Fifteen Financial Planning businesses have announced they will be running free sessions to introduce the general public to the profession next month.

The IFP has encouraged more firms to offer the surgeries as part of Financial Planning Week. The campaign, designed to make the general population more aware of Financial Planning and how it can help them in their lives, takes place from 23 to 29 November.

The following firms have announced they will be running the free sessions:

England:

• Jane Smith Financial Planning Ltd
• UNIQ Family Wealth
• Cansdales Ltd
• Kellands (Hale) Ltd
• Money Wise IFA Ltd
• John Roddick & Sons
• Smart Financial
• Donald Wealth Management
• Smart Financial (Skype or FaceTime consultations)
• Questa Chartered
• Common Sense Financial Planning Ltd
• Expert Wealth Management
• Copthorne Financial Services Ltd

Scotland:

• Affluent Financial Planning Ltd

Wales:

• UNIQ Family Wealth

Jane Smith Financial Planning in Olney, Buckinghamshire, will be running free surgeries on November 24 and 25.
The firm's director Nicola Watts CFPCM said: "There simply isn't enough knowledge amongst the general public regarding the difference between financial advice and financial planning.
"We're hoping that events and PR during the week will help to raise the profile of financial planning, not only to the consumer, but also as an aspiration for those already in the financial services industry and to attract new people into this as a profession."

The IFP has published a register online of all firms offering the public access to these sessions, which are not intended as free advice sessions, just to highlight some of the key steps that people need to take, for example setting goals and reviewing budgets.

{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}

The IFP said that engaging directly with the general public is the "most powerful way to demonstrate the value that Financial Planning brings to them and their lives".

IFP communications director Sue Whitbread said: "The regional media love this kind of activity - so it would be a great way to get some coverage and good promo opportunities for all involved.
"When it comes to the surgeries themselves, how and when you do them is completely down to you.
"We don't want to impose a major burden on you.
"You may just want to offer your services for one morning, afternoon or day.
"Alternatively, you might set a number of surgeries that you're prepared to offer and as long as they are booked during FPW they can take place at a time to suit both you and the enquirer.
"We're not prescriptive that they have to take place during FPW so you've got maximum flexibility.
"The only thing we ask is that they last for at least 30 minutes and that you let us know you're offering them so we can promote them."
She added: "If you're interested in taking part, let us know and we'll be in touch."

Get FREE daily news summaries direct to your inbox. Sign up on the homepage now.

Follow us on Twitter and get frequent news alerts @FPM_online.

Or follow Editor Kevin O'Donnell - @FPM_Kevin or staff writer James Nadal - @FPM_James.

For the latest Sipp, SSAS and retirement news visit our sister news site www.sippsprofessional.co.uk and on Twitter @SippsPro.