When it comes to managing money, we all face similar decisions- how to save, where to invest, how much insurance to carry, or when to start a pension. But while the questions may be the same, the outcomes vary widely depending on one key factor: whether or not you’ve sought professional financial advice.
New research from the Value of Advice 2025 report from Brokers Ireland reveals that people who work with a Financial Broker consistently achieve better financial outcomes, feel more confident, and are significantly more prepared for the future.
Wealth Grows with Guidance
Perhaps the clearest benefit of financial advice is the substantial increase in personal wealth. People who work with a Financial Broker have, on average, €93,547 in savings and investments—compared to just €54,618 for those who haven’t. That’s a 71% difference.
The long-term effects are even more telling. Since 2021, advised individuals have seen an 11% increase in their investment value, compared to just 2% growth for those without advice. And between 2023 and 2025 alone, advised individuals reported a 29% rise in savings and investments—outpacing the 22% seen by their unadvised counterparts.
What’s behind this? Those who get advice tend to choose more suitable investment products, benefit from diversification strategies, and make more consistent contributions. They’re also better at managing risk and aligning their investments with long-term goals.
Stronger Pensions, Smarter Planning
Retirement readiness is another area where the gap is stark. Individuals who consult a Financial Broker have an average pension pot of €127,796, while those who go without advice accumulate just €87,275—a 46% increase.
Not only do advised clients build larger pension funds, they also understand their benefits more thoroughly. For example:
- 62% of advised individuals are aware of their entitlement to a tax-free cash lump sum at retirement—compared to only 34% of those without advice.
- 60% of advised people make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) to boost their retirement savings—versus 25% of the non-advised.
What’s more, retirement confidence is considerably higher. 53% of advised men and 31% of advised women feel secure in their future finances, compared to just 27% of men and 16% of women who didn’t seek advice.
More Protection, Less Risk
Financial advice also leads to better protection against life’s uncertainties. People who work with a broker are more likely to hold a range of insurance products that offer peace of mind:
- Life Assurance: 52% (advised) vs 29% (non-advised)
- Income Protection: 24% vs 8%
- Mortgage Protection: 37% vs 20%
- Specified Illness Cover: 24% vs 10%
The average life assurance cover for advised individuals stands at €147,000, compared to €105,599 for those without advice—a 39% uplift. With more appropriate cover, advised clients are better prepared for illness, loss of income, or family emergencies.
Confidence Comes from Clarity
Finance can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying to interpret complicated tax rules or product options. A key benefit of working with a Financial Broker is the confidence it brings.
According to the report:
- 51% of people who’ve received advice feel more in control of their finances.
- 35% of advised individuals rate their financial security at 8 out of 10 or higher—compared to just 19% of the unadvised.
- Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) say they’re financially better off because they worked with a broker.
This clarity comes from personalised, jargon-free advice, regular reviews, and the ability to compare products across the whole market. When surveyed, 86% of clients said they value brokers who explain charges and features in plain English and help them find the best deal.
The Regret Factor
Perhaps one of the most telling stats from the report is the level of regret among those who never sought advice. 1 in 3 retirees (33%) who didn’t get advice say they wish they had planned better for retirement.
Interestingly, even among those who did work with a broker, 22% said they wish they had started saving into a pension earlier. The lesson? Advice is powerful—but timing matters too.
A Greener Financial Future
Today’s investors are more conscious than ever of where their money goes. Those who work with a broker are significantly more likely to understand and engage with sustainable investing.
- 66% of advised clients have at least some knowledge of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing—compared to just 39% of those without advice.
- 42% of the advised group are likely to invest sustainably, versus just 23% of those who haven’t sought guidance.
Brokers play an important role in aligning financial plans with personal values, helping clients explore options that are both profitable and responsible.
Take Control of Your Financial Future
Whether you’re building your pension, growing your savings, or simply trying to feel more confident about your finances, expert advice can make a world of difference.
At Riordan Financial, we specialise in helping individuals and families make smart, forward-thinking financial decisions—at every stage of life.
Contact us today to book a no-obligation consultation and see how professional advice could change your financial future for the better.