Do I need financial advice?

ARTICLE

27 May 2026

3 min read

Money decisions don’t always come with clear answers. If you’ve ever second-guessed a financial decision, you’re not alone.

At different points in life, it’s natural to wonder whether financial advice would actually help – or whether you should keep managing things on your own.

Financial advice isn’t just for people with complex portfolios or large bank balances. For many Australians, it becomes helpful at particular moments – when life changes, decisions feel heavier, or you want more confidence about the direction you’re heading in.

And it doesn’t need to look the same for everyone. What matters most is finding the right level of support, at the right time, to help you look after your financial wellbeing.

How financial advice can help

At its core, financial advice is about helping you feel clearer and more confident about your choices – offering guidance and a plan that supports your overall financial wellbeing.

A financial adviser can help you understand how different options might affect your future, balance priorities like debt, saving and lifestyle, and bring everything together into a plan that makes sense for you.

For some people, that support continues over time. For others, a single, well-timed conversation is enough to provide peace of mind or confirm they’re on the right track.

When financial advice can be especially useful

Advice can support you at any stage, but it often feels most valuable during times of change or uncertainty.

During mid-life and major life changes

Mid-life is often when several life changes happen at once – such as buying or paying down a home, raising children, changing careers, or focusing more closely on superannuation and long-term goals. Other life events, like separation or supporting ageing parents, can add more complexity.

Advice at these points can help you step back, understand how different parts of your finances fit together, and adjust your approach with confidence – rather than reacting under pressure.

When you receive a lump sum

An inheritance, redundancy payout or business sale can be positive but also overwhelming. There can be pressure to act quickly, even when the implications aren’t clear.

Financial advice can help you slow down, understand the tax and financial impact of your options, and decide whether it makes sense to invest, reduce debt or hold cash so your money supports what matters most to you. This is also where one-off or limited-scope advice can be a practical option.

As you move towards retirement

Retirement is usually a transition, not a single moment. Decisions about timing, income and super can feel daunting.

Financial advice can help you understand what’s realistic, structure income with confidence and feel more prepared for the years ahead.

What if ongoing advice isn’t affordable?

Financial advice has a cost, and it won’t look the same for everyone at every stage of life.

The good news is that advice doesn’t have to be all or nothing. One-off or limited-scope advice can still look at your broader situation – even if you’re focused on a single decision or simply want reassurance that you’re heading in the right direction.

Choosing a financial adviser

Not all financial advisers work the same way. Asking a few straightforward questions upfront can help you find the right fit.

You might like to ask what type of advice they specialise in, whether they offer one-off advice, how fees are structured, and what happens after the advice is delivered. A good adviser should be comfortable explaining this clearly and in plain language.

So, do I need financial advice?

Financial advice can be especially helpful when decisions feel bigger, or when you want confidence that you’re making the right moves. It helps put structure around choices that are otherwise easy to underestimate or delay.

For some people, that means ongoing support. For others, a single conversation is enough to provide clarity and confidence. Either way, the value isn’t in being told what to do but in understanding your options and feeling supported as you move forward.

Need financial advice?

If you’re unsure where to start, AIA Financial Wellbeing offers advice designed to be personal, flexible, and accessible.

Advice begins with an initial conversation, followed by a complimentary appointment with an AIA Financial Wellbeing planner to talk through your goals and options. If you choose to proceed, you’ll receive tailored advice suited to your circumstances, with fees aligned to the complexity of what you need and no obligation to continue.

And if your needs change over time, you can come back for further advice whenever it feels right.

Book a call with AIA Financial Wellbeing to explore your options.