Stress is a significant part of life. And while it can be fine in small doses, once it starts to build up, it can be very difficult to shake.

When money worries take hold, they can create a cycle of anxiety, sleepless nights, and feeling overwhelmed. In turn, this can make it difficult to face up to the issues and take control.

At Intelligent Pensions, we know that clarity, confidence, and peace of mind are key aspects of financial wellbeing. That’s why, when you work with our team of financial planners, you come away with a comprehensive, clear plan that puts you firmly in control. And that’s a great feeling.

Read on to see how working with us really boosts your wellbeing, and how, if you know someone who’s struggling, it could be time to share this information with them.

Evidence shows that financial advice can boost mental wellbeing and improve quality of life

Research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) shows that 22% of adults lack confidence managing their money, and the same proportion feel overwhelmed and stressed dealing with financial matters.

It also revealed that, of those reporting poor mental health, 25% put off dealing with financial matters, such as ignoring warning letters. Furthermore, 18% had fallen into debt because they did not want to deal with difficult financial situations.

These aren’t statistics that we like to read. But there is other data out there that offers a much more promising outlook.

According to Royal London, when working with a financial adviser:

  • 68% of people felt in control of their finances (compared with 53% not using a financial adviser)
  • 63% felt financially stable and secure (compared with 48%)
  • 44% felt able to cope with life’s shocks (compared with 32%).

As you know from working with us, we’re not just here to make the numbers add up. We’re here to support you towards your goals and aspirations.

4 reassuring ways a financial planner can help

If you know someone who could benefit from working with a financial adviser, here are some tips you could share with them about how professional advice could help them improve their wellbeing.

1. Getting a real overview

Often, people don’t know exactly what’s coming in or going out, and when. They might also have a few – or several – different savings accounts dotted about.

A financial planner will collate everything, including incomings, outgoings, assets, investments, savings, debts, and any other financial commitments. They’ll put this together in a clear, easy-to-understand way, so you can easily identify where any issues might lie.

This is also a great way of getting some instant peace of mind. For example, checking that expenditure isn’t exceeding income can be immediately reassuring.

2. Creating a budget aligned with your goals

We’re all individual, with our own hopes, dreams, and aspirations. So, organising your wealth so you can work towards these can support your emotional wellbeing.

Setting a budget is a great, practical step towards realising your goals. As well as spending, this can include saving regularly each month. This will gradually become a habit, and you’ll start to feel the reassurance of seeing your savings grow.

At the same time, your financial planner will help you set boundaries for spending. It’s not about being frugal now to fund your future. Rather, it’s about not splurging on things you don’t need, avoiding impulse purchases, and keeping a clear tally of your spending across the month.

They can also look at any outgoings that can be easily cut, such as unused subscriptions that automatically renew. This can really help to reduce stress as you feel much more in control.

3. Organising your wealth for your circumstances

With a budget in place, a planner can help you organise your wealth in line with your specific circumstances.

  • Savings: Making sure that your wealth is in an account that will get you the best returns, while also offering you the necessary flexibility and accessibility.
  • Investments: Putting some of your wealth in the markets may be an effective alternative to cash savings in the long term. A financial planner will work with you to establish how much you could invest, what the potential returns could be, and how you can make sure you have a diverse range of investments to mitigate risk.
  • Pensions: A financial planner can help to establish your retirement goals and how you could most feasibly achieve them, looking at current pension arrangements or helping you start one with investments in line with your personal risk tolerance.

4. Understanding and mitigating tax implications

As well as getting the best from your savings and investments, working with a financial planner can help to prevent you paying any unnecessary tax.

In 2025/26, you can earn up to £12,570 before paying any Income Tax. The basic rate of tax is then applied at 20%, with the higher rate of 40% applied at £50,270, and 45% above £125,140.

We can help you to mitigate your Income Tax liabilities through strategies such as putting money into an ISA, which you can then draw a tax-free income from (especially useful in retirement or later life).

Furthermore, we can help you find the most tax-efficient strategies to offset Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – for example, by splitting assets with your spouse or civil partner to maximise your combined tax-free allowances.

We can also work with you on estate planning to minimise the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) your beneficiaries will be liable for, looking at gifting, charitable donations, and the right recipient for your property.

Get in touch

All of this can be incredibly reassuring. As you build your own personal finance strategy, you’ll feel increasingly motivated and incentivised, watching your savings and investments grow without having to feel the pinch in your day-to-day living.

Your strategy is fluid and evolving, and we’ll work with you over the long term to make sure it’s constantly reflecting your circumstances and expectations.

Do you know someone who would benefit from the reassurances we’ve outlined in this article? Why not ask them to get in touch? We’re always happy to help.

Email hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning or tax planning.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.