Ask for Help: When and Why to Work with a Financial Adviser

Asking for help with your finances can feel daunting. For some, it carries a stigma – as though it’s a sign of failure or something you should only do in a crisis. Others feel they’re too young to need advice or assume it’s only for people with significant wealth. In reality, working with a financial adviser is about empowerment, clarity, and building the life you want, no matter your age or starting point.

Breaking the Stigma

It’s common to think financial advice is reserved for the wealthy, those nearing retirement, or people in difficulty. But that’s simply not the case. Financial advice is just like going to a personal trainer, doctor, or career coach – it’s about getting expert input to help you achieve your goals more effectively. There’s no shame in wanting guidance - in fact it’s a proactive step towards financial wellbeing.

Making informed financial decisions is a problem that many experience. Yet, when it comes to young people seeking help in making financial decisions, many hesitate.

According to a survey conducted by St. James's Place between May and August 2024, of just under 12,000 individuals, only 18% of 18–34-year-olds think they would find financial advice beneficial in the future.

SJP CEO, Mark FitzPatrick, says: “In today’s world, rising living costs, delayed homeownership, and the decline of traditional pension schemes have created immense pressures for younger generations.”

So why wait until later in life to access financial advice? Below we consider when, what and the benefits.

When Should You Ask for Help?

Many people wait until a big life event to seek financial advice. However, when navigating through big changes, there can be many financial decisions to make, and getting help from an adviser can help you take steps to navigate through these different situations effectively.

According to the same SJP study mentioned earlier 48% of people seek advice to help them with a key milestone or life event.

Furthermore, having a financial plan in place, with the help of a specialist can also put you in a stronger position should you need to access advice for any unexpected change in your circumstances.

Financial advisers can offer support to ensure you are making the correct decisions from any point in life. In fact, the right time is often before you make any big financial decisions. Seeking advice early can help you avoid costly mistakes and plan with confidence.

Key moments to consider include:

• Starting your career or managing a pay rise
• Budgeting for and saving towards a house deposit
• Getting married or planning a family
• Navigating inheritance or unexpected wealth
• Dealing with debt or financial uncertainty
• Investing for the first time
• Planning for retirement – yes, even in your 20s!

What a Financial Adviser Really Does

A financial adviser provides personalised advice to help you make informed choices. This can include:

• Help with setting clear, achievable financial goals
• Building a tailored plan to reach them
• Recommending suitable products and strategies
• Offering long-term support and guidance as your circumstances change

At Stringer Mann Chartered Financial Planners, we focus on making the process clear, jargon-free, and based entirely on your needs.

The Benefits of Seeking Advice

Working with a financial adviser can help you:

• Gain clarity and direction
• Avoid common pitfalls
• Save time and reduce stress
• Build long-term financial security
• Improve overall wellbeing through financial peace of mind

Cost, Trust and Transparency

We understand that affordability is often a concern, particularly for younger people. That’s why we’re transparent about our fees from the outset. As Chartered Financial Planners, we also work to the highest professional standards, so you can be confident you’re getting trustworthy, qualified advice.

Take the First Step

You don’t have to make big decisions alone. A friendly conversation could be all it takes to start building your financial confidence. Whether you’re making your first investment, planning for a family, or simply want reassurance you’re on the right track, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to arrange an initial conversation – no obligation, just straightforward advice to help you feel more in control.

Clicking a link will open a new window. Any external sites are not endorsed by St. James's Place.

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

Although the content of the article was correct at the time of writing, the accuracy of the information should not be relied upon, as it may have been subject to subsequent tax, legislative or event changes.