For many investors, the new tax year represents more than just a date change, it’s a financial reset. Fresh allowances, renewed motivation and reflection on the previous year create the perfect opportunity for advisers to engage with clients.

Wealthtime’s latest research conducted by Ad Lucem, highlights why the early weeks of the tax year can be one of the most valuable engagement windows for financial advisers and why acting early can make a meaningful difference to client outcomes.

Investors Are Motivated to Act Earlier Than Many Advisers Expect

The research, carried out among 1,000 UK adults aged 35+ with average investable assets of £350,000, shows that a significant proportion of advice‑engaged consumers are already planning to take action at the very start of the tax year.

More than a third (34%) say they intend to open or top up an ISA early in the year, with many also planning to make broader adjustments. Around a quarter (26%) expect to review their regular savings or investment contributions, while 21% plan to reassess pension funding.

Taken together, this suggests that for many clients, financial priorities crystallise immediately after tax year end, not months later. For advisers, this represents a clear opportunity to engage while those intentions are fresh and focused.

Early Intent Doesn’t Always Become Action

While motivation may be high initially, the research also highlights how quickly that momentum can stall. Nearly one in five respondents (18%) already anticipate delaying their financial decisions again, even before the new tax year has properly begun.

This drop‑off between intention and execution is a familiar challenge. Competing priorities, uncertainty over next steps or a lack of clear structure can all contribute to delays. Without proactive engagement, many clients risk slipping back into reactive, last‑minute decision‑making or missing opportunities altogether.

Tax Year End Regrets Are Common Among Financially Advised Clients

The study also explored how clients reflected on the previous tax year, with a substantial three‑quarters (74%) of respondents reporting at least one regret.

The most common issues included leaving decisions too late (27%), missing out on tax allowances (23%) and holding excessive cash rather than investing it (18%). These regrets provide valuable insight: clients are aware, often in hindsight, where better planning could have delivered stronger outcomes.

For advisers, these reflections offer a powerful conversation starter. Understanding what clients wish they had done differently can help shape more relevant and forward‑looking planning discussions. Plus, with more than half of clients being more worried about tax now than a year ago, it’s the perfect opportunity to help ease client worries

Turning New Year Motivation Into Lasting Progress

Commenting on the findings, Kylie Clark, CX Director at Wealthtime, explains that the start of the tax year plays a unique role in the financial planning cycle.

The research suggests that advisers who take the lead early, including setting priorities, outlining next steps and agreeing a structured plan, could be better placed to help clients maintain momentum over the months ahead.

Kylie has also created a three part mini series on the new tax year for the IFA Magazine. You can read read the full series including part one, part two and part three online now.

Structure and Clarity Make a Measurable Difference

Phillip Wickenden, founder of Ad Lucem, who led the research, points to the value of giving clients a clear roadmap.

A Timely Opportunity for Advisers

The early tax year is often viewed as a quieter period. However, the evidence suggests it may be one of the most effective points for advisers to reconnect with clients, reinforce planning discipline and address known pain points from the previous year.

By engaging early, before enthusiasm fades, advisers can align client intent with practical action, reduce regret and help improve outcomes for clients over the year ahead.

Download the full research report

If you’d like to read more about this research and its complete findings, download the full consumer insight report now.

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Wealthtime is an award-winning investment platform that helps advisers deliver the best outcomes for their clients, bringing together smart technology and expert support.  If you’d like to learn more about our platform or explore how we can support your business, get in touch with our team today.