When Should I Hire a Financial Advisor?

Handling your finances can be overwhelming, especially when juggling personal savings, business expenses, mortgages, and tax planning. Whether you're a young professional starting your career in architecture, a seasoned DIY enthusiast investing in property upgrades, or a tradesperson managing irregular income, knowing when to hire a financial advisor can make all the difference to your long-term success and financial security.

In the UK, financial advice is available in many forms, ranging from free resources to regulated professionals. But how do you know when you’ve reached the point of needing expert help? Let's explore key life scenarios and financial situations where partnering with a financial advisor could be a smart move.

1. You're Earning More but Unsure What to Do With It

A significant salary increase, consistent freelance gigs, or a growing side hustle in design or construction can boost your income — but also your financial responsibilities. Many young professionals and tradespeople fall into the trap of lifestyle inflation, where more income leads to higher spending, leaving little to nothing for savings or investments.

A financial advisor can help you establish clear priorities for this extra income. Do you build an emergency fund? Start investing? Save for a house deposit? They’ll guide you through strategic planning based on your goals, time frame, and risk tolerance.

For example, if you're an interior designer who just landed a long-term commercial project, your cash flow may be healthy for the foreseeable future. A qualified advisor will show you how to best allocate that cash so your finances aren't dictated solely by the ups and downs of project-based work.

2. You’re Decorating or Renovating Your Home

Home improvements can be some of the most rewarding – and expensive – projects you’ll tackle. Whether you’re building your dream kitchen or overhauling your entire property as a tradesperson flipping a house, renovations involve planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

A financial advisor can assist by helping you evaluate how much you should realistically invest into your property without overextending yourself. They can also advise on using savings versus home improvement loans, explore tax reliefs (such as VAT exemptions for listed buildings), and outline the financial return on investment you might expect.

For DIY-lovers, it's easy to underestimate costs or overestimate how much you'll save by doing it all yourself. An advisor will help you assess the long-term impact of these decisions on your finances and suggest alternatives that don’t compromise your broader financial goals.

3. You're Self-Employed or Run a Small Business

Many tradesmen, designers, and freelance professionals across the UK operate their businesses. Managing irregular income, unpredictable expenses, and complicated taxes makes financial planning even more critical.

If you're running your firm — whether you're an architect with a growing client base or a tradesperson managing multiple job sites — professional financial advice can help establish robust business and personal budgeting frameworks. Advisors can also recommend pension plans like a SIPP (Self-Invested Pension Plan), tax-efficient investments, and insurance options to protect your income.

They’ll also guide you through VAT registration/maximisation, allowable business expenses, and efficient ways to extract income from your company, all of which can be daunting without expert support.

4. You're Planning a Major Life Change

Big milestones – buying a house, starting a family, changing careers, or even moving abroad – come with equally big financial considerations. Having a trusted advisor during these transitions can help you make choices that won't leave you financially exposed down the line.

For example, if you’re moving from site-based work to a remote consulting role as an interior architect, your overheads, income model, and retirement planning options may shift dramatically. Or you may be planning to leave full-time employment and start your consultancy — both require solid financial planning.

Advisors also help you anticipate hidden costs, create budgets for new circumstances, and ensure you don’t derail long-term savings plans while adjusting to a new lifestyle.

5. You're Investing But Unsure If You’re Doing It Right

From ISAs and pensions to buying your first rental property or investing in home decor brands you believe in, investment decisions carry risk. Many UK-based professionals are dipping their toes into investment, but don't always have the time or know-how to build a balanced, tax-efficient portfolio.

A financial advisor will walk you through different investment vehicles — including Stocks and Shares ISAs, Lifetime ISAs, GIA accounts or even Buy-to-Let — and explain what fits your risk profile and life goals. They evaluate whether you’re overexposed to certain asset classes, underutilising tax allowances, or missing out on potential compound growth.

This guidance is particularly useful for those who want to grow their wealth but don’t have the interest or time to stay glued to markets or regulation changes.

6. You’re Not Sure What You Don’t Know

Sometimes the biggest indicator that you need help is feeling overwhelmed without knowing why. Do you find yourself confused about pensions, unsure if you’re saving enough, or constantly playing catch-up at tax time?

You’re not alone – financial literacy is a challenge, especially for professionals working long hours in high-pressure industries such as architecture, design, or construction. Advisor services don’t just offer technical solutions; they empower you with knowledge, helping you become more confident and proactive with your money.

If you’ve never created a financial plan, reviewed your insurance coverage, or projected your retirement needs, an advisor can help you tackle all of this step-by-step, without making it feel complicated.

What Kind of Financial Advisor Should You Hire?

In the UK, financial advisors fall into two categories: independent and restricted. An independent financial advisor (IFA) offers advice on a wide range of products from across the market. Restricted advisors may only sell products from specific providers or offer limited services.

Look for advisors who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and appear on the Financial Services Register. Many offer free initial consultations, so you can see if their approach matches your expectations before committing.

Here’s a quick comparison to help identify what type of financial advice you might need:

Conclusion: Take Control With Professional Guidance

Whether you're reimagining your home layout, running your design studio, or simply looking to secure your financial future, hiring a financial advisor isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s for anyone wanting to make smarter money decisions, faster and with more confidence.

Take a moment to review where you are today and imagine where you'd like to be in five to ten years. If the path to that future feels unsure, inviting a financial advisor into the conversation could be the smartest investment you make this year.

Remember, the right time to hire a financial advisor isn’t necessarily when your finances become complex — it’s before they do.