Written by Rob Hillock, Senior Manager, Personal Financial Planning
In a world where DIY investing is easier than ever, it can be tempting to question the value of professional financial advice.
But Vanguard’s Client Connect: Advice Survey 2025 paints a compelling picture of why personal financial advisers remain indispensable – not just for growing wealth, but for nurturing confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
It’s not just about returns. It’s about reassurance
According to the Vanguard survey, 93.6% of investors believe their personal financial adviser adds value to their portfolio, estimating an average annual alpha (a measure of the value the adviser adds) of 6.5%.
But the real magic lies beyond the numbers.
Clients consistently cite emotional benefits like reduced stress, confidence in retirement, and feeling more in control of their financial future.
The human touch matters most
Interestingly, the top reason clients part ways with their personal financial adviser isn’t poor performance. It’s a lack of personal connection.
Investors want to feel heard, understood, and supported. Traits like empathy, personality, and responsiveness often outweigh technical expertise when it comes to building lasting relationships.
Behavioural coaching: The unsung hero
One of the most underrated aspects of personal financial advice is behavioural coaching. Over 82% of investors say their financial adviser helps them avoid emotional decisions during market volatility.
Financial advisers estimate this guidance can prevent up to 15.9% in annual losses, proving that staying the course is often more valuable than chasing returns.
Legacy planning: A missed opportunity
While 72% of investors value legacy planning, only a quarter have discussed it with their personal financial adviser.
Engaging clients in conversations about inheritance and involving their families early can help retain assets across generations. A win-win for clients and advisers alike.
Personal financial planning for your employees
Employee financial wellbeing is a core part of HR and wellbeing strategies, driving engagement, productivity, and retention. In Broadstone’s employee benefits landscape report 73% said employee financial wellbeing is important.
Why? Because financial stress often underpins emotional challenges. Helping employees tackle it can improve emotional wellbeing and workplace performance.
Broadstone offers expert personal financial planning and advice from one-off consultations to ongoing support – helping employees at every stage, from starting out to retirement planning.
Providing your employees with access to financial advice (whether company-funded or employee-paid) isn’t just good for your people, it’s good for your business.
Personalisation is key
Despite the rise of digital tools, only 28% of investors feel they receive truly personalised advice. Yet over 90% still want a human to talk to.
This highlights a crucial takeaway: technology should enhance, not replace, the adviser-client relationship.
Time to refocus
To meet evolving expectations, financial advisers are encouraged to automate routine tasks and spend more time on client engagement.
This shift allows for deeper conversations, better understanding, and ultimately, more meaningful advice.
Final thoughts
Financial advice is more than just managing money. It’s about managing emotions, building trust, and helping people live better lives.
And the true value of personal financial advice lies in the human connection and the confidence it inspires.
Ready to take control of your financial future?
Start planning with confidence and speak to our personal financial planning experts today.
