Revealed: the wellbeing and emotional impact of financial advice

Category: News

It should come as no surprise that we believe financial advice adds real value to the lives of our clients. While the financial benefits of advice are often discussed, the value it can add in terms of wellbeing is sometimes overlooked but is just as valuable.

The improvements to wellbeing that financial advice can offer can be difficult to assess. After all, every client will have differing goals, priorities and challenges. New research from Royal London has measured how professional financial advice can support emotional wellbeing.

Financial advice helps people feel in control and confident

The research found that the vast majority of the 17 million people who seek financial advice in the UK benefit from a positive experience. Overall, it helps people to feel confident, in control of their finances and gain peace of mind. Clients rated three key areas that highlight the positive impact of a relationship with a financial adviser:

  • Quality of advice and expertise (82%)
  • Communication style (81%)
  • Trustworthiness (81%)

One of the important ways the report found advice adds value is through understanding financial matters.

When searching for financial products or information, you’re often confronted with jargon and complex terms. Even when you have a good handle on your financial situation this can be daunting, making it difficult to know what’s right for you. Besides, products, legislation and regulation frequently change and keeping up to date can be challenging if it’s not part of your day-to-day role.

Those receiving advice feel up to three times more confident in their understanding of products and their finances than those who haven’t worked with an adviser. Some 23% of non-advised individuals said they would not know where to start when asked about life insurance, compared to just 7% of those taking financial advice.

The financial decisions you make have a long-lasting impact and it’s important to understand products and your options. We’re here to explain to clients how different products work, as well as outlining the pros and cons with their situation in mind. It means clients can have confidence in not only their plans but also their financial knowledge.

The benefits of preparing for the unexpected

When people first approach a financial adviser it’s often to seek advice on something they know is going to happen or would like to happen. For example, planning for retirement or setting up an investment portfolio to create an income.

However, an important part of creating a financial plan is to look beyond this to plan for the long-term, including the unexpected. As a result, financial planning can improve financial resilience and ensure you’re better prepared for an unexpected shock, such as redundancy or illness.

It’s a step that boosts emotional wellbeing. Some 63% of clients said they felt secure and stable, as opposed to 48% who did not receive advice. The report highlighted how it can have an impact on emotions too. Four in ten (41%) of those that do not take financial advice said they feel anxious about their household finances, compared to three in ten (32%) who receive advice.

Protection products in particular improved financial and emotional wellbeing. These insurance products pay out under certain circumstances and should align with your priorities and concerns. For instance, life insurance can provide peace of mind that your family will be financially secure should you pass away, while income protection can provide an income if you’re unable to work due to illness. Clients who received advice on protection said it helped them feel more prepared and less worried about the future.

Unsurprisingly, the Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced how planning for the unexpected can be valuable. With millions of employees seeing their income fall and facing redundancy, 35% said they felt anxious about their financial situation. This has led to 65% saying they’ve come to appreciate the value of being more prepared for life-shocks that may be outside of their control.

On average, financial advice clients are £47,000 better off

While the emotional benefits of advice are important, the financial benefits are too. After all, financial freedom can help you to achieve goals and feel more confident about your future.

The report also covers previous research conducted by the International Longevity Centre UK.  It found that customers who took financial advice were on average £47,000 better off. Those who fostered a long-term relationship with their adviser were up to 50% better off than those who received one-off financial advice.

Tom Dunbar, Intermediary Distributions Director at Royal London, said: “We have long suspected that the benefits of advice go far beyond financial gains alone and our research confirms that individuals who have received advice are more likely to feel confident about the future, and less likely to feel anxious or worried.

“It’s easy to see why clients turned to financial advisers when the pandemic struck. But advice is most powerful – and most rewarding – when it goes beyond a one-off meeting. An ongoing relationship with an adviser amplifies the emotional, as well as the financial, benefits.”

Please contact us if you’d like to arrange a meeting to discuss how financial advice can help you and improve your wellbeing.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

What our clients say

I was recommended Paul and Bryony as financial advisers by a friend. My husband and I were particularly interested to think about where to invest our savings. They have helped us to think about what level of risk we are prepared to engage with and explained the different possibilities very clearly and thoroughly, enabling us to maximise the potential of our investments. They also provide regular updates. We have been very pleased with their service and have already recommended them to others.

