New research from St. James’s Place has shed light on the role of ongoing advice in helping people reach their financial goals.
Almost all (95%) of those receiving ongoing advice said it helps them reach and stay on track of their goals, while 85% said they are currently on track of, or ahead of their savings and investment targets.
This compares to 64% of those not receiving advice.
The Real Life Advice Report 2025 also showed that those who receive ongoing financial advice are more than twice as likely as those without to have a structured financial plan in place with defined timelines and life objectives (68% versus 32%) and to be working towards a specific financial goal (37% versus 16%).
St. James’s Place said financial advice also fuels more purposeful choices, with 85% of individuals receiving financial advice saying their spending, saving and investing are aligned with their life aspirations, compared to 60% of those not advised.
Additionally, nearly half (49%) of those who take ongoing advice aim to balance both short and long-term goals, compared with under a third (31%) of those without advice. Almost one in three (29%) advised people focus mainly on long-term goals, versus 12% not advised.
With retirement adequacy continuing to be a concern, six in ten (58%) advised people are saving for retirement, versus 35% of those without advice, the research showed. Meanwhile, of those who regularly save money, advised people are twice as likely to be saving for their own care costs in later life (28% versus 14%).
Claire Trott, head of advice at St. James’s Place said:“Our research highlights the role of advice in helping people define, plan and stay focused on their financial goals.
“Clients who receive ongoing support are not only more likely to save with purpose and maintain a long-term focus, but they’re also more likely to see results and achieve measurable progress.
“While the data clearly highlights the role of advice in driving success, the advice gap across the nation continues to grow. As an industry, we have a responsibility to make financial advice and guidance more accessible. The Government’s Targeted Support proposals are a positive step towards bridging the gap between general guidance and full regulated advice, ensuring more people can access the help they need to plan with confidence.”
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