The value of a trusted adviser

Good financial advice isn’t just about picking the right investments or products. In fact, it often has more to do with planning, strategy, and the relationship you have with your adviser. That’s why working with a trusted adviser can make such a meaningful long-term difference.

Many consumers still underestimate the value of financial planning. But without a clear understanding of your goals and a roadmap to achieve them it’s easy to make poor decisions or miss key opportunities.

The best advisers don’t just offer recommendations. They help you stay focused, avoid costly mistakes, and make better long-term choices — financially and emotionally.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Trusted advice is about more than products

Good financial advisers don’t just compare options; they help shape strategies based on your values, goals, and situation.

2. Planning matters more than picking

Effective financial planning starts with understanding you, not just your money. Advisers who focus on your overall wellbeing add far more value than those who focus only on investments.

3. Do your homework

Choosing a trusted adviser requires research. Look for qualifications, experience, and a genuine interest in their clients’ long-term success.

RELATED CONTENT 

https://www.evidenceinvestor.com/post/how-advisers-help-to-set-priorities 

https://www.evidenceinvestor.com/post/be-the-change-a-motto-for-a-new-generation-of-advisers 

https://www.evidenceinvestor.com/post/eight-tips-for-finding-a-suitable-adviser 

FIND AN ADVISER

Investors are far more likely to achieve their goals if they use a financial adviser. But really good advisers with an evidence-based investment philosophy are sadly in the minority. 

If you would like us to put you in touch with one in your area, just click here and send us your email address, and we'll see if we can help.

TRANSCRIPT

Robin Powell:There’s a common misconception that good financial advice is all about recommending the right products.

Of course, that’s part of it. But there’s far more to it than that.

Here’s Andy Agathaneglou from the pro-consumer pressure group, the Transparency Task Force.

Andy Agathaneglou: The value that can be provided by good, sound, objective, unbiased advice is absolutely enormous. So I personally think that what matters far more than the small, pretty insignificant differences between product X or Y is the type of solution and strategy somebody is going for.

And that is very often driven by the quality of the relationship they have with the people giving them that advice in the first place. So in very simplistic terms, I guess I'm saying don't fret too much about whether to use a blue screwdriver or a red one. 

I just figured out that actually you don't need a screwdriver at all. What you should be picking up is a hammer or a spanner. You get my message

RP: As well as financial advice, what most people need is a financial plan.

If you don’t know what your goals are, or have a plan to achieve them, you can come badly unstuck.

AA: I've been a big fan of financial planning since I was first introduced to it in the early 90s.

I had the pleasure and privilege of working for some excellent financial planning organizations in years gone by, and I personally think there's a significant difference between proper, true holistic financial planning, which takes into account the client first and foremost, as opposed to the client's money. 

First and foremost, what people ought to look out for is an advisor that will be advising them as a person with the financial interest coming in. So after that, as opposed to simply looking at things in a balance sheet way, or what do we do with this money here? What do we do with that money there?

RP: As with any profession, some financial advisers are much better than others.

It’s vital, says Andy Agathaneglou, to research your options carefully.

AA: Look for people who are well qualified, who have a demonstrable track record of looking out for their clients and just shop around, hunt around, look for people who have the ability to prove that they have consistent care for their clients.

The client needs to take a bit of responsibility in making sure that they do the homework, that they do the research, because there are some absolutely stunningly good advisors out there who can make a massive difference to the quality of their life, both financially and otherwise, in years to come.

RP: In short, don’t focus on financial products when choosing an adviser.

Focus instead on finding someone you can really trust and feel comfortable working with for a very long time.

© The Evidence-Based Investor MMXXV