Why would someone use a financial adviser? Making informed decisions about your financial future
Published 8 July 2025
Empowering your financial journey
Ever feel like your money is sneaking out the back door when you are not looking? You are not alone. Reaching financial security can sometimes feel like solving a riddle with half the clues missing.
That is where a financial adviser comes in: your personal money coach, helping you navigate life’s big (and small) financial decisions.
In short, a financial adviser is someone who helps you manage, grow, and protect your money. They are not just number crunchers. They are strategists who craft personalised plans based on your goals and lifestyle.
This guide breaks down why people turn to financial advisers, the benefits they offer, and how to know if it is the right time to get help.
Before we carry on, a point of clarificaton. I refer to myself as a financial adviser and a Chartered Financial Planner. This is because most people do not know what a financial planner is, but have heard of a financial adviser. But there are key differences. Read more about it in my earlier blog here.
Why would someone use a financial adviser?
Defining the purpose and point of a financial adviser
Think of a financial adviser as your financial sat nav. They help steer you toward your goals, whether that is buying a house, investing wisely, or planning for retirement.
They bring not only expertise, but a fresh, objective perspective. That can be a game-changer when emotions or confusion cloud your judgement.
If you are going to be working with them over future years and decades, you want to make sure they understand you and relate to you. You want to be able to talk to them freely as your life evolves.
Should I use a financial adviser or do it myself?
Managing your own money sounds empowering, right? And for some, it works fine, especially if your finances are simple.
But once things get complicated (think pensions, investments, tax planning), the DIY route can get stressful fast. A financial adviser can help you avoid costly missteps and keep you focused. And some off a no obligation chat to ensure you are doing the right things.
Assessing your starting position
Income, outgoings, assets, and liabilities
Start by knowing what you have got and where it goes. Look at your income, track your monthly spending, list your savings, pensions and investments, and calculate any debts.
It is your financial snapshot, and advisers use it to build a personalised plan.
Defining your short-term and long-term financial goals
Are you saving for a new car? Dreaming of retiring early? Hoping to send your kids to university?
Clarity around your goals helps an adviser turn ideas into actionable steps.
Identifying areas where professional guidance can be invaluable
Debt management strategies and consolidation
Got multiple debts eating into your income? An adviser can help you find ways to reduce interest and pay them down strategically.
Building and optimising savings and investments
It is not just about saving, it is about growing your money wisely. Advisers tailor strategies to your comfort with your attitude to risk, your tax position and long-term plans.
Comprehensive retirement planning and income strategies
Retirement should not feel like guesswork. But it often is for most people. You save however much for future you, not knowing if that is enough. Advisers help you map out how much you will need and how to get there so future you can keep affording to enjoy life.
Strategic tax planning and minimisation
Nobody wants to pay more tax than they have to. Advisers help sure that are using all your available allowances, through legal strategies to reduce your tax burden and boost savings.
Navigating significant life events and their financial impact
Life throws curveballs. Whether it is getting married, divorced, inheriting money, or facing redundancy. An adviser helps you adjust your finances accordingly.
Key advantages of working with a financial adviser
Navigating intricate financial products and regulations
Financial products can be mind-bending. From ISAs to pensions and trusts, advisers make it easier to understand what fits you best based on your goals and circumstances.
Staying abreast of evolving market dynamics
Markets change constantly. Advisers keep their finger on the pulse so your plans stay on track.
Developing a tailored roadmap to achieve your specific goals
Your adviser does not hand you a generic checklist. They build a plan around you, not someone like you.
Integrating all aspects of your financial life
Your money is not in silos. Advisers connect the dots between savings, insurance, pensions, taxes, and investments.
Constructing, managing, and rebalancing diversified portfolios
Whether you are a cautious saver or an adventurous investor, advisers help build and tweak your portfolio as needed.
Implementing effective risk management strategies
They help you understand and manage the level of risk that makes sense for your goals, and your nerves.
Projecting retirement income needs and potential shortfalls
An adviser can help calculate what you will need in retirement and identify any gaps to fill now.
Creating sustainable retirement income streams
Saving for retirement is not the only goal, it is important to understand the best way to live on it. Advisers help set up steady income streams to help you access your savings efficiently.
