For many people, this is the real question sitting underneath all the others. Before talking about switching advisers or what advice costs, they want to know whether it’s genuinely worth it.
Most people don’t come to us because they’re desperate to talk about ISAs or tax wrappers. They come because something in life has shifted – buying a house, a promotion, a divorce, a business sale, an inheritance – or because of a quiet question that won’t go away:
Am I OK? Have I got enough? Am I doing the right thing? Am I missing out?
For some, it’s tinged with regret – “I should’ve done this 10 years ago.” For others, fear – “Have I left it too late?”
These are real, human questions. And they’re exactly where good financial advice starts.
Why this matters
Financial decisions shape every stage of life, from the everyday to the once-in-a-lifetime. Yet FCA research shows that only 8.6% of people in the UK currently receive regulated financial advice, despite the fact that those who do are significantly more likely to grow their wealth over the long term.
Research by Vanguard (2025) found that 86% of advised investors reported having more peace of mind related to their finances as a result of receiving advice. More than 60% experienced less anxiety and worry, while feeling more confident and secure about their financial future.
Moreover, FCA research (2025) found that receiving financial advice is associated with an increase in wealth of up to 10% in the years following advice, relative to those who did not receive it. That difference comes from smarter planning, more appropriate strategies and staying on course through market ups and downs.
Why some people hesitate
Even when people know advice could help, a few familiar thoughts often hold them back:
“I can just manage it all myself.”
On paper, maybe. But in reality, most people are juggling work, family and everything else life throws their way. Keeping on top of shifting tax rules, pension decisions and investment choices takes time and headspace – two things our clients are usually short on. Advice gives them clarity and frees them up to focus on living their lives, not spreadsheets.“Advice is only about picking investments.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Real financial planning starts with your life: the future you want to build, the choices you want to make, the security you want to create. Investments are just one part of the plan – the strategy comes first, and that strategy is built around you.“It’s only worth it if I have a lot of money.”
Some of the most powerful shifts happen well before people consider themselves ‘wealthy’. Early, intentional planning can set the trajectory for the decades ahead – whether that’s retiring earlier, supporting children through education, or having more choice in how you spend your time. It’s about designing the life you want and building the financial structure to support it.
Where the real value lies
The real value of advice isn’t in chasing investment returns. It’s in giving you the clarity and confidence to shape your future intentionally.
When we work with clients, the conversation starts with life, not money. We ask questions like:
- Do you enjoy your work – and how long do you actually want to be doing it?
- If money were no object, what would a great life look like to you?
- What would you do with your time if you had more freedom?
In our experience, these conversations often open doors people didn’t realise were there. The planning process can reveal opportunities – whether that’s the possibility of reducing working hours, having more freedom to travel, supporting family, or retiring earlier than expected – though individual outcomes vary significantly based on circumstances, assets, and personal goals.
From there, we build the financial strategy to make that vision possible – translating complex decisions into clear steps, spotting opportunities early, and giving you the reassurance that you’re not missing a trick. It’s about peace of mind, security, and genuine freedom: being able to do what you want, with the people you want, when you want.
When it might not be worth it
There are situations where full ongoing advice isn’t necessary. If your finances are simple – for example, you have one workplace pension and no other assets – a one-off session or guidance service might be more appropriate.
The key is matching the level of advice to the complexity of your circumstances. A good adviser will tell you honestly if full service isn’t right for you yet.
Porta’s Take
Financial advice isn’t just about money. It’s about clarity, choice and building the future you want. For many of our clients, the real value is knowing they have a clear strategy, tailored to their life, and a trusted partner walking alongside them.
If you’d like to explore whether advice is right for you, get in touch and we’ll arrange a conversation.
Important information:
This article provides general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information is based on our understanding of current regulations, which may change in future. Decisions about your finances should always be made based on your individual circumstances. If you’re unsure about the suitability of any course of action, you should seek regulated financial advice.The Financial Conduct Authority do not regulate tax planning or estate planning. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, so you could get back less than you invested.
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