4094
personal circumstances. Sydney South NSW 1235

Advice that's right for you We’re here to help

Good financial advice is about making the most If you have any questions, please contact us:
of what you have to help achieve your goals.
That's what we offer—general information, • call 1800 555 667 (Monday to Friday 8.30am
personal advice over the phone, Retire Ready to 5.30pm AEST)
meetings (often at no cost) or comprehensive
• email iq@[Link]
personal advice (complimentary first meeting).
Find out more at • visit [Link]/super
[Link]/advice

Issued by Total Risk Management Pty Ltd ABN 62 008 644 353, AFSL 238790 (TRM) as trustee of Russell Investments Master Trust ABN 89 384
753 567. Nationwide Super and Resource Super are Divisions of the Russell Investments Master Trust. The Product Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’),
the Target Market Determinations and the Financial Services Guide can be obtained by phoning 1800 555 667 or by visiting russellinvestments.
[Link] or for Nationwide Super by phoning 1800 025 241 or visiting [Link]. Any potential investor should consider the latest
PDS in deciding whether to acquire, or to continue to hold, an investment in any Russell Investments product. Russell Investments Financial
Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 84 010 799 041, AFSL 229850 (RIFS) is the provider of MyTracker and the financial product advice provided by GoalTracker
Plus. General financial product advice is provided by RIFS or Link Advice Pty Ltd (Link Advice) ABN 36 105 811 836, AFSL 258145. Limited
personal financial product advice is provided by Link Advice with the exception of GoalTracker Plus advice, which is provided by RIFS.
This communication provides general information only and has not been prepared having regard to your objectives, financial situation or needs.
Before making an investment decision, you need to consider whether this information is appropriate to your objectives, financial situation and
needs. If you'd like personal advice, we can refer you to the appropriate person. This information has been compiled from sources considered to
be reliable but is not guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. To the extent permitted by law, no liability
is accepted for any loss or damage as a result of reliance on this information. This material does not constitute professional advice or opinion
and is not intended to be used as the basis for making an investment decision. This work is copyright 2023. Apart from any use permitted under
the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permission of
Russell Investments.
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