Guide · Getting advice

When should you get a financial adviser?

There is no age or asset value at which everyone suddenly needs an adviser. Advice becomes more useful when the decision, complexity or consequence becomes harder to manage alone.

Updated 28 August 2026 · UK

Major financial events can be a trigger

Approaching retirement, receiving an inheritance, selling a business, redundancy, divorce or receiving a large lump sum can all change several parts of a financial plan at once.

Complexity matters more than a single number

Someone with several pensions, business interests or family planning needs may benefit from advice at a lower asset level than someone with a simple portfolio and a clear plan.

Consider the cost of getting the decision wrong

Advice can be easier to justify where a decision is difficult to reverse, has significant tax or retirement consequences, or involves a large proportion of your wealth.

You can speak to an adviser before there is a crisis

An initial conversation can help establish whether paid advice is actually needed. You do not have to wait until a deadline or product decision is imminent.

Sources & further reading

MoneyHelper - Do I need a financial adviser? ↗