Few milestones carry as much weight, or anxiety, as retirement. Beyond simply having "enough" in the bank, most Australians want to feel prepared, confident and supported for the years ahead. Our 2025 Value of an Adviser research shows how advice helps people step into retirement with greater certainty, and what advisers can learn from Baby Boomers in particular.
The numbers tell the story. Before receiving advice, only 20 percent of Baby Boomers felt extremely confident about achieving their long-term goals. After seeking advice, that number rose to 92 percent – an enormous shift. This confidence may also translate into tangible outcomes. Forty two percent of advised retirees stopped working before 65, compared with just 20 percent of those unadvised. Advice may not be the only factor, but it clearly plays a role in giving people the clarity and planning needed to retire on their own terms.
It’s no surprise, then, that retirement is the number one reason Australians over 45 seek advice. Baby Boomers, who make up the majority of today’s retirees, provide an important perspective here. They are the most likely generation to work with an adviser, and many have relationships stretching back a decade or more. They also report some of the highest satisfaction levels. Boomers are more likely than any other generation to rate their adviser a perfect ten out of ten.
Yet this loyalty comes with scrutiny. Three in four Boomers say affordability and value of fees are critical when assessing advice. Among the unadvised, most would only be willing to pay up to $1,000 per year, and just 17 percent say they would pay up to $2,500. This is far lower than Gen Z at 38 percent. Boomers are financially literate and experienced, and they are willing to reward value, but they expect it to be transparent and measurable.
So, what can advisers learn from this generation? Three things stand out:
Confidence is currency. Boomers demonstrate how advice can transform long-term certainty. Tools such as modelling and scenario planning illustrate this value across age groups.
Longevity matters. Many Boomers have decade-long adviser relationships, highlighting the rewards of consistency and trust. Advisers who invest in long-term connection may benefit from loyalty that spans life stages.
Value should be explicit. This generation shows that linking fees to clear outcomes, such as retirement timing or income security, can reinforce satisfaction.
As the 2025 Value of an Adviser report shows, retirement remains one of the most powerful drivers of advice. Baby Boomers remind us that confidence, trust and demonstrated value are not just desirable, they are the standards by which advice is measured.
Read more about our research in the 2025 Value of an Adviser report.