Why you shouldn’t trust a robot when your financial affairs are fiddly

Cheaper is not always better when it comes to fees — but don’t overpay either, says Ali Hussain
Robot guidance is not suitable for those who need help with retirement plans or want to mitigate tax liabilities
Robot guidance is not suitable for those who need help with retirement plans or want to mitigate tax liabilities
ALAMY

How much is financial advice worth? Cheaper will not always be best if the more expensive option ultimately makes you more money, but conversely no one wants to pay more than the advice is worth.

It is possible to pay a financial adviser £500 for initial advice on a £10,000 pot, yet a “robo-service” — one that creates a portfolio based on a questionnaire about an investor’s goals and how much risk they are willing to take — can give suggestions for £25.

Working out when it’s best to opt for the robot and when it’s best to choose the human is usually down to how much advice you need. Robot guidance is not suitable for those who need help with retirement plans or want