In today’s digital world, financial advice is everywhere. Social media, online forums, and glossy influencer posts promise quick wins and effortless wealth. But while access to information has never been easier, access to trustworthy guidance has never been more complicated.
The Rise of Online “Advice” and the Confidence Paradox
Recent research commissioned by Revolut revealed that 41% of Brits have acted on financial advice they found online without checking its legitimacy. The consequences have been costly; nearly one in five people who took unverified advice lost over £1,000, and some lost much more. It’s what researchers have called the “confidence paradox”: many people feel sure they can spot bad advice, but that confidence doesn’t always translate into safety.
The problem is most common among younger adults. Those aged 25 to 34 are the most likely to act on unverified financial tips, closely followed by the 18 to 24 age group. These are generations raised online, digitally fluent, but often unaware of how easily financial misinformation can spread. The research also highlights a gender divide: while 80% of men said they were confident they could tell credible advice from fake, a quarter of them still lost over £1,000 after following illegitimate recommendations. Women, meanwhile, appear more cautious, with 63% saying they’ve never acted on unverified advice.
Why So Few People Seek Professional Help
Despite widespread awareness of financial scams, very few people are seeking professional help. Only 17% of respondents consulted a qualified financial adviser before making a decision, and just 12% made use of educational tools provided by investment platforms.
It’s easy to see why. The internet has democratised access to financial information, but not financial wisdom. Anyone can sound convincing online, and too often slick presentation is mistaken for credibility. Real financial planning isn’t about flashy slogans, it’s about sound principles, experience, and understanding your individual needs.
Independent Advice You Can Rely On
At Strategic Solutions, we’re proud to provide independent trusted advice. The major financial decisions you make in life can have lasting, often world-changing effects on your future, so impartial guidance is not just valuable, it’s essential. That’s why we built Strategic Solutions: to transform public perceptions of traditional financial advice and to put our clients’ best interests firmly at the heart of what we do.
Our range of planning services is tailored to the unique goals, needs, and circumstances of each individual, from creating comprehensive financial plans for those with accumulated wealth, to helping people take their first steps in saving or investing. We believe financial planning should be for everyone.
Our mission is to help more people achieve lasting financial security through trustworthy, impartial advice and to give them the knowledge and confidence to make decisions that genuinely serve their long-term goals.
The findings of the confidence paradox serve as an important reminder that feeling confident isn’t the same as being informed. True financial confidence comes not from guessing or following trends, but from knowing that your advice is grounded in expertise, ethics, and understanding.
At Strategic Solutions, our advisers are here to guide you whether you’re building your first savings plan, preparing for retirement, or managing complex wealth with independent advice you can truly rely on.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re unsure about the advice you’ve received, or want to make sure your financial future is built on solid, regulated guidance, we’re here to help. Discover why so many clients choose to work with us: Why Choose Us