Why Work With a Financial Planner? (When Everything's Available Online)
We're living in an unprecedented time of financial accessibility.
Platforms like Sharesies and Hatch have democratised investing, making it possible for everyday Kiwis to start their investment journey with just a few dollars. Social media is buzzing with financial tips, and #FinTok influencers are sharing investment advice between dance moves.
In fact, recent research from the Financial Services Council shows that four in five New Zealanders are now investing, with 88% using online digital finance tools for banking, insurance, and KiwiSaver. The tools for DIY investing have never been more accessible.
So why would you pay for a financial planner when you can DIY your financial future?
Information vs. Wisdom: The Modern Challenge
Having access to information isn't the same as having wisdom to use it well.
Think about it – we can all watch cooking shows and access countless recipes online, yet we still appreciate going to restaurants. Why? Because expert chefs bring something more: deep experience, professional techniques, and the ability to create experiences beyond what we might achieve at home.
The same holds true with financial planning – while information is readily available, working with an expert can help accelerate your journey and maximise your outcomes.
Generic vs Personal Financial Advice
While social media has made finance more approachable, with influencers breaking down complex topics into bite-sized tips, it has limitations:
General advice rarely fits individual situations
Information can be overwhelming or conflicting
No accountability or personalised guidance
Limited expertise in complex financial matters
At Athena Wealth, we believe in going beyond generic advice to provide comprehensive, long-term planning designed specifically for your life goals.
The Reality of DIY Investing
While platforms like Sharesies and Hatch have revolutionised investing accessibility (which we celebrate!), there's a significant difference between buying shares and having a comprehensive financial strategy.
Common challenges we see with DIY investors:
Chasing trending stocks without understanding risk profiles
Insufficient diversification
Missed tax efficiencies
Overlooked areas like insurance or estate planning
Emotional decision-making during market volatility
When DIY Investing Makes Sense (And When It Doesn't)
DIY investing can work well if you:
Have simple financial needs
Enjoy researching investments
Have time to manage your portfolio
Can stay disciplined during market swings
Professional help might be better if you:
Have a complex financial situation
Want to ensure you're not missing opportunities
Need help with estate or tax planning
Want accountability and guidance
Value your time more than the cost of advice
What Professional Financial Planning Actually Looks Like
A financial planner is more than someone who picks investments. Think of us as guides, helping you navigate the complexities of your financial journey with a strategy built around your unique goals.
Here’s how we support you:
Design Your Financial Future
Define what you want your money to accomplish for you
Build strategies that align with your life goals
Put safeguards in place to manage risk
Plan for different life stages and transitions
Make Informed Decisions
Evaluate options objectively, without emotional bias
Understand the trade-offs between various investments
Incorporate tax considerations
Account for estate planning and long-term wealth management
Stay on Track
Conduct regular reviews and adjustments as life changes
Provide guidance during market volatility
Identify proactive opportunities to grow and protect wealth
Offer support during major life transitions
The real value of a financial planner goes beyond technical expertise. Our goal is to empower you to make confident financial choices and guide you toward a secure, fulfilling financial future.
Trust: The Foundation of Financial Planning
The most common reason Kiwis are hesitant to work with a Financial Planner? Trust.
After all, you're sharing personal information and entrusting someone with your hard-earned money. It's natural to be cautious – in fact, it's healthy.
Building trust starts with understanding what a professional relationship with a financial planner should look like:
Open communication about fees and services
Clear explanations of the process and approach
Transparency in decision-making
Regular updates and check-ins
No pressure tactics or rushed decisions
Willingness to answer questions and explain concepts
Professional qualifications and ongoing education
A focus on understanding your goals before making recommendations
As a Certified Financial Planner, Sumita Paul at Athena Wealth adheres to the highest professional standards, following a strict code of ethics and maintaining accountability to industry bodies. This commitment ensures that you receive transparent, reliable advice tailored to your needs
(See below for some additional resources to help you choose financial advisers)
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can learn about investing online.
Yes, you can DIY some investments.
Yes, there are financial influencers doing great work in the area of financial education.
All of these resources can play a role in building your financial knowledge. But your financial future deserves more than general information – it deserves a personalised strategy that evolves with you.
A good financial planner brings deep expertise, professional accountability, and a commitment to understanding your unique circumstances. We create space for meaningful conversations about your goals, help you navigate complex decisions, and provide structured support to keep you on track.
Most importantly, we're there for the long haul – helping you adapt to life's changes, seize opportunities, and build lasting financial wellbeing. Because your financial journey isn't just about managing money – it's about creating the future you envision.
At Athena Wealth NZ, we believe in empowering New Zealanders through education and transparency. We understand that trusting someone with your financial future is a significant step. Whether you're ready to explore professional financial planning or just gathering information, we're happy to have a conversation about your financial future and help you understand your options.