Many investors lack the time, knowledge and experience to invest successfully, often encountering diffculties that could have been avoided had they taken advice from an independent financial adviser (IFA) at the outset and continued to listen
to their counsel over time. Jeanette Marais of Allan Gray discusses some of the merits of getting financial advice and offers a few practical points to consider when choosing an IFA.  Jeanette recently overheard a !nancial adviser tell a client: ‘I am not here to make you a lot of money. If you want someone to do that, and trade shares back and forth, then I’m not the person; but if you’re looking for someone who makes investments consistent with your risk tolerance and goals, then I can help you.’  This got her thinking about how many people have misconceptions about the role IFAs play.