The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has reported a jump in the number of Australians using its 'find a planner' service.
More than 26,000 people used the web-based enquiry service in February this year, a 41 per cent increase on the almost 18,000 from the same period last year. January's figures also increased from just over 13,000 in 2012 to almost 15,000 in 2013.
FPA chief executive Mark Rantall said the FPA is intent on increasing the access to qualified advice for all Australians.
"The 'find a planner' tool is our way of providing Australians with a safe environment to take the first step towards seeking advice," he said.
The service is an online directory that connects consumers with more than 7,500 FPA practitioner members around the country and provides a list of planners in their area.
"The increasing number of those seeking advice is a sign that consumers are looking for the opportunity to find trusted and qualified financial advice from someone in their local area," Mr Rantall said. "We continue to support our members in providing profiles on the FPA site so that they are accessible to their communities."
He added that the association's 'Ask an Expert' initiative, which provides consumers with a platform to ask questions of qualified financial planners online, is also rising in popularity.
This year's Ask an Expert week ran from 21 to 27 January and saw over 2,000 views to the site - the entire campaign had a reach of nearly 19,000, he said.