Managing pension options effectively - frequently asked questions
Do I need a financial adviser to withdraw my pension? Often, yes. Pension rules can be tricky and a wrong move could be costly.
Do I need a financial adviser for my pension UK? If you want to make the most of your options, then it is worth getting advice.
Identifying legal and ethical ways to minimise tax liabilities
Tax can quietly chip away at your wealth. Advisers use allowances and wrappers to keep more of your money working for you.
Understanding the basics of estate planning and wealth transfer
Want to leave something behind? Advisers can help you plan how to pass on your wealth efficiently and fairly.
Objective guidance and enhanced accountability
Working with a financial adviser means receiving unbiased recommendations that are aligned with your best interests, as advisers are legally obligated to act in your favour. Beyond advice, they also play a crucial role in helping you stay focused and disciplined as you work toward your financial goals.
When life gets busy or markets get turbulent, it can be tempting to make reactive decisions. An adviser helps you stay on track, offering calm guidance through uncertainty.
How do advisers charge and how much do advisers charge?
Fixed fee: You pay a fixed amount based on the work completed.
Commission: You pay a percerntage of your initial investment, or your adviser earns from the products they recommend.
Hourly: You pay based on the number of hours they work on your advice.
Financial advice should add more value than it costs, and benefit you in the long term. And your adviser should be able to demonstrate that to you.
Each financial adviser has different charges and so you should ask them directly what their charges are, given the help you are looking to receive.
Navigating the decision: when and why you might choose professional help
At what net worth should I get a financial adviser?
There is no magic number. If your finances are complex, multiple income streams, investments, property, or big goals, then professional help is a smart move.
Do I need a financial adviser UK?
If you are trying to navigate pensions, ISAs, or tax rules in the UK, the short answer is yes. A UK-regulated adviser understands the system and can save you time and money.
When should you consider engaging a financial adviser?
Big life moments are good triggers:
Marriage or divorce
Inheritance
Starting or selling a business
Retirement planning
Changing jobs or redundancy
Feeling stuck or uncertain
Planning ahead beats scrambling later.
Potential drawbacks and disadvantages of financial advisers
Understanding the costs associated with financial advice
Advice isnot free. Some advisers charge hourly, some charge a percentage of your assets, and some have a fixed fee. Just be clear on costs, what is included and what value you will get for what you pay.
The importance of finding the right fit and avoiding misleading advice
Not every adviser is right for you. Check their Financial Conduct Authority status to ensure they are authorised to provide regulated financial advice, read reviews, and trust your gut. A good adviser should make things clearer, not more confusing.
Understanding communication and building trust
Why would a financial adviser call me? Understanding legitimate outreach
They might call to review your plan, share important updates, or discuss opportunities. Just make sure they are regulated and reputable.
Financial adviser access to your funds: establishing clarity and security
A proper adviser recommends, but does not directly control your money. Your investments stay with a custodian or platform, not in their hands.
Safeguarding your assets: addressing concerns about financial security
UK advisers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), have professional indemnity insurance, and are audited. The system is designed to protect your funds and ensure accountability.
Essential information and next steps
What information does a financial adviser need from you?
Income and expenses
Debts and assets
Goals (short and long term)
Comfort with risk
The more accurate the information, the better the plan.
Finding the right financial adviser: key considerations and due diligence
Are they FCA-authorised?
How do they charge?
Do they explain things clearly?
What do reviews or referrals say?
Final thoughts: planning your future with confidence
Financial advice and planning is for anyone who wants to feel more secure, more in control, and more confident about the future. Whether you are just beginning your career, approaching retirement, or navigating life changes, the support of a trusted financial adviser can make all the difference.
The truth is, you do not need to do it all alone. From helping you build a clear roadmap to offering guidance when life takes an unexpected turn, an adviser can bring clarity to your financial world. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and make smarter choices with expert insight by your side.
So if you are wondering "Why would someone use a financial adviser in the UK?", the answer is simple: to secure a better financial future, one step at a time.
☕ Ready to create your personalised financial plan? Book a no obligation Clarity Call today and let’s map out your journey to financial confidence.
Your wealth wingwoman,
Shalini
P.S. It is never too soon, or too late, to start planning for your future self.
The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.
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