Is financial advice the secret to feeling good about your money and yourself?

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Published  03 January 2023
   5 min read

We surveyed over 4,000 customers and they told us how advice makes them feel better about their money, themselves and their future.

 

It’s no secret, there’s always been a link between emotional and financial wellbeing. For those receiving financial advice, it’s always been more than just the practical and financial benefits. But how does financial advice improve emotional wellbeing?

Our research into how customers with an adviser could be better off financially also showed a number of ways talking to an adviser helps financial wellbeing. We were also able to dispel a money myth and prove better knowledge of financial matters can play an important role in feeling good about your money.

Financial advice improves emotional wellbeing and financially security

The control you have over your money and how you continue to manage it will change over time. Our findings show that talking to a financial adviser makes people feel more confident and financially resilient, especially in times of crisis. Those receiving advice have a greater feeling of being in control and have peace of mind.

  • 34% of our customers told us that "having access to financial expertise makes me more confident in my financial plans"
  • Another 34% told us "receiving professional financial advice helps me feel in control of my finances"
  • 32% of our customer said "having contact with a financial adviser gives me peace of mind".

Myth busting: financial wellbeing is for the wealthy

The more money you have, the better you feel about money, right? Not so. From our research results we can see wellbeing and happiness isn’t based on how much money you have. While confidence increases in line with income, there’s still a difference between customers who are advised and those that aren’t advised. Even those surveyed on a lower household income, receiving advice, still feel more confident than those who don't receive advice.

 

Does cost affect the emotional benefits of advice?

No. In balancing the cost and the benefit of advice, our customers are telling us that what they pay their adviser doesn’t diminish the emotional benefits. We found that customers with an ongoing relationship with their adviser are twice as likely to agree that the emotional and financial benefits of having an adviser outweigh any costs (38% compared to 16% of advised customers).

 

Having an adviser also helps boost knowledge

In our research, we found that customers with an adviser feel they have a much better understanding of financial matters, compared with people who don’t have an adviser. A greater understanding of the unknown or complicated leads to feeling more in control.

Customers without an adviser are 3 times more likely not to know where to start when it comes to saving for retirement and nearly twice as likely not to understand inheritance planning.

 

Feeling good about the future

Customers who receive financial advice trust their adviser and are happy with the advice they get. Satisfaction also increases over time, where there is an ongoing relationship in place. Customers who receive financial advice feel more confident about their future, and feel more financially resilient. Advised customers enjoy psychological and emotional benefits – not just any financial gains.

Financial wellbeing

However you’re managing your money, our research shows how financial advice could go some way to pave the way for a happier financial and overall outlook. You’ll find more help with feeling good about your money and prepared for what might lie ahead in our financial wellbeing section.

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