Consumers have increasingly sought investment advice from financial professionals, technology and employer-based programs over the past two years, according to study released Wednesday by Hearts & Wallets.

The Hingham, Mass.-based research firm’s survey of 5,500 households found that the percentage who use paid financial professionals increased from 21 percent in 2012 to 45 percent in 2014.

Technology use also increased, going from 21 percent  to 46 percent.

Seeking advice from family members increased 7 percentage points, to 61 percent, and employer-based resources increased 15 percentage points, to 45 percent.

“Investors want control of their financial decisions, and smart consumers double- or triple-check sources of advice and information,” said Chris Brown, Hearts & Wallets partner and co-founder. “The big jump in the number of advice sources in the past two years illustrates this point.”

The heaviest advice users are 21- to 39-year-olds, who on average use more than eight sources of information and advice.

Older investors, meanwhile, are cutting back on the use of outside sources for investment advice, according to the study. Retirees and fully employed seniors eliminated an average of one source of information and advice.

The survey found that about 38 percent of all households use both financial professionals and technology.

“It’s a misconception that investors want either technology or a human advisor,” said Laura Varas, Hearts & Wallets partner and co-founder. “These are not substitutes for each other; engaged consumers of investing and retirement services like both financial professionals and technology. Empower investors by providing access to both, ideally in an integrated way.”