If you’re wondering when the best time to start financial planning (getting financial advice) is, the simple answer is: as early as you can. But the real value lies in understanding why it matters—and how it can change your life.
Whether you’re building a career, saving for a house deposit, starting a family, or just trying to feel more in control of your money, financial planning isn’t just for the wealthy or nearing-retirement crowd. It’s for you, right now.
Here’s what financial planning is (and isn’t), when to begin, and why doing it alone might not be the best idea.
What Is Financial Planning?
Financial planning is more than budgeting or choosing the right savings account. It’s a holistic process that helps you align your money with your values, set clear goals, and create a step-by-step strategy to achieve them.
That might include:
- Planning for home ownership
- Creating a retirement savings strategy
- Reviewing your spending habits
- Managing risk or navigating big life changes
In short, it’s about putting you in the driver’s seat of your financial life—rather than reacting month to month.
How Much Money Do You Need to Have a Financial Adviser?
There’s a common misconception that financial advisers are only for people with large investment portfolios. The truth? You don’t need to be “wealthy” to benefit from professional financial advice.
More traditional advice firms will need you to have a minimum amount of liquid assets (cash ready to invest) – anything from £50,000 upwards – because they create some or most their income from helping you invest and grow your money via annual management fees. The more you invest, the more they make. While others (like us) offer flat-fee, transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you’re getting and how much you are paying each year.
At Women’s Wealth, we work with women who are building careers, making life transitions, or just want to feel more confident about their financial decisions. Many of our clients are earning a regular income and want to use it intentionally—not just wait for things to “fall into place”.
The most important thing is that is is affordable for you. Our memberships start from £86 per month, and much like a snazzy gym membership, this is all about getting you financially fit; now and continuing into the future.
Does a Financial Adviser Help with Debt?
This is a common and important question. Many people ask:
- Can a financial adviser help with debt?
- Can financial advisers help you get out of debt?
The answer depends on what kind of debt you’re dealing with.
If you have persistent consumer debt—like credit cards, personal loans, or store cards—and it’s causing stress or spiralling out of control, the best first step is to access free, regulated debt advice in the UK. These services can offer expert help, protection from creditors, and support plans. Trusted organisations include:
- StepChange (stepchange.org)
- Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk)
- National Debtline (nationaldebtline.org)
However, if your challenges are more about overspending, mindset, or financial habits, a financial adviser can absolutely help. We support clients in:
- Understanding spending triggers
- Creating mindful budgeting strategies
- Planning ahead to avoid relying on short-term credit
- Making sure you’re not sacrificing long-term goals for short-term relief
So, while financial advisers aren’t the right route for problem debt, they are valuable if you want to change your relationship with money and avoid falling into the same patterns in future.
At What Age Should I Get a Financial Adviser?
You don’t have to wait until you’re “established” to start working with a financial adviser. In fact, your 20s and 30s are an ideal time to get expert support.
Why? Because this is often when you’re:
- Building your career
- Learning about investing wisely
- Making decisions about renting vs. buying
- Thinking about starting a family or changing direction
- Wondering how to balance living for today and saving for tomorrow
Starting early means you can avoid common mistakes, make intentional decisions, and take advantage of time—especially when it comes to investing or planning for retirement.
Why DIY Financial Planning Is Not Advisable
There’s a lot of financial advice out there—from TikTok trends to YouTube “gurus”. And while it’s great that money is becoming a more open topic, trying to DIY your financial future can often leave you feeling overwhelmed or misinformed.
Here’s why DIY financial planning is not advisable:
- It’s hard to stay objective — Especially when emotions or stress are involved.
- Google doesn’t know your values — What works for one person may be totally wrong for your situation.
- You don’t know what you don’t know — Tax rules, pensions, insurance, estate planning—it’s a lot.
- Mistakes can be costly — A missed ISA deadline or incorrect pension decision can have long-term consequences.
Working with a trusted adviser helps you feel more confident, save time, and make decisions that truly align with your life and goals—not someone else’s.
Final Thoughts: When Is the Best Time to Start Financial Planning?
If it is affordable to you and you are ready to meet your financial best friend and start feeling empowered with money, then, right now.
You don’t have to wait for a certain high-income level, life milestone, or financial “crisis” to start planning. In fact, the earlier you begin, the more options and freedom you’ll have in the future.
Whether you’re focused on retirement, navigating life changes, or simply want to feel more empowered with your money, professional guidance can make all the difference.
At Women’s Wealth Financial Planning, we help women create calm, clarity, and confidence around their money—without jargon or judgement.
Ready? Book a quick call with a money mentor today to explore the services we offer.
Not quite ready? Join our free learning platform, Enable, to get you started on the road to financial fitness.