Americans who work with a financial advisor expect to retire two years earlier and feel significantly more confident about their financial preparedness for the future. The impact of financial advice from an expert advisor is evident even among wealthy Americans – and it's especially apparent among Black and African Americans. These are some of the latest findings from Northwestern Mutual's 2024 Planning & Progress Study.

Americans with an advisor expect to retire at age 64, two years sooner than Americans who don't work with an advisor (66). They also have saved twice as much money for retirement than those who do not have an advisor: $132,000 vs. just $62,000. Beyond the balance sheet, Americans with a financial advisor also feel more certain about their ability to reach their financial goals, and more bullish – believing that they reach their goals faster.

Three in four Americans with an advisor (75%) believe that they will be financially prepared to retire, compared to just 45% without an advisor who feel the same. Nearly two in three Americans with an advisor (62%) say they know how much they need to save in order to retire comfortably, while about one in three without an advisor (34%) agree. Moreover, Americans with an advisor predict that they will pay off their student loan debt three years sooner: at age 43 instead of age 46.

The emotional lift that expert advice can create is also visible among Americans' financial planning attitudes and beliefs.

"Americans who work with a financial advisor have better financial habits, superior outcomes, less anxiety, greater confidence and more time to live the life of their dreams," said John Roberts, chief field officer at Northwestern Mutual. "The impact isn't just about bigger numbers on a spreadsheet – it's about more days in retirement and more time enjoying the journey. A comprehensive financial plan that combines insurance, wealth management and an expert advisor is powerful. Like a personal fitness trainer, financial professionals show people the techniques and exercises that will help them become stronger, and give them the encouragement they need to meet their goals."

American millionaires with an advisor feel more financially secure

Among Americans with at least $1 million in investable assets, there's a big difference in behaviors and beliefs between people with an advisor and others who haven't sought out expert advice. These high-net-worth Americans with an advisor expect to retire a year sooner (61 vs. 62), and are more likely to believe they will be financially prepared for retirement than millionaires who lack an advisor (92% vs. 77%, a 15 percentage point difference).

The study also found several other notable differences:

"The research shows that accumulating wealth isn't enough; people need expert advice to follow best practices, feel more secure, and reach their dreams faster," Roberts said. "Half of wealthy Americans who don't have an advisor don't have a will – but 81% who have an advisor have that essential estate planning document in place. That stat alone should send a clear message about the value of an advisor: they ask deeper questions, give better solutions, and help ensure people are financially prepared."

Average age to seek financial advice is age 38, but for Millennials, it's 29

Among people who have a financial advisor, the average age this relationship began is 38. Interestingly, younger generations are engaging experts for financial advice earlier and earlier.

The average Millennial with an advisor says they sought formal financial guidance at age 29 – nine years sooner than Gen X (age 38) – and a full 20 years before Boomers+ (age 49). Interestingly, 29 is also the average age when Americans get married, while the median age when a mother has her first child is age 30.

"Younger generations are saving, investing and seeking advice earlier than ever," Roberts said. "This can be transformational, because they will have more time to benefit from being in the market and the power of compound interest. Many wait for a life event like a wedding or a new baby to start planning with an advisor. It's important to remember, though, that the sooner you get started with a financial plan, the better your long-term results."

Advisors are Americans' most trusted source for financial advice

Once again, people across the U.S. say they trust financial advisors more than any other source for financial advice. More than twice as many Americans chose financial advisors (33%) over family members (16%), who ranked second. Interestingly, financial advisors were selected eight times more than online financial influencers and social media sites like Reddit and TikTok (4%).

Gen Z was the only generation to perceive family members as the most trusted source of financial advice, followed closely by financial advisors.

"FinTok may pique people's interest, but to make the most of their money, Americans are turning to expert financial advisors to reveal their opportunities and their blind spots," said Roberts. "The research also shows more parents are interested in inviting their young adult and teenage children into annual meetings with their financial advisors. This credible combination of parents and financial advisors could be a game-changer, helping families instill planning knowledge and a lifetime of good financial habits with the next generation."

Nearly three in ten are seeking an advisor now

Northwestern Mutual's study found that seven in 10 Americans believe their financial planning needs improvement – and many are taking action. Nearly three in ten Americans (29%) who did not have an advisor before say they plan to start working with one – or have just recently started working with one.

"Financial advisors and comprehensive financial planning have never been more relevant or in-demand," Roberts said. "In this time of record-high financial anxiety, Americans are proactively seeking out expert advice for peace of mind."

Black individuals with an advisor see significant gains in financial and emotional outcomes

While the research shows financial advice can be impactful for all Americans, among Black and African American individuals, the influence is even more pronounced. Northwestern Mutual's study found that Black individuals with an advisor expect to retire three years sooner (age 61 vs. 64). They also have almost three times more in retirement savings on average than Black consumers who do not have a financial advisor ($71,000 vs. $26,000). They also expect to pay off their college debt five years earlier (by age 41 vs. 46).

The study also found several other notable differences:

"Our industry's role in closing the racial wealth gap is crystal clear," Roberts said. "Financial advisors make an incredible impact in people's lives, and in the years ahead, we need to press even harder to grow our sphere of influence, and help more Americans access and build financial security."

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