I recently came across this article: https://smartasset.com/financial-advisor/financial-advisor-value-model
I’m sure it’s well-researched, and the numbers add up - but that’s exactly the problem.
Trying to quantify the value of financial advice in pounds and percentages misses the point.
Sure, on average, advice might improve outcomes by 2% a year.
But who is actually “average”?
No client, no planner. After 30,000+ hours in this field, I’ve learned one thing: every client is unique.
Yes, the numbers matter.
With some care, attention, and avoiding bad decisions (remembering planners are fallible too),financial results should improve.
But, these days, that’s just 20% of the job - if that.
The real value of financial advice isn’t in spreadsheets.
It’s in the confidence clients gain, the possibilities they see, the freedom they feel, and the well-being that follows.
That’s 80% of what we do, and it comes from conversation, candour, empathy, presence, and truly listening.
AI can manage portfolios, optimise tax strategies, and map income streams - but it will never replace human connection.
How do you measure that? Why would you?
Financial planning is so much more than planning finances.
Money, made human.