Advice found to help clients avoid financial indecision

Unadvised people are more likely to be susceptible to financial indecision than advised clients, research from St. James’s Place (SJP) has shown.

Its analysis found that advice provided clients with greater confidence, support, and understanding to make financial decisions.

SJP’s 2026 Real Life Advice Report highlighted the length of time people were spending weighing up important financial decisions, and the role of financial advice in helping people take action and move forward.

Over four in 10 (41 per cent) UK adults reported stress, anxiety, or missed financial opportunities due to worrying about and delaying financial decisions.

More than a third (36 per cent) had spent a year or more considering a decision, while 41 per cent had thought about a financial choice and not proceeded with it.

SJP said confidence, clarity, and trusted advice held the key to financial decision making, with 38 per cent of those receiving advice stating that speaking to their adviser helped them feel able to act.

Seven in 10 (70 per cent) advised clients pointed to confidence and support as factors that helped them make a decision, compared to 41 per cent of those who had not received advice.

Furthermore, 67 per cent of advised clients cited clarity and understanding as factors helping them make a choice, versus 49 per cent of non-advised people.

“Taking time over important financial decisions is often the right thing to do, but there is a point where careful consideration can become costly delay,” said SJP CEO, Mark FitzPatrick.

“Our research shows that for millions of people, putting off decisions can cause real stress and anxiety, while others miss opportunities to build long-term financial security.

“Trusted conversations and professional financial advice can play an important role in helping people move forward.

“It’s not simply about more information, but cutting through the noise, challenging assumptions and giving people greater clarity to understand their choices and make informed decisions about their future.”

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