The Advice Advantage: How Professional Guidance Boosts Your Financial Wellbeing

When it comes to managing your money, confidence matters. But so do the numbers. New research from the Value of Advice 2025 report reveals that people who work with a Financial Broker aren’t just feeling better about their finances—they’re also doing measurably better across Savings, Pensions, and Protection. The evidence is clear: expert financial advice works.

So, what exactly is the “advice advantage”? Here’s what the data tells us:

1. More Money in Your Pocket

Financial advice doesn’t just help you set goals, it helps you achieve them. 

According to the report, those who engage with a Financial Broker have, on average, €93,547 in Savings and Investments. Compare that to just €54,618 among those who don’t seek professional guidance. That’s a 71% difference– a significant gap that can shape everything from your lifestyle to your ability to weather financial shocks.

Pensions tell a similar story. The average Pension pot for advised individuals sits at €127,796, compared to €87,275 for those who go it alone. That’s a 46% boost—potentially the difference between a comfortable retirement and one filled with uncertainty.

Even in areas like Life Assurance, where the benefits often go unappreciated until they’re needed, advice has a real impact. Advised individuals have average cover worth €147,000, compared to €105,599 without advice.

These aren’t abstract gains—they’re practical outcomes that translate into greater peace of mind and long-term financial stability.

2. Confidence, Clarity, and Control

Money can be stressful. From juggling day-to-day expenses to planning for retirement, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One of the most powerful—and often underrated—benefits of financial advice is the confidence it builds.

The report finds that 51% of people who’ve received financial advice say they feel more confident and in control of their finances. That’s because good advice turns vague concerns into clear strategies. It gives people a roadmap to follow and someone to call when plans need to change.

And it’s not just a one-off meeting. 45% of advised clients check in with their Financial Broker at least once a year, meaning they’re making adjustments as life unfolds—whether that’s a new job, a house purchase, or preparing for retirement.

Even more encouraging, 1 in 4 people (24%) say they are financially better off as a direct result of working with a Broker. That’s not just a feeling, it’s a fact.

3. Greater Financial Protection

It’s easy to put off Protection products like Life Assurance or Income Protection—until you need them. The report shows that people who work with Financial Brokers are far more likely to be covered across the board.

• 72% of advised individuals have a Pension, compared to just 39% of those who don’t.
  
  
• 52% have Life Assurance, while that figure drops to 29% among the non-advised.
  
  
• 24% of advised people have Income Protection, compared to just 8% without advice.
  
  

These products aren’t luxuries- they’re essential tools to protect your income, your family, and your financial future. Brokers don’t just help you tick boxes; they explain what you need, why it matters, and how to get it cost-effectively. They tailor solutions to your stage of life, your income, and your priorities—so you’re not over- or under-insured.

4. Retirement Without Regret

Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, especially when it’s decades away. But the findings from this report highlight just how much of a difference early, expert advice can make.

A striking 1 in 3 retirees who didn’t use a Financial Broker regret not preparing more for retirement. Many admit they should have started saving earlier or sought advice sooner. It’s a common theme: regret among those who delayed action, and confidence among those who took control.

Among those who did seek advice, 46% feel confident about their financial security in retirement. That’s more than double the 22% of people without advice who feel the same. The difference isn’t just financial—it’s emotional. Knowing you’ve got a plan, and that someone is keeping an eye on it, brings a sense of ease and reassurance that’s hard to put a price on.

Whether it’s managing pension drawdowns, planning an inheritance, or making tax-efficient decisions, a Broker can guide you through retirement with clarity—not confusion.

Take the Next Step With Confidence

At the end of the day, financial advice isn’t about telling you what to do—it’s about helping you make informed decisions with confidence. It’s about giving you the tools, the structure, and the support to turn your financial goals into reality.

If you’re ready to experience the advice advantage for yourself, we’re here to help.

Contact F J Hanly & Associates today to speak with an experienced Financial Broker who’ll take the time to understand your goals and help you build a smarter, more secure financial future.