It can be very difficult to quantify the value of advice received from a financial adviser, consequently many people question whether the advice they receive is worth what they pay for it.
A recent study published in November 2019 by the International Longevity Centre (ILC) sought to quantify the value of taking financial advice by analysing overall financial outcomes. The results are pretty unequivocal, confirming what we at Infinity already know: good financial advice is definitely worth the cost.
The report, titled ‘What it’s worth: Revisiting the value of financial advice’, analysed the outcomes from professional financial advice provided to UK-based individuals between 2001 and 2006. Through detailed analysis of the government’s Wealth and Assets Survey the researchers concluded that, when other factors were held constant, those who took advice were on average better off a decade later than those who did not. The difference in uplift in personal wealth was significant across all demographic groups but the greatest benefits were enjoyed by those of relatively modest means.
The ILC drew three key conclusions in their report:
- Taking professional financial advice provides a significant boost to wealth
- Receiving professional financial advice between 2001 and 2006 resulted in a total boost to wealth (in pensions and financial assets) of £47,706 in 2014/16
- Less wealthy individuals can benefit the most from taking financial advice
- The benefits of financial advice are potentially greater for those we term “just getting by” than for those we consider “affluent”: the former would have seen a 24% boost to their pension wealth compared to 11% for more affluent groups (those most likely to be advised)
- There are huge benefits to working with a financial adviser over the long term
- Evidence also suggests that fostering an ongoing relationship with a financial adviser leads to better financial outcomes. Those who reported receiving advice at both time points in our analysis had nearly 50% higher average pension wealth than those only advised at the start
It’s worth noting that the benefits of professional financial advice were identified in both commission and fee-based environments.
Financial planning, investment management and tax optimisation are complicated and specialist subjects that require years of experience and study. Saving money on a financial professional’s fees could cost you far more in the long run in missed returns.
Whether you’re a high, middle or low earner, working with a professional financial adviser will help you maximise your savings and investments.
If you’re an expatriate living in Asia and you’d like to boost your wealth, why not get in touch? We have a team of highly qualified and approachable financial advisers based in China, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia who can work with you face-to-face or remotely, wherever you are based.
Just think how wealthy you might be in 10 years with their guidance?!
Finance Director
I have worked in the international insurance industry across three continents over the past 28 years. I am the Finance Director for Infinity Financial Solutions and also carry responsibility for the group’s compliance and regulation.
