Is a financial adviser worth it?
The answer depends on the problem being solved, the fee, the work involved and how confident you would be making the decision yourself.
Value is not only investment performance
Advice can add value through planning, avoiding unsuitable decisions, organising retirement income, coordinating accounts and giving someone a structured process for complex choices. None of those guarantees a financial return.
Start with the actual cash fee
Translate percentages into pounds, include any initial fee and understand other platform or investment charges. A service cannot be judged for value if the consumer does not know what it costs.
Compare the fee with the work
A one-off complex retirement plan and a light annual portfolio review are different services. Ask what the adviser is responsible for and how often meaningful work is expected.
Compare advice with the realistic alternative
The alternative may be free guidance, self-directed investing, a one-off advice project or another adviser. Compare against what you would genuinely do without the service, not against doing nothing perfectly.