Dr C Oliver

London

I have been a client of RMI since their foundation. Prior to that, I dealt with the directors for my own personal pension and our business pensions. This relationship as existed for the last 25 years. During this time, I have received first-class support and advice. I have always been kept informed on financial trends and opportunities. To this end I was able to plan retirement early if I wished. More importantly, I was able to choose the right opportunity as when to retire. Since retiring, I continue to receive the highest service and advice on fund management.

Mr. M Moore

Ex General Manager

Leicester

We have dealt with Paul and his staff for over 20 years and have received a first-class service that is completely to our entire satisfaction. We would have no hesitation in recommending the company to anyone who is seeking financial advice.

Mr J Channing

Ex Non-Executive Director, Earl Shilton Building Society

Leicestershire

It’s a great comfort to have Paul Eason and his team on call if I have any queries or concerns about my finances.

Ms M Topham

Oxford

Paul Eason and Bryony Evans have competently managed our investments for the past twelve years. Their service has been managed diligently; they have provided consistency of advice for positive results. This has given us satisfaction and confidence in their ability to handle our personal affairs. Their research and advice are in-depth, concise and clear. They have demonstrated a thoroughness in all aspects of our personal financial planning.

Mr & Mrs S Price

Devon

Following a personal recommendation from a colleague some two years ago, Bryony and Paul provided advice to my wife and myself on planning for my forthcoming retirement. Latterly they have helped another family member on how best to invest a lump sum inheritance. On both occasions, they have guided us through the various options available, indicating the pros and cons in an easily understandable way. They continue to provide regular updates on how the investment is performing. We have always found them to be attentive, knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to a friend seeking an adviser.

Mr & Mrs P Teasdale

Rutland

When you are investing, you need confidence to make decisive commitments. Paul Eason and Bryony Evans at RMI are true professionals that you can trust implicitly for commercial and personal advice and transactions.

Mr D Matthews

Chairman, Cellular Mouldings Ltd

Northants

RMI not only deal with all our company's employee benefits schemes, but also provide invaluable support for us on a personal level. Nothing is too much trouble and we have found their service to be effective, efficient and friendly. We would recommend RMI to any company or private individual looking for a comprehensive and personal service.

Mr & Mrs I Bates

Ex Directors of The Bright Consultancy Ltd

Bournemouth

Paul and Bryony have advised us for over ten years. They bring strong market knowledge and analysis to provide balanced views for investment decision making. This is then backed up by thorough administration - all delivered in a professional and easy-going manner.

Mr & Mrs I Morton

Concept Shape Ltd

Cheshire

RMI Independent Financial Advisers have been assisting our clients with knowledge and insight into the world of pensions and protection for over 10 years. They have helped many of our company and personal clients navigate their options and meet the legislative duties around pensions and auto-enrolment in the most efficient way, whilst giving them the confidence to plan effectively for their future. We have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending their services to not only our clients, but to other professional connections.

Sunflower Accounts Ltd

Accountants

Wiltshire

Paul has been a trusted adviser to our business for over 20 years and he and Bryony continue to support us with our company pension scheme whilst providing first class financial advice. We would highly recommend RMI for anyone seeking a quality financial advisory service.

Mr J Turner

Managing Director, LINAK UK Ltd

Birmingham

I was looking at my potential retirement options and RMI were able to come up with a bespoke pension solution that enabled me to retire earlier than I had expected.

B Kilfeather

Not knowing how to plan for the future, I required advise about pensions and insurance policies and Paul has helped by being constantly available, calm and pragmatic.

Dr R Singh

Director

Paul was recommended to me by one of his clients and I was looking for a financial adviser who could help with a pension scheme for my employees and also for my personal plan.

Paul helped all the members of my team. He had time and patience and everyone individually with their various circumstances. He was also very helpful with my personal pension during the time I have my business. My personal circumstances have now changed and Paul’s advice has been invaluable.

D Harrison

Business Owner

RMI Independent Financial Advice
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