New research from Unbiased highlights the tangible and intangible value of financial advice, with three in four consumers satisfied with the benefits they’ve received. Beyond returns, it is confidence, clarity and peace of mind that stand out, while perceptions of cost shift significantly once clients experience the value advice can deliver.
Unbiased, the leading AI-enabled financial advice platform, today released new research revealing that financial advice delivers overwhelmingly positive outcomes.
A comprehensive survey of over 1,000 UK consumers who matched with a financial adviser through Unbiased found that, while the initial step can be daunting, 85% felt more confident about their financial future after speaking with an adviser.
Below is a breakdown of responses when asked ‘How has working with a financial adviser impacted your confidence in your financial future?’
| Response | Percentage |
| I feel somewhat more confident | 46% |
| I feel much more confident | 39% |
| My confidence level has not changed | 13% |
| I feel less confident | 2% |
The life-changing benefits of advice
Three in four people (76%) stated they are satisfied with the benefits they receive from financial advice, with over 90% stating that working with an adviser has improved their financial well-being; this improvement ranged from ‘significantly’ at 53% to ‘moderately’ or ‘slightly’ at 41%.
The research highlights that the rewards of advice go far beyond the numbers. The top benefits consumers reported after getting professional advice included:
| Benefit | Percentage |
| Increased peace of mind about my financial future | 65% |
| A better understanding of my finances and investments | 51% |
| A clearer path to achieving my financial goals | 46% |
| A more organised and efficient financial plan | 40% |
| Improved confidence in making financial decisions | 25% |
| Better-than-expected investment returns | 12% |
The cost of advice
The research also provides transparency on what people pay for expert financial advice.
For ongoing management, the most common fee structure is ‘percentage assets under management (AUM)’, where the amount you are charged is based on the sum of the assets your financial adviser manages.
The average AUM fee reported by consumers was 1%.
The initial hurdle: Overcoming cost concerns
The research shows that the initial cost can be a barrier, 29% of those who did not proceed with their matched adviser citing the quoted high fees as the primary reason. However, for those who proceed with their matched adviser, their perspective changes.
The majority (69%) viewed the cost of advice as a ‘reasonable cost or necessary expense’ for the value received.
Just 8% of respondents stated they thought of the fees they pay as ‘a high cost that I regularly question.’
Tim Grimsditch, Managing Director of Unbiased, said:
“Our research confirms what we at Unbiased have long known: getting financial advice is a worthwhile experience.
“The data is clear, people feel more confident, gain peace of mind, and see a real improvement in their financial well-being. It’s an investment that pays dividends in every sense of the word.
“We need to directly address the initial hurdle: the perceived cost of advice. While some people are understandably hesitant about the fee, the key takeaway is that the vast majority who proceed find the value they receive, in the form of financial clarity and a more secure future, far outweighs the initial investment.
“This research should give anyone considering advice the confidence to move forward. The evidence shows it’s one of the most valuable steps you can take for your long-term financial health.”
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