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Vanguard Study

Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor? Vanguard Says Yes.

The data is in — and the results are staggering. Learn how working with a financial advisor could add up to 3% or more in net returns annually.

“Vanguard just validated everything we’ve been working toward for 23 years.”

— Will Hoffman, Wealth on the Move Podcast

For over two decades, Vanguard has studied a question that investors have asked themselves time and again: “Is a financial advisor really worth it?”

The answer? Resoundingly yes.

Through their Advisor’s Alpha research, Vanguard outlines how the right advisor can provide far more than just investment recommendations — they can materially improve your financial outcomes through planning, behavioral coaching, tax strategy, and more.

This study is the most comprehensive and respected work ever published on the real-world value of financial advice. We’re proud to share it with you here.


📄 What You’ll Learn From the Study:

Vanguard Identified 7 Key Ways Advisors Can Add Value:

  1. Behavioral Coaching — Up to 200+ basis points (2%+) in value

    Keeping clients calm, focused, and invested during market volatility is the single biggest contributor to long-term success.

  2. Tax-Loss Harvesting — Up to 150 basis points

    Strategic loss harvesting can significantly increase after-tax wealth, especially when guided by a proactive advisor.

  3. Tax-Efficient Retirement Strategy — Up to 100 basis points

    Smart withdrawal sequencing and Roth conversion timing matters.

  4. Investment Selection — Up to 100 basis points

    Not just picking “good” investments, but focusing on low-cost, evidence-based options.

  5. Asset Location — Up to 60 basis points

    Structuring where your investments live (taxable vs. tax-deferred) can reduce unnecessary taxes.

  6. Rebalancing — 12 basis points

    Advisors add value by maintaining your risk profile over time through disciplined rebalancing.

  7. Asset Allocation Using Diversified Funds — Qualitatively significant

    This is foundational — and often overlooked when done well.

According to Vanguard, these strategies can add or even exceed 3% in net returns annually, relative to the average DIY investor.

📥 Download the Full Vanguard Study

Click here to download the FULL PDF

Whether you’re managing your own money, working with an advisor, or shopping for one — this is a must-read.

🤝 Want to See How These Concepts Apply to You?

Schedule a 15-minute callwith our team to get a complimentary review of your current financial strategy. We’ll walk you through the exact areas where you could benefit from Advisor’s Alpha — no jargon, no pressure.