When some people think about the value of a financial planner, their minds jump straight to investments and money management.
Will the planner “beat the market”?
How does this advisor’s returns compare to other advisors?
While investment management is important, recent research shows that focusing only on returns misses a huge part of the picture. A financial planner can help provide something far more meaningful: less stress, more peace of mind, and hours of your life back each week.
A recent Vanguard study* of over 12,000 investors put real numbers to these benefits, and the results are eye‑opening for anyone who has never worked with a financial planner.
Less Stress, More Confidence
Managing your own finances can feel overwhelming. There are endless decisions to make with budgets, retirement plans, college savings, taxes, investments, insurance, and many people carry the weight of those decisions alone. Vanguard found that investors who work with an advisor are far less likely to feel high levels of financial stress. In fact:
- Only 14% of advised clients reported high financial stress compared to 27% of self‑directed investors.
- 86% of clients with an advisor reported having more peace of mind when thinking about their finances.
Imagine knowing you have a financial partner walking alongside you, helping you navigate complex choices. That feeling alone may help improve your sleep, your relationships, and your overall outlook on life.
More Time for What Matters
Financial planning takes time. Even if you enjoy reading about investments or budgeting apps, chances are you don’t want to spend hours each week worrying if you’re on track. According to the same Vanguard study*:
- Clients working with an advisor in this report saved a median of two hours per week by delegating financial decisions and monitoring. That’s more than 100 hours each year.
- Many clients claim this extra time goes toward family, hobbies, exercise, or simply relaxing.
Think about what you could do with an extra 100 hours a year. That’s like adding two and a half full workweeks of time back into your life, time spent on things that bring you joy rather than on tasks that drain your energy.
Productivity Gains at Work
This benefit often gets overlooked: when you’re stressed about money, it may show up in your workday. The study* found that workers distracted by financial worries lose an average of 3.8 hours per week in productivity. For many employees, that adds up to thousands of dollars in lost value each year.
Plan advised clients reported being significantly less distracted at work, saving an estimated 1.98 hours per week (again, over 100 hours per year). That regained focus often translates into better performance and less career stress.
It’s About More Than Investments
Most people who sign up for advice initially focus on the portfolio. But as they work with an advisor, they may discover these broader benefits:
- Peace of mind knowing someone is watching over their financial plan.
- Time savings from not having to manage every detail alone.
- Emotional support when life throws a curveball.
While only 38% of surveyed clients thought “saving time” would be a benefit when they signed up, 76% later reported that advice saves them time.
Why This Matters for You
If you’ve never worked with a financial planner, you might think the value is all about returns. Working with the right advisor may change how you feel day to day. Many clients report feeling that you don’t have to squeeze financial chores into an already busy schedule. You can have a professional partner who not only builds and monitors your investment portfolio but also may help you make smarter decisions, reduce stress, and reclaim your time.
At Searcy Financial® Services and Allos Investment Advisors, we love helping people who are just beginning their financial planning journey. We focus on your whole life, not just your investments, because we know that true financial confidence isn’t measured only in percentages. It’s measured in peace of mind and the freedom to spend your time where it matters most.
Source:
*Vanguard Research, 2023. Survey of 12,000 Investors comparing advised vs self-directed clients. Results are not guaranteed and may vary in experience. These results are not indicative of future outcomes or experiences.
https://www.advisorperspectives.com/articles/2025/07/14/emotional-time-value-advice