When people think about financial advice, often the first thing that comes to mind is which shares to buy, which funds to pick, or market timing. But according to recent research, these are among the least valuable services advisers provide.
At MLS Financial in Penrith, we believe the greatest value comes from guiding behaviour, helping set meaningful goals, and structuring financial lives in a way that brings peace of mind. Here’s what clients should expect from a financial planner — and where advisers truly add value.
What Research Tells Us
Russell Investments’ 2025 Value of an Adviser Index shows:
- The biggest value comes from behavioural coaching — keeping clients on track and helping them avoid costly mistakes like panic selling during downturns.
- Helping clients articulate and clarify their goals, making trade-offs between risk and lifestyle, and determining an appropriate asset allocation are also highly valuable.
- Something surprisingly low down: picking individual investments, or the “tax savvy investing” side of things, is less important in what clients value — especially compared to getting the big strategic picture right. for younger people — because if you lose your ability to work, you still need to cover rent, bills, and everyday living costs.
What You Should Expect from Your Adviser
A good financial adviser offers far more than just choosing investments. The real value lies in the guidance, structure, and reassurance they provide throughout your financial journey:
- Clarifying your goals and lifestyle priorities
- Understanding what retirement means for you — travel, helping family, staying in your home, or enjoying a slower pace of life.
- Strategic long-term planning
- Bringing together all areas: superannuation, investments, pensions, Centrelink, tax, insurance, and estate planning.
- Building a holistic strategy that supports both your current lifestyle and future needs.
- Behavioural coaching
- Helping you stay disciplined during market ups and downs.
- Avoiding emotionally driven mistakes and sticking to a strategy that supports long-term goals.
- Asset allocation and risk management
- Ensuring your money is invested in line with your timeframe, comfort level, and retirement needs.
- Avoiding the risks of chasing the latest “hot investment”.
- Maximising entitlements and minimising costs
- Structuring your finances to optimise Centrelink and Age Pension eligibility.
- Using tax strategies and contribution caps effectively.
- Reviewing regularly to adapt your plan as life circumstances change.
Case Study: How a Holistic Adviser Added Value
Let’s look at a hypothetical (but realistic) scenario in Penrith:
Meet Helen & David
- A couple in their early 60s, recently retired. They have decent super balances, investment property, and some cash savings.
- They’re unsure how much they need each year, what to draw first, how to structure their investments to reduce taxes, and whether they’ll qualify for the Age Pension.
What an Adviser Does for Them
- Clarifies their retirement goals — what kind of lifestyle they want, travel plans, how involved they want to be with grandchildren, whether staying in their family home or downsizing;
- Models income sources — super drawdowns, investment income, possible Age Pension, tax implications, cash flow over time;
- Helps them avoid behavioural traps — e.g. holding too much cash during a rising market, or selling out of fear during a downturn;
- Aligns their asset allocation with their timeframe, risk tolerance, and income needs rather than chasing the latest hot investment;
- Optimises Age Pension / Centrelink eligibility by structuring assets and income in the best way legally;
- Provides ongoing review & updates — annually or when circumstances change (like health, family situation, market conditions).
Outcome
Helen & David feel more secure. They stop worrying about making the “right stock picks” and instead focus on what really matters: having steady retirement income, protecting their wealth, and enjoying their life. Their tax burden is managed, and their finances adapt as they move deeper into retirement.
Why This Approach Matters — Especially in Retirement Planning
- Emphasis on certainty & security: In retirement, unpredictability (such as unexpected expenses, market downturns, rising healthcare costs) becomes a real concern. Behavioural coaching + strategy help manage that risk.
- Income is often the bigger concern, not returns: Retirees care more about how much income they can count on, how long their money will last, than beating benchmarks.
- Regulatory & policy complexity: Age Pension, Centrelink, super rules, taxation — these are ever-changing. Having an adviser who understands and navigates those gives you an edge.
How to Choose the Right Adviser in Penrith
If you want someone to offer real, lasting value, look for:
- An adviser who asks about your goals, worries, lifestyle, not just how much money you have.
- Someone who explains things clearly, without jargon.
- Someone who offers regular check-ins or reviews.
- A fee structure that aligns with your interests (transparent, fair).
- Qualifications and professional credentials.
How MLS Financial Can Help
Investing is only one small piece of the advice puzzle. The greatest value an adviser adds comes from helping clients live the retirement they want — through clarity, structure, behaviour, and steady guidance.
At MLS Financial in Penrith, we focus on those high-value areas:
- Helping you define goals
- Keeping you on track during good and bad markets
- Structuring income, tax, and entitlements wisely
- Providing ongoing advice as your life changes
If you’re in Penrith and thinking about retirement — or already retired — the time to get ahead with the right advice is now.
Written by:
Adrian Guy – BBus (Finance & Economics), MLS Financial
Disclaimer:
This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider speaking to a qualified financial planner before making any financial decisions. MLS Financial and Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd do not accept responsibility for actions taken based on this content.