Armchair Critic: Why Middle Britain needs advice to go back to basics

Financial services from the consumer's perspective

clock • 4 min read

When it comes to finances PA's Armchair Critic believes people on average incomes need just as much help as those with a chunk of investable assets. Here he outlines his preferred solution...

The only way to help those on average incomes is for us to stop thinking in terms of financial services and start thinking about broader money issues. That's what Martin Lewis does and the Financial Advice Market Review (FAMR), and anyone else with an interest in these matters needs to do the same. For most people money concerns income, expenditure, borrowing, and savings. The financial services sector and its regulator tend to think only of the last two, yet for most people, income and expenditure are the most important variables. For most, the savings bit is going to be small ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

News editor's view: Standard Life/Aegon UK – Another big deal to digest

News editor's view: Standard Life/Aegon UK – Another big deal to digest

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 17 April

Isabel Baxter
clock 17 April 2026 • 3 min read
Feel Good Friday: Chartered financial planner to run Manchester marathon 14 months after knee surgery

Feel Good Friday: Chartered financial planner to run Manchester marathon 14 months after knee surgery

Raising money for a money literacy charity Money Ready

Professional Adviser
clock 17 April 2026 • 1 min read
Inside the CII's Corporate Chartered status pilot

Inside the CII's Corporate Chartered status pilot

What next after organisation trails overhaul

Jen Frost
clock 16 April 2026 • 12 min read