About 8.5 million Australians who need advice on financial matters have not sought it, research by Investment Trends shows.

Financial Planning Association CEO Mark Rantall hopes this week’s national focus on advice will reduce that number.

“Financial Planning Week aims to increase all Australians’ understanding of financial advice and the benefits it can bring,” he said. “The role of financial planners is to find out their clients’ pain points and to help alleviate that stress.”

Mr Rantall says the FPA wants to communicate with all Australians during its 15th annual Financial Planning Week, which runs until Sunday.

“Too many Australians still believe financial advisers are only for the wealthy, yet nothing could be further from the truth,” he said. “We know from the Investment Trends research that regardless of how much money people have, they feel happier and more in control of their financial future if they take the simple step of consulting a financial planner.”

Mr Rantall says the week aims to show consumers that the right help from a professional adviser can aid their finances at every stage of life.

Financial Planning Week will include the Ask an FPA Expert free online forum, which lets consumers put questions to members.