Financial Advice Is Worth the Investment: Why Professional Guidance Pays Off

The Advice Gap: Why So Many Americans Go It Alone

A recent Allianz study revealed a striking disconnect:
While 88% of Americans believe working with a financial advisor would help them achieve their financial goals — including a more secure retirement — only 44% actually do.
That number has dropped since 2022.

Why the gap?
Many people assume financial advisors are too expensive, think they can manage their finances on their own, or simply haven’t prioritized long-term planning.

But in an age of economic uncertainty and complex tax laws, the cost of not having professional guidance can be far higher than the cost of advice.

DIY Investing vs. Working with a Financial Advisor

The internet has made investing more accessible than ever.
With a few clicks, anyone can open an account, trade stocks, and research funds. This “do-it-yourself” (DIY) approach can seem appealing — especially when avoiding advisor fees appears to save money.

However, what’s often overlooked is the hidden cost of going solo: missed opportunities, unmanaged taxes, emotional decisions, and unnecessary risk.

The Hidden Pitfalls of DIY Investing

• Lack of structure: Without a financial plan, decisions are often reactive, not strategic.
• Behavioral bias: Fear and greed can drive impulsive trades.
• Tax inefficiency: Many DIY investors overlook how to minimize taxes or harvest losses effectively.
• Missed growth: Not rebalancing or diversifying properly can limit long-term performance.
  

A National Financial Education Council report found that the average American loses $1,300 per year due to poor financial decisions. For high-net-worth households, the impact is far greater.

Meanwhile, a Vanguard study found that a $100,000 portfolio managed by a professional advisor could grow to $190,000 in 25 years, versus $110,000 under self-management — assuming a 5% return and a 3% annual “advisor value add.”

In short: even after fees, advice often pays for itself many times over.

Beyond Returns: The Real Value of a Financial Advisor

Financial advisors do far more than manage investments.
They help you make smart decisions across every part of your financial life — from taxes and estate planning to insurance, cash flow, and retirement income.

A great advisor acts as your financial partner and behavioral coach, helping you:

• Avoid costly mistakes during market volatility
• Maximize after-tax returns
• Reduce internal portfolio fees
• Protect assets from lawsuits and creditors
• Plan for healthcare, college, and long-term care expenses

“The biggest gains often come from what didn’t happen — the taxes avoided, the losses prevented, and the mistakes never made.”

At Carver Financial Services, our advisors have over 300 years of combined experience guiding clients through every kind of financial challenge. That depth of knowledge can’t be replicated by an app or online tutorial.

Wealth Managers vs. Financial Planners: What’s the Difference?

The terms wealth manager, financial advisor, and financial planner are often used interchangeably — but they’re not the same.

Wealth Manager

A wealth manager primarily focuses on investments — managing portfolios to grow assets. Their work typically doesn’t extend to tax strategy, estate planning, or cash flow management.

Financial Planner or Advisor

A financial planner takes a holistic approach, integrating every aspect of your financial life:

• Tax and estate planning
• Risk management and insurance
• Retirement and education planning
• Income optimization and legacy strategy
  

At Carver Financial Services, we take this comprehensive approach one step further through our Personal Vision Planning® process — aligning your financial strategy with your life goals, values, and personal vision.

Our mission isn’t just to help you grow wealth; it’s to help you live well — with clarity, purpose, and peace of mind.

Comprehensive Advice Is an Investment in Your Future

Paying for professional advice may feel like an expense — but in reality, it’s an investment in better outcomes.
Most advisors charge 1% or less of your portfolio. Yet, multiple studies show that good advice can add 3% or more in net annual returns through:

• Tax-efficient investment strategies
• Behavioral coaching
• Retirement income planning
• Cost and fee reduction
  

Even more valuable is having a trusted professional to call when life changes — from buying a home to inheriting assets to caring for aging parents.

You don’t just gain better numbers on a statement; you gain confidence, time, and peace of mind.

Why Carver Financial Services Is Different

As concert promoter Bill Graham once said of the Grateful Dead:

“They are not the best at what they do — they’re the only ones who do what they do.”

That’s how we see Carver Financial Services.
We’re not just financial planners — we’re a community of experts dedicated to improving every part of our clients’ lives.

In addition to wealth management, we offer:

• Exclusive client events and educational seminars
• Travel experiences and networking opportunities
• Guidance on health, longevity, and lifestyle planning
  

Our Personal Vision Planning® approach integrates tax, estate, and investment strategies to ensure that your plan evolves with you — helping you lead your best life possible with less stress and more purpose.

The Bottom Line: Financial Advice Pays for Itself

The difference between good advice and going it alone isn’t just measured in dollars — it’s measured in confidence, clarity, and freedom.
Our goal is simple: to help you keep more of what you earn, live the life you envision, and protect what matters most.

There’s no cost or obligation to meet with our team and see if we’re the right fit for you.
At the very least, you’ll gain a second opinion. At best, you’ll gain a lifelong partner in achieving your financial vision.

Financial advice isn’t an expense. It’s an advantage.

Any opinions are those of Randy Carver and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.