What is the value of financial advice?

If you're ill, you go to the doctors, if you're moving house you use a solicitor – we seek out experts for important decisions because that’s their job - to have the knowledge that we don’t.

And yet when it comes to our money there seems to be a nervousness or mistrust in getting advice from experts.

Our life savings, our pension, how we support ourselves are huge fundamental decisions and impact all aspects of our lives. And yet when it comes to our money there seems to be a nervousness or mistrust in getting advice from experts.

But if we need financial advice, why don't we ask for it?

Is it because as a nation we generally don’t like discussing money? Are we put off by the myths that surround advice – for example you ‘have to be rich’, ‘it’s too expensive’, ‘it’s not worth it? If you have ever thought any of these things, ask yourself if these thoughts are based on facts or ’just what people say’?

There are probably many factors that put people off getting advice but given that we all need money to support ourselves and you could potentially be much better off with advice from the experts – is it at least worth exploring?

Over 47,000 reasons to get financial advice

A study by **ILC UK shows just what a positive difference advice can make. It also shows that advice is for everyone and not just the ‘rich’.

The research looked at two groups of people to see if they were better off with or without advice. The first group were ‘affluent’ and the second group considered themselves as ‘just getting by’. 

The study was carried out over a number of years to get an extensive view of people's finances and measure the impact longer term. Those who took financial advice in both groups ended up with an average increase in their wealth - over £47,000 more than those that didn't take advice.

As we all know, nothing is certain. As with any investment, even with an experts' help, the value can go down as well as up and you may not get back the amount you put in.    

Does financial advice really make a difference?

There's lots of research to show that advice works, adding real value to people’s financial circumstances in the long run.

We are generally not programmed to think long term, it can be hard enough budgeting each month, let alone looking 15-20 years into the future. And then having to work out how much money you’ll need to maintain your lifestyle and how you achieve that. So back to the opening line - we seek experts for important decisions as that’s their job - to have the knowledge that we don’t. 

Related

What to expect from an adviser?

An adviser will meet with you and chat about your financial goals, any savings you have, your pensions, your income and outgoings. They will then put together recommendations based on your circumstances to see how they can get your money working harder.

** The research explored the impact of financial advice between 2001-2006 on financial outcomes in 2014-2016. Due to the fact this study was carried out over such a long period, it is the latest data available.

Looking for help?

If you don't already have a financial adviser, arrange a chat with an adviser from M&G Wealth Advice. Like Prudential, M&G Wealth Advice is part of M&G plc. We offer a restricted advice service.

You can also find an adviser on the website unbiased.co.uk.

Arrange a chat with us

Or call us on 0800 434 6630