Investors who receive personalized financial advice unlock meaningful benefits that go beyond portfolio performance, according to Vanguard’s new Emotional & Time Value of Advice survey.
In fact, advised investors report gaining greater peace of mind and saving time compared to managing their own portfolios. These powerful yet often-overlooked benefits represent a hidden value that complements the portfolio and financial value of personalized advice.
“This research reinforces what we’ve long believed: the value of advice is multidimensional, even extending beyond portfolio construction and financial planning interventions,” said Joanna Rotenberg, Managing Director of Vanguard Advice & Wealth Management. “In a world where finances are inherently complex, schedules are demanding, and information overload is causing burnout, peace of mind—knowing you’ve made a sound financial decision that keeps your goals on track—and saving time while doing so are truly invaluable. That’s why Vanguard remains committed to delivering lasting value through a range of human and digital advice solutions designed to meet the needs of clients at every stage of their financial journey.”
Advised clients are less financially stressed
According to the survey, advised clients enjoy emotional and time-related benefits compared to managing their portfolios independently.
- Greater peace of mind. Whether they work with a human financial advisor or a digital-only advisor, 86 percent of advised investors report having more peace of mind related to their finances as a result of advice.
- Fewer negative and more positive emotions. Advised investors experience a wide range of emotional benefits. More than 60 percent of human-advised investors feel less anxiety, worry, sadness, and disappointment when it comes to managing their finances. Instead, they feel more confident, satisfied, secure, and proud.
- Time back for what matters. Three out of four advised investors reported saving time, with the median time saved of two hours per week (over 100 hours annually), enabling them to spend more time on meaningful activities like leisure, time with family, and exercise.
Additionally, for individuals who may feel hesitant to seek financial advice due to fear of judgment or other emotional barriers, digital advice can offer an approachable alternative. According to the survey, 85 percent of digitally advised clients say they don’t feel ashamed when using the service, further underscoring the value provided even through an all-digital experience.
The Emotional & Time Value of Advice survey builds upon Vanguard’s foundational research quantifying the financial value of personalized advice. Together, portfolio construction, financial planning, and emotional and time-saving benefits create a powerful engine for overall financial well-being.
“Understanding the emotional and time value of advice is essential to advancing how we serve investors,” said Dr. Paulo Costa, Vanguard Senior Behavioral Economist. “Our research spotlights real impact around how advice makes people feel—more confident and less stressed about their financial lives. When we overlook the emotional and time value of advice, we risk undervaluing its true impact. It’s not just about dollars and cents; it’s about confidence, clarity, and life well-being.”
Survey methodology
The investor survey was conducted by Vanguard’s Investment Strategy Group in July 2024 among a sample of 12,443 Vanguard investors. The sample included 7,746 advised clients—both working and retired. The online survey measured the emotional and time-related value of financial advice, with participants responding to questions about financial stress, time spent managing finances, and perceptions of financial advice and well-being.
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