Consumers offered financial advice guidance.

A new guide has been published that tells consumers about changes to the way they receive financial advice.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has created the guide with the main aim of ensuring that customers know how much financial advice costs so that they get a service that "does what it says on the tin".

As of next year savers will be told the cost of financial advice, and understand the type of service they are paying for, and it is said advisers will provide an increased level of professionalism.

In producing the guide, the FSA has obtained feedback from leading consumer groups and trade bodies within the finance industry.

The guide is available across the UK at branches of the Citizens Advice Bureau, while information has also gone online in a new section of the FSA website to help consumers work out how they will be affected by next year's changes.

Copyright Press Association 2012