The value of financial advice
What is good financial advice worth?
Our fee is easy to see. The value we add should be too. Here is how we think about it, what the research says, and the promise we make to every client.
Let’s be straight
Advice costs money. You will see our fee in writing before you commit to anything, and you are entitled to ask what you are getting for it. We think that’s the right question. This page is our answer.
What the research says
Most of the value isn’t where people look.
Russell Investments publishes an annual Value of an Adviser report for Australia. Its 2026 report, released on 25/08/2026, estimates advisers add at least 5.5% a year in value for their clients.
The largest part isn’t picking investments. It’s behavioural coaching: helping people avoid the costly, emotional decisions that markets tempt all of us into.
5.5%
Estimated annual value of advice, Russell Investments 2026 Value of an Adviser Report.
2.8%
Behavioural coaching
1.5%
Asset allocation
1.2%
Tax-savvy planning
Source: Russell Investments, 2026 Value of an Adviser Report, press release 25/08/2026. The figure is an industry estimate using Russell Investments’ methodology. It is not a forecast or a promise of results for any client, and the value you receive depends on your circumstances.
Why Australians seek advice
“Am I going to be okay?” is the real question.
43%
of advised Australians say reassurance about their financial future is the main reason they seek advice.
38%
say retirement planning.
31%
say competing financial goals, up from 23% a year earlier.
Source: Russell Investments, 2026 Value of an Adviser research, 25/08/2026.
How we define financial wellbeing
Security and freedom. Today and tomorrow.
We measure progress against a four-part definition of financial wellbeing developed by the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It is simple, research-based, and it captures what our clients actually tell us they want.
Security today
Control over your day-to-day and month-to-month finances. Bills paid, debt under control, a surplus with a job to do.
Security tomorrow
The capacity to absorb a financial shock: illness, a market fall, a business setback, without the plan falling over.
Freedom today
The freedom to make choices that let you enjoy life now: the trip, the school, helping the kids, without guilt.
Freedom tomorrow
Being on track to meet your goals: retirement on your terms, a business exit that works, a legacy that lands where you intend.
Framework: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Financial well-being: The goal of financial education (2015).
The WE. Value Statement
How we measure what we’re worth to you.
Industry averages are a useful benchmark. Your own numbers matter more. So every ongoing advice client receives an annual statement built from four steps.
Count it
Every dollar we can evidence: tax saved, contributions made, costs cut, interest avoided, entitlements gained. Each item is documented on your file.
Weigh it
The value that doesn’t fit on a spreadsheet: decisions avoided in a panic, risks closed off, time given back. Recorded in plain words, never inflated.
Score it
Where you sit on security and freedom, today and tomorrow, measured at the start and at every review, so you can see the shift.
Report it
Once a year you receive your Value Statement: documented value against the fees you actually paid, with our assumptions shown.
Value Statements report documented outcomes for that client over the past year. They are not a forecast or a guarantee of future value.
The WE. value ledger
Two columns. Both matter.
Some of what we do shows up in dollars. Some of it shows up in how you sleep. We report on both.
Value you can count
- Tax saved through structures and timing, coordinated with your accountant
- Super contribution strategies most people never use
- Lower investment and platform costs
- Debt structured to cost less and clear sooner
- Centrelink and aged care entitlements you would otherwise miss
- Expensive mistakes avoided at the big moments: selling a business, a separation, an inheritance
Value you can feel
- Time back. Evenings and weekends not spent second-guessing
- A plan your partner understands as well as you do
- Calm when markets are loud
- Your family protected if something happens to you
- One trusted person who knows the whole picture
- Knowing, not hoping, that you’ll be okay
An illustration
What coordinated advice looks like.
Where they started. A couple in their mid fifties. One runs a profitable trade business; the business pays well, but almost everything is held in personal names and super has been an afterthought. They want to stop work in about eight years.
What we looked at. How profit leaves the business, who owns what, how much super they could still build, what insurance they hold and why, and what the business might be worth to a buyer.
What changed. A contribution strategy that uses their remaining caps, investment structures that suit their tax position, insurance trimmed to what they actually need, and a plan to make the business saleable rather than just profitable. Their accountant was part of every step.
What they got. A retirement date with numbers behind it, a lower ongoing cost base, and a clear list of what happens each year until they get there.
This is a simplified, illustrative example, not a real client. Outcomes depend on individual circumstances and the rules in force at the time.
Our promise
If we can’t show the value, we’ll say so.
Fees agreed in writing
You see the cost before you commit, and nothing is added without your agreement.
Value shown every year
At each review we show you what we did for you over the past year, in dollars where we can and in plain words where we can’t.
Honesty if it isn’t there
If we can’t demonstrate value, we’ll tell you. We only recommend ongoing advice when we can show where it comes from.
Our fees
See the price before you commit.
Every strategy and service has a published, fixed starting price. Build your own scope and get an indicative fee in a couple of minutes.
See what it could be worth to you.
Start with a free 15-minute conversation, or take the two-minute health check first.
General advice only. This page does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Third-party research is quoted for information only; it is an estimate and not a guarantee of results. See our important information and Financial Services Guide for how we are paid. Wealth Effect Group (CAR 424768) and Andre Dirckze (AR 395157) are Authorised Representatives of Boston Reed Pty Ltd, ABN 89 091 004 885, AFSL 225738.