This very high satisfaction rating proves that brokers are delivering for the consumer, according to Jack FitzPatrick, PIBA Chairman. "This is particularly important in a market with an increasingly diverse and complex range of products and people with less time available to properly evaluate what is being offered to them, " he says.

Behind these excellent ratings lay many a relieved or happy client, be it arising from a critical illness payout in the event of unexpected tragedy, a happy retirement story or someone who has experienced unprecedented appreciation in the property market as a result of purchasing investment property in a tax-efficient manner.

The survey also reveals, however, that 69% of people go direct to product providers for investment and saving scheme plans.

"While this survey doesn't indicate who they go to for these, we do know by the level of savings in the banking system - 61 billion - that they are going in very large numbers to banks, " says FitzPatrick.

"The reality is that any bank or other product provider will advise you only in relation to its own limited product offerings. Consumers are losing out on two counts - the return is generally substantially less than the rate of inflation and better value options are not explored."

This situation points to the need for a model on financial planning to be introduced into the school curriculum, according to Jack FitzPatrick.

"Sound financial planning can be one of the best stress busters in life, opening up opportunities and choices.

"When seeking advice do make sure that it is genuinely independent. Your PIBA broker is an independent qualified expert who can prepare a portfolio to suit your particular circumstances. You have the added protection of knowing that every step in that process is tightly regulated to ensure that she/he is acting in your best interests at all times, " he says.