Disclaimer: Our website and publications aim to give you general information to help you make financial decisions. It is not advice, nor can it take account of your own particular circumstances. Our helpline can answer general enquiries about financial products and services on 0300 500 5000, and give you information and pointers to help you work out what’s right for you. For advice with a view to making decisions about your own circumstances you should consult a financial or other professional adviser.

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Shopping around

  1. Before you buy financial products, make sure you have a good idea of what you want, and what you will need them to do.
  2. Don't take the first product you see – compare it to other similar offers and check whether you can save money while getting the same. Use our Compare products to help.
  3. Decide whether you need professional help in buying a financial product – and don't be frightened to ask questions if anything isn't clear – see Getting financial advice.
  4. Always make sure that the firm you use is on our Register before handing over your money. If they aren’t regulated by us and things go wrong, you won't have access to complaints and compensation procedures. To find out if a firm is on our Register, see Check our Register.
  5. Read the paperwork you get from advisers and product providers, especially the information you get about the firm's services and costs. It may seem boring, but it could save you from making a costly mistake. And always make sure you have all the relevant paperwork before you sign a contract.
  6. Tell the company at once if you find an error. You can usually get things sorted out quickly.
  7. Make sure any cheques you send in the post are crossed ‘account payee’. If you can, put a reference or account number on the back of the cheque in case it gets separated from accompanying paperwork.
  8. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.