Anyone who is living, breathing and investing in the UK will probably be affected by a new set of rules called the "Retail Distribution Review" (RDR). These rules were put in place at the beginning of 2013 and they will change the way you receive and pay for financial advice. These changes could potentially even trickle down to affect your portfolio returns, even if you don't invest through an adviser.
Morningstar's special report, "2013: RDR, Financial Advice and You", guides you through the nuances of the new rules and explain how they will affect you, your investments and the entire investment industry. The special report series ran from January 7 to January 11, 2013
MONDAY: What is RDR?
Understand the new RDR rules and industry changes. If you want jargon-free information, this is where you'll find it.
What is RDR?
VIDEO: New rules, dubbed the “Retail Distribution Review” (RDR), are overhauling the entire financial advice industry. This video will explain the basics.
RDR: The Basics
The new “Retail Distribution Review” rules are overhauling the way you invest your money and receive financial advice. See an outline of the key rules that will affect you.
Why and How To Find a Financial Adviser
A good financial adviser can earn their keep many times over.
Excited about RDR? You Should Be!
PERSPECTIVES: New RDR rules will mean higher standards for financial advisers, fairer fees and a bit more peace of mind for investors.
TUESDAY: How Does RDR Affect Individuals?
Gain an understanding of how the new rules and changes will affect you, your relationship with your financial adviser and your investment plans.
Get Ready for Some Big Changes: FSA
VIDEO: Find out directly from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) how the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) will impact your investment portfolio.
RDR Myths: Independent 'Good', Restricted 'Bad'
Most advisers intend on offering independent advice post-RDR but is there anything wrong with restricted advice?
Questions to Ask Your Financial Adviser
PERSPECTIVES: The new RDR rules mean that investors are going to want to start asking their financial advisers more pointed questions
Discussing Fees with Your Financial Adviser
PERSPECTIVES: Tips for advisers and clients on how to broach the difficult subject of paying for advice and arranging fees.
WEDNESDAY: How Does RDR Affect My Investments?
Find out how RDR will directly and indirectly affect your investment portfolio.
Investment Charges Are Changing
New industry rules will affect your investment fees and adviser fees, which could have a knock-on effect on your portfolio returns.
How to Cut Down on Investment Fees
VIDEO: Investors will have the chance to re-negotiate adviser and fund management fees in 2013. Find out how to cut down on your investment fees.
RDR and the Rise of Investment Trusts
VIDEO: Financial advisers may start recommending more investment trusts to clients as new rules shake-up the investment advice industry.
A Push into Passive Funds
PERSPECTIVES: Advisers may start pushing their clients away from actively managed funds and towards passive funds and ETFs.
THURSDAY: How Does RDR Affect the Industry?
Find out how the new RDR rules are creating waves in the industry.
RDR: A Great Many Unknowns
VIDEO: Even though advisers will tell you they are “RDR ready” there are too many unknowns to guarantee total and absolute readiness.
How to Excite Your Employees About Investing
It's not just the responsibility of advisers to get individuals investing sensibly.
The Financial Advice Gap
Deloitte reveals that up to 5.5 million people will choose to stop using financial advisers or be unable to access financial advice.
Fewer Advisers & Less Advice
PERSPECTIVES: Forecast 2013: The new year will usher in new rules for advisers and a new reality for those seeking financial advice
Post-RDR: IFAs' Criteria For Selecting a Platform
VIDEO: Emma Napier of Platforum discusses how IFAs will conduct due diligence when selecting a platform following the Retail Distribution Review.
FRIDAY: Going It Alone
If you are concerned that the RDR rules will force you to invest on your own, be sure you're prepared.
How to DIY Invest for Retirement
If you're not in a position to enlist professional help, here are some pointers to help you on your DIY investing journey.
How Do I Achieve My Financial Goals?
VIDEO: Whether you're a DIY investor or you have an adviser, a newbie or an old timer, here are some essential tips for achieving your financial goals.
Where Will Low Net Worth Investors Go?
VIDEO: Where will investors with small portfolios find financial information and advice once the RDR rules come into effect in 2013?
Invest with an Online Brokerage Account
If you want to invest on your own, here is some basic information about finding and setting up an online brokerage account.