DIY Finance vs. Expert Advice: What’s Worth it?
September 2nd 2025 | Categories: Value of advice | Advice Space |
With rising living costs and financial complexity, many Australians are asking: Is financial advice really worth it?
As financial tools become more accessible, many Australians are taking charge of their money like never before. Budgeting apps, online investment platforms, and self-managed super funds offer flexibility and control, making DIY finance an appealing option for those who want to be hands-on.
For everyday financial tasks, these tools can be incredibly useful. They help track spending, automate savings, and even allow users to invest with minimal barriers. But when it comes to more complex decisions like planning for retirement, managing tax, or navigating market volatility, the DIY approach can have limitations.
That’s where professional advice can complement personal effort. A certified financial adviser brings strategic insight, behavioural coaching, and tailored planning that evolves with your life. Whether you’re starting out, growing your wealth, or preparing for retirement, expert guidance can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly missteps.
DIY vs. Professional Advice: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The rise of DIY finance has empowered Australians to take greater control of their money. With access to budgeting apps, robo-advisers, and online investment platforms, managing finances has never been more convenient. For many, this independence feels empowering, especially when tackling everyday tasks like tracking spending or setting savings goals.
While we highly encourage individuals improving their financial literature and financial habits, DIY finance can have its limits. Without professional guidance, individuals may overlook key strategies, misjudge risk, or make emotionally driven decisions. Common pitfalls include under-diversification, poor asset allocation, and failure to adjust portfolios as life circumstances change.
For example, many self-managed super fund (SMSF) investors hold overly conservative portfolios. In one case, an SMSF investor with 70% in cash and defensive assets was projected to earn just 4.2% annually, compared to 5.7% if advised to shift to a more balanced allocation – a difference of over $23,000 over 10 years1.
In contrast, certified financial advisers offer tailored strategies aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and life stage. They help clients stay disciplined during market volatility, avoid costly mistakes, and make informed decisions. Behavioural coaching alone was estimated to add 2.47% in annual value2, highlighting the impact of having a trusted expert by your side.
So, what’s the better option, DIY or professional advice? The truth is, it depends on your goals, confidence, and complexity of needs. Here’s a snapshot of how each stacks up:
| Approach: | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Finance | • Ability to manage your own finances directly • Low or no upfront cost • Easy access to tools and platforms | • Limited strategic guidance and accountability • Higher risk of emotional or impulsive decision making • May overlook tax, insurance and diversification strategies • Temptation to time the market, leading to poor outcomes • Vulnerable to misinformation, fraud and scams |
| Professional Advice | • Tailored, goal-based financial strategies • Holistic approach that considers your complete financial picture • Behavioural coaching and emotional support during market ups and downs • Access to in-depth expertise and research across multiple areas of finance • Connection to vetted wealth management partners, investment options, and opportunities not always available to DIY investors | • Professional advice involves a cost (fees ongoing or upfront) • Requires trust and ongoing relationship building • May feel intimidating or formal in the beginning stages • May come with higher expectations on returns or the time it takes to see outcomes |
What Financial Advisers Actually Do – The Invest Blue Approach
At Invest Blue, financial advice goes far beyond investment recommendations. We believe in a holistic approach – one that considers every aspect of your financial life and personal goals. Our advisers work closely with clients to understand not just their money, but their values, aspirations, and concerns (Read our article What is Financial Planning here).
This means we help with:
- Wealth Management: We tailor investment strategies to your personal philosophy and regularly review them to keep you on track.
- Lending Solutions: Our lending team compares 60+ lenders to find the right fit, simplifying the process from start to finish.
- Wealth Protection: We design personalised, cost-effective protection plans to safeguard your income and assets.
- Retirement Planning: We help you plan for both essentials and lifestyle goals, ensuring a smooth transition into retirement.
- Aged Care Advice: We simplify aged care decisions so you can focus on what matters most – time with loved ones.
- Tax & Cash Flow Strategies: From EOFY planning to everyday budgeting, we help reduce liabilities and improve financial health.
What sets Invest Blue apart is our commitment to long-term relationships. We’re not just here for one-off advice, we’re here to guide you through life’s financial ups and downs, offering clarity, confidence, and peace of mind at every stage, which is an added bonus in itself.
The Real Value of Financial Advice
It’s easy to focus on the cost of financial advice in Australia but the real question is: What’s the value? According to Russell Investments, it’s both measurable and deeply personal. (Read our article Whats the Point of a Financial Adviser here).
Tangible Benefits
Higher returns: A tailored super strategy can boost outcomes by 1.3% annually, adding nearly $26,000 over 10 years1).
Tax savings: Smart structuring can add around 1.2% in annual value1.
Better budgeting: Advisers help manage debt, set savings goals, and improve cash flow by offering debt management advice that builds long-term financial health.
Intangible Benefits
Confidence: Advisers provide clarity during big financial decisions.
Emotional support: Behavioural coaching helps clients stay calm and focused.
Life planning: Advisers help define goals and build a financial roadmap from education to aged care.
Who Should Consider Advice?
Financial advice isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for anyone who wants to make smarter money decisions, whether you’re starting out, raising a family, planning retirement, or running a business. If you’re searching for a financial planner near you or wondering how to choose a financial adviser, now is the time to act.
So, is financial advice really worth it for you?
When the financial landscape is constantly shifting, waiting until stress hits isn’t a strategy – it’s a risk. With expert advice estimated to add up to 5.6% in annual value¹, the numbers speak for themselves. But beyond the figures, it’s the clarity, confidence, and peace of mind that truly make professional guidance worth it.
If you want to know if having an adviser is worth it for you, we offer complimentary initial consultations to review your unique circumstances. If we don’t think we can add value to your situation we would not recommend you for ongoing advice (To read more on why Invest Blue may be the right fit for you, see here).
Ready to take control of your financial future?
Book your complimentary financial consultation and financial health check today:
What you need to know: This information is provided by Invest Blue Pty Ltd (ABN 91 100 874 744). The information contained in this article is of general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Therefore, before making any decision, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regards to those matters and seek personal financial, tax and/or legal advice prior to acting on this information. Read our Financial Services Guide for information about our services, including the fees and other benefits that AMP companies and their representatives may receive in relation to products and services provided to you.
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