St. James’s Place (SJP) has found people in the UK are close to twice as likely to take action on key financial matters if they receive ongoing financial advice.
Researchers contacted 8,000 people to produce the 2026 Real Life Advice Report.
They found 70% of those receiving ongoing advice said they have the confidence and support to take action on financial decisions, versus only 41% for those without advice.
SJP said the UK’s ‘financial waiting room’ is taking an emotional and financial toll.
Other notable findings included four in 10 people (41%) reported consequences from delaying money decisions, including stress, missed opportunities to save or invest, and potentially smaller pension pots
Over a third of respondents (36%) have spent a year or longer weighing up a financial decision, while two fifths (41%) have considered a decision but ultimately not acted.
The wealth manager said the report’s findings suggest ‘confidence, clarity and trusted advice hold the key to financial decision-making’.
Mark FitzPatrick, CEO of SJP (pictured), said: “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.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
