For most people, retirement signals the end of wealth accumulation and retirees have to learn how to make savings last. It may also be the first time that an individual has to seek out financial advice.

The Beginner's Guide to Retirement by Michael Longhurst has a very useful section on maintaining your financial health in retirement.

Before you seek advice from anyone, it is important to spend some time examining your financial needs and goals. Mr Longhurst stresses the need to be clear about what services you want.

"You should also think about how you will control the discussion with the adviser. Always remember that it is your money and you should not just delegate all the responsibility for decision-making to an adviser."

The process you need to undergo to find a good adviser is similar to that for finding a good dentist, doctor or vet. If this is your first time selecting a financial adviser, Mr Longhurst suggests taking the following steps:

Ensure the person you are intending to seek advice from holds the necessary qualifications. In the Republic, you can phone the Central Bank, locall 1890 200 469, to check an adviser or broker is registered and the type of advice he or she is authorised to give.

Ask your friends and relatives about advisers that they have used and with whom they are happy.

When you first contact an adviser ask them if they have professional indemnity insurance and who their insurer is. If they do not have this insurance, do not deal with them.

Ask the adviser if they provide a free initial session. Go and meet them during that time and form an opinion of them.

Ask them if they have clients that are in similar financial situations to yourself.

Ask what areas they can provide advice on and whether there are any limitations on the advice they can provide.

Most importantly, ask yourself whether you feel comfortable with them. You are the client, if you are not happy with them leave.

All authorised financial advisers are required by the Central Bank to provide clients with a copy of their terms of business. The document is a good reference for important information about the adviser.

The Beginner's Guide to Retirement: Taking Control of Your Future by Michael Longhurst is published by Newleaf, 286 pages, paperback, priced £10.25.