Wealthtime\u2019s<\/a> latest research conducted by Ad Lucem<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Investors Are Motivated to Act Earlier Than Many Advisers Expect<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The research, carried out among 1,000 UK adults aged 35+ with average investable assets of \u00a3350,000, shows that a significant proportion of advice\u2011engaged consumers are already planning to take action at the very start of the tax year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early Intent Doesn\u2019t Always Become Action<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This drop\u2011off 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\u2011minute decision\u2011making or missing opportunities altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The study also explored how clients reflected on the previous tax year, with a substantial three\u2011quarters (74%) of respondents reporting at least one regret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For advisers, these reflections offer a powerful conversation starter. Understanding what clients wish they had done differently can help shape more relevant and forward\u2011looking planning discussions. Plus, with more than half of clients being more worried about tax now than a year ago<\/a>, it’s the perfect opportunity to help ease client worries <\/p>\n\n\n\n Commenting on the findings, Kylie Clark<\/a>, CX Director at Wealthtime, explains that the start of the tax year plays a unique role in the financial planning cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kylie Clark, CX Director – Wealthtime<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>, part two<\/a> and part three<\/a> online now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Phillip Wickenden<\/a>, founder of Ad Lucem, who led the research, points to the value of giving clients a clear roadmap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe data shows that many clients are most open to taking action just after tax year end. Where advisers put a clear structure in place for the year ahead, clients are far less likely to slip back into last-minute habits, leading to more consistent outcomes and a smoother planning experience overall.\u201d Rather than focusing solely on individual deadlines, a proactive early\u2011year approach can support better pacing, fewer surprises and stronger long\u2011term outcomes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Phil Wickenden, Founder & CEO – Ad Lucem<\/strong><\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’d like to read more about this research and its complete findings, download the full consumer insight report now<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get in touch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’d like to find out more about Wealthtime or speak to one of our team, simply get in touch below.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTax Year End Regrets Are Common<\/strong> Among Financially Advised Clients<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Turning New Year Motivation Into Lasting Progress<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cThe start of the tax year is a natural reset point in the planning cycle. Our research suggests that many clients finish the tax year with a stronger sense of what they want to do differently, but that motivation can fade quickly. Many may benefit from a more defined plan and earlier engagement to help turn intent into action. For advisers, it is a good opportunity to start conversations early, help clients set priorities and maintain momentum for the year ahead.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nStructure and Clarity Make a Measurable Difference<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nA Timely Opportunity for Advisers<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Download the full research report<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n