New research from Wealthtime, the adviser platform business, reveals that the start of the new tax year gives advisers an important opportunity to engage clients when their motivation to act is strongest.
The survey, conducted by Ad Lucem on behalf of Wealthtime among 1,000 UK adults aged 35+ with average investable assets of £350,000, found that many clients are looking to reset their financial plans after tax year end. Over a third (34%) plan to open or top up an ISA early in the new tax year, while 26% intend to adjust their regular savings and investments and 21% plan to review their pension contributions.
However, this early momentum does not always last. Nearly one in five (18%) already expect to delay taking action again, highlighting how easily good intentions can slip without the right support.
The results also show how common tax year-end regret has become. Three-quarters (74%) of clients report at least one regret from the previous tax year. The most common were leaving decisions too late (27%), missing an allowance (23%) or keeping too much money in cash (18%).
Kylie Clark, CX Director at Wealthtime, comments: “The start of the tax year is a natural reset point in the planning cycle. Our research suggests that many clients finish the tax year with a stronger sense of what they want to do differently, but that motivation can fade quickly. Many may benefit from a more defined plan and earlier engagement to help turn intent into action. For advisers, it is a good opportunity to start conversations early, help clients set priorities and maintain momentum for the year ahead.”
Phillip Wickenden, founder of Ad Lucem, who led the research, said: “The data shows that many clients are most open to taking action just after tax year end. Where advisers put a clear structure in place for the year ahead, clients are far less likely to slip back into last-minute habits, leading to more consistent outcomes and a smoother planning experience overall.”
