Everybody wants investment growth. You also want confidence, clarity, and calm.
A new UK study of 1,016 advised investors and 209 advisers shows the best financial advice delivers all four.
The headline
Most investors say advice boosts outcomes. Ninety-four per cent believe their adviser added to portfolio growth, with an average perceived “alpha” of 6.5%. Independent work on Adviser’s Alpha in the UK estimates advice can be worth around 3% a year through planning discipline, cost control, rebalancing, tax strategy, and behavioural coaching.
The human edge
Clients leave advisers more for neglect than performance. Nearly a quarter said relationship neglect is the top reason they move on. Many want more than one in-person meeting yearly, yet fewer firms offer that cadence. Proactive contact wins.
Behavioural coaching beats market noise
Eight in ten investors value help in avoiding knee-jerk reactions. Research attributes roughly 1.5% a year of long-run value to coaching that prevents return-chasing and panic selling. Clients also report avoiding double-digit losses during volatility when guided to stay the course.
Planning for your family, not just your portfolio
Roughly £7 trillion is set to pass between generations in the UK over the next few decades. Yet only about a quarter of investors say they have discussed estate planning with their adviser. Bringing spouses and adult children into the conversation early protects intent and keeps plans on track.
What this means for you
A good planner should:
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Meet you regularly in the format you prefer and stay proactive.
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Document a simple, flexible plan you can follow.
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Coach you through noise so decisions stay aligned with goals.
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Involve your family early and build a clear legacy pathway.
We prioritise consistent contact, plain-English planning, low costs, and calm decision-making under pressure. Let’s talk if you want confidence, not just a collection of accounts. Schedule a free, no-obligation chat here. A guide on selecting a financial advisor is also available here.
Sources:
Vanguard Quantifying Adviser’s Alpha in the UK (up to ~3% framework). Vanguard
ILC, The Value of Financial Advice; Peace of mind: The non-financial value of advice. ilcuk.org.uk+1
FCA, Financial Lives 2024 key findings and commentary. FCA+2FCA+2
Brown, S. (2025), Financial Advice and Household Financial Portfolios, OBES. Wiley Online Library
