Low-cost digital tools and investing apps have made it easier than ever for individuals to invest on their own. But experts say that managing money well is more than about picking a few stocks or mutual funds. For many, a clear plan and professional help can still make a difference.
Soumya Sarkar, Co-Founder of Wealth Redefine, explains that financial planning is often misunderstood.
“Financial planning is like creating a roadmap for your money to reach life goals — like buying a home, saving for retirement, or funding education. It’s not just about selecting stocks or mutual funds. It’s about understanding your income, expenses, risks and timelines to build a strategy that suits you,” he says.
According to Sarkar, an advisor’s role is to guide clients through these choices and keep plans on track as circumstances change.
“Investing is only one part of the puzzle. Planning is the full picture,” he adds.
Sachin Jain, Managing Partner at Scripbox, agrees that financial planning must go beyond quick profits and ad-hoc decisions.
“A strong starting point for any investor is acknowledging, ‘I don’t know.’ Many people today want to move beyond traditional products like FDs or LIC, but true financial planning is not about short-term gains. It’s about navigating unpredictable life events with a strategy that can adapt,” Jain says.
DIY Platforms: Simple to start, harder to master
Online platforms and robo-advisors have lowered the entry barrier. Investors can open accounts and start investing within minutes. But experts caution that ease of use does not remove the need for discipline and deeper understanding.
“Digital platforms have made investing easier, but ‘simple’ doesn’t always mean ‘easy’,” says Sarkar.
He points out that picking the right investments, staying patient during market swings and reviewing plans regularly still require time, effort and experience.
Ram Medury, Founder and CEO of Maxiom Wealth, agrees.
“Many apps pitch investing as something you can do casually. But money matters need careful handling. A few mistakes or one big market downturn can undo years of effort,” he says.
Medury adds that some platforms may encourage frequent trading that does not always serve an investor’s best interests.
“Many of these apps and broker platforms are not run by SEBI-registered advisors. When something is free, it’s wise to ask who really benefits,” he says.
Jain notes that while operational tasks like opening accounts and transacting have become far simpler, real advisory remains more complex.
“There’s no shortage of information today, but what remains challenging is maintaining discipline. A single bad decision early on can set back financial security for years,” he says.
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When does professional advice make sense?
When is it better to get professional help instead of going solo? Experts highlight clear situations where advice can help investors avoid costly errors.
According to Sarkar, hiring a financial advisor is worth considering if:
- Financial goals are complex or multi-layered.
- Time or interest to manage investments is limited.
- Major life events, like marriage, inheritance or starting a business, create new financial needs.
- Investors struggle to stay calm during volatile markets.
- Tax and regulatory matters become too technical to manage alone.
Medury believes beginners also benefit from professional advice.
“You don’t need crores to justify working with an advisor. Good guidance can help even first-time investors avoid early mistakes that affect long-term returns,” he says.
Sankarsh Chanda, Founder and CEO of Savart, adds that as wealth grows, so does the need for deeper planning.
“Life transitions and larger portfolios often bring tax, estate, or compliance issues that require professional input. DIY can work for simple goals, but complexity needs expertise,” he says.
Technology and advice are not opposites
Experts agree that technology has improved access and efficiency in investing, but does not remove the need for human expertise.
Sarkar says modern advisors use technology to complement advice.
“Earlier, advisors controlled access to markets. Now, digital tools handle basic transactions, while advisors focus on complex choices and behaviour coaching,” he says.
Medury believes the future is a blend of both.
“Technology makes processes faster and more transparent, but real wealth management needs judgement and discipline too,” he says.
Bottomline
Digital tools have made it easier to start investing. But staying invested, choosing the right options and adjusting plans as life changes still demand discipline and, at times, professional insight.
Experts agree that DIY investing can work well for simple needs and informed investors who stay engaged. For everyone else, financial advice remains a way to plan better, reduce mistakes and stay on track.
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