Americans want eagle-eyed advisors who will help them stay on top of their evolving financial circumstances—and rank this advice well above beating the market, according to a survey released yesterday by insurance company MetLife. The New York-based company surveyed 1,000 American consumers in June about their attitudes toward financial advisors and their own financial status.

Fifty-nine percent of respondents said they want to work with an advisor who will keep them apprised of their financial situation. Forty-eight percent said they prefer to work with a professional who is associated with a very strong company, and 45% said they would choose an advisor who would provide products that protect them against market risks. Only 18% said it was very important for an advisor to recommend products than can generate greater returns, despite greater risks.

Survey participants were asked what they would do if they received a $50,000 windfall. Just 13% of respondents said saving the money would be a top priority, and only 5% said their first move would be to purchase an investment product. Reducing debt was respondents’ top priority: 29% said they would use the money to pay off credit card debt first. Fifteen percent of those surveyed said they would first spend the money on something the household needs.