When people think about financial advice, their minds often jump to investments, taxes, and retirement projections. And while those technical components matter, a new study by Vanguard reminds us that the true value of advice goes far beyond spreadsheets.
At Sugden Wealth Management, we see it every day: real financial advice is just as much about peace of mind and freeing up your time as it is about growing your portfolio. Vanguard’s June 2025 research, based on a survey of over 12,000 investors, confirms this in compelling detail.
Financial Advice Helps You Feel Better—And Worry Less
According to Vanguard, 86% of advised clients said they experience greater peace of mind compared to managing their finances alone. Those working with a human advisor (like us) report even stronger emotional benefits—especially reduced anxiety, worry, and overwhelm.
Clients with advisors are also less than half as likely to report high financial stress compared to self-directed investors. That emotional relief isn’t just a "nice to have"—it affects nearly every aspect of life, from family dynamics to professional productivity.
More Time for What Matters
Managing finances can be time-consuming and mentally draining. Vanguard found that advised clients save a median of two hours per week—over 100 hours per year—by delegating to a trusted advisor. That time is often spent on things that matter most: leisure, family, fitness, or even sleep.
In our practice, many clients express a huge sense of relief knowing they don’t have to second-guess every decision. It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about reclaiming time and mental energy for the things they value most.
Less Stress at Work, More Focus on Success
One of the lesser-known benefits of financial advice? It may make you more productive at work. Vanguard estimates that financially stressed employees are distracted nearly four hours a week, costing employers thousands of dollars per person annually in lost productivity.
But here's the good news: among employees who work with an advisor, half said that advice reduces their financial stress at work. Vanguard estimates this leads to up to $5,850 per year in regained productivity per employee—at a cost far below that.
The Takeaway: Advice Is an Investment in More Than Just Money
While most people seek advice to improve their portfolios, Vanguard’s research shows that emotional wellbeing and time savings are often the greatest—and most underappreciated—benefits.
At Sugden Wealth Management, we don’t just manage money—we help you simplify complexity, reduce stress, and make more time for life. That’s the real value of advice.